Abstract:

Objective　The purpose of this study was to investigate the changes of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) ex- pressed in normal human dental pulp at different root development stages of permanent teeth.Methods　Based on the teeth root development status, the pulp tissues were classified into three groups: root just starting development, being in development and apical closed. The pulps were immunohistochemically examined by use of bFGF antibody.Results　Stainingwas strongly positive in immature permanentteeth, especially atthe stage of root just starting development. Image analysis indicated thatthe gray values of positive reaction in three groups were statistically different (P<0.001). For the first group, the gray value of the outer pulp was higher than that of the pulp core. For the second group, the pulp core has a higher gray value in the coronal pulp, while a lower value in root pulp compared tothe outer pulp.Conclusion　Withthe development of root formation, the expression of bFGF in dental pulp shows different characteristics. bFGF may play a role in dental pulp development and maturation.

Key words: root development, dental pulp, basic fibroblast growth factor, immunohistochemistry