Abstract:

Objective To investigate the expression of epidermal growth factor receptor（EGFR） during the mineralization of human periodontal ligament cells（hPDLC）in vitro. Methods Studies using specific antibodies to immunolocalize EGFR in the mineral differentiating hPDLC were undertaken to investigate the different expression during the inducing process. In situ hybridization and RT-PCR technique were used to investigate the transcripts encoding the protein of EGFR. Results The results showed that immunocytochemical labeling gradually decreased following the elong of the induce time, downing to nearly negative at the 4th week and the signal of EGFR transcripts was weaker in the induced hPDLC than that in uninduced. Conclusion EGFR has a negative regulation function during the mineralization of hPDLC.

Key words: epidermalgrowthfactorreceptor, periodontalligamentcells, mineralization, cellculture