EmdogainŽ, enamel matrix derivative (EMD), is a porcine enamel matrix derived product used to enhance regeneration of the periodontium following destruction due to inflammatory disease. Studies have suggested EMD is capable of periodontal tissue regeneration. However, little is known about EMD's potential regenerative properties on other dental tissues. Objectives: To determine whether EMD could stimulate proliferation and cytodifferentiation in dentin pulp cells. Methods: For effects on cell proliferation, the immortalized mouse dental pulp cell line (MD10-H1) was plated in 24 well culture plates, and allowed to attach. After 24 hours, media supplemented with 0, 100, or 200 mg/ml of EMD was added and cultures maintained for up to 8 days. Cell proliferation was measured at day 4, 6, and 8 of culture. To measure the potential effect on cell differentiation, cells were plated on 6 well culture plates, grown to 50% confluence, and then treated with media supplemented with 0 or 100 mg/ml EMD. Cultures were harvested at day 5, mRNA extracted, and converted to cDNA. PCR analysis was performed using specific primer sets for dentin matrix proteins including Type I collagen, dentin matrix protein I (DMP1) and dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP). Products were run on agarose gels, stained with ethidium bromide, and computer graphic files obtained and analyzed using Alpha Imaging Software. Results: A slight increase in cell proliferation of MD10-H1 cells was observed with EMD treatment. However, the differences in cell numbers were only statistically significant, as determined by an ANOVA, at 8 days of culture (p=0.05). PCR analysis showed that the dentin matrix profile of the MD10-H1 cells was not altered with EMD treatment, with no induction of DSPP expression detectable. Conclusions: Treatment with EMD did not stimulate the cytodifferentiation of dental pulp cells towards an odontoblast phenotype within the experimental time period. Supported by NIDCR T-35 DE07160 (AM) and DE11688 (MM).

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