A High-resolution Immunohistochemical Method for studying Receptor Expression on the Periodontal Ligament of Whole-mount Human Tooth Roots

Abstract

Aims Our laboratory has found that lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) and its cognate receptors [LPARs, (LPA1–6)] expressed by human gingival fibroblasts (GF) and periodontal ligament fibroblasts (PDLF) play key roles in oral fibroblast homeostasis and are implicated in the inflammation seen in periodontal disease. We have reported that PDLF express LPA1 and LPA3; however, information on the gross topographic distribution of LPARs in the periodontal ligament (PDL) was lacking, and therefore, we developed a simple method for in situ labeling of LPARs in the PDL of extracted teeth. Materials and methods Sectioning or grinding thin sections of demineralized or native teeth and periodontium have long been the standard methodologies used to assess biomarker distribution in the PDL; however, we modified traditional immunohistochemical labeling and used whole teeth with fixed, solvent permeabilized PDLs. Results LPA1 and LPA3 were specifically labeled in the PDL and could be visualized at both the macroand micro-levels. Conclusion This technique effectively labeled LPARs, and it can serve as a basis for the in situ visualization of other biomolecules expressed in the PDL. Clinical Significance The ability to observe PDL LPAR distribution at the macro-level complements the microscopic data, and it is useful for detecting and documenting molecular changes in the PDL/PDLF that were brought about by age, experimental treatments, or pathologies like periodontal disease. How to cite this article Cerutis DR, Headen KV, Ogunleye AO, Williams DE. A High-resolution Immunohistochemical Method for studying Receptor Expression on the Periodontal Ligament of Whole-mount Human Tooth Roots. Int J Experiment Dent Sci 2016;5(2):99-103.