Braz Oral Res. 2026 Jun 12;40:e034. doi: 10.1590/1807-3107bor-2026.vol40.034. eCollection 2026.
ABSTRACT
The goal of this study was to evaluate, in vivo, the synthesis of inflammatory and repair mediators in dental pulp after capping with a reparative bioactive material. Pulp capping was performed with mineral trioxide aggregate (n = 20) and gutta-percha (n = 10) on mandibular first molars of C57Bl6 mice. After 7 and 70 days, tissues were stained with hematoxylin and eosin for histopathological, histometric, and immunohistochemical evaluation to investigate the synthesis of ALP, IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, PECAM-1, and VEGF. Data regarding measurement of the area of newly formed mineralized tissue, number of inflammatory cells in dental pulp, and intensity of immunostaining were compared using Student's t-test at a significance level of 5%. At 7 days, an inflammatory response was found in contact with MTA and gutta-percha, while at 70 days, inflamation was reduced in both groups. However, mineralized tissue formation was observed only with MTA. IL-1β, VEGF, and PECAM-1 were detected in cells in close contact with MTA at 7 days, which reduced overtime. On the other hand, synthesis of ALP, IL-4, and IL-6 was mild at 7 and 70 days without difference between the periods. Mineralized tissue formation was observed only with MTA. IL-1β, VEGF, and PECAM-1 were synthesized by dental pulp and inflammatory cells in close contact with the material, whereas IL-4, IL-6, and ALP synthesis were scarcely found. Understanding the molecular and cellular responses elicited by MTA can enhance the development of more effective treatments, potentially leading to improved long-term outcomes for patients with dental pulp injuries or diseases.
PMID:42307275 | PMC:PMC13263050 | DOI:10.1590/1807-3107bor-2026.vol40.034