Abstract

Objectives: To analyze the results of a bone regenerative procedure using stem cells derived from the dental pulp of human deciduous teeth (CDLH1) in combination with autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in comparison to PRP alone, in the treatment of bone defects in rabbit calvaria. Methods: In vitro tests were performed by flow cytometry and immunofluorescence for phenotypic characterization of CDLH1. Fourteen New Zealand rabbits were used in the in vivo experiment. Bilateral bicortical bone defects of 10 mm diameter were created in the skull. One of them was filled with CDLH1/PRP, while the other was filled with PRP only. Histomorphometry and CT images were used to evaluate bone regeneration at 7 and 60 days postoperatively, and results were statistically analyzed using paired Student's t-test. Results: In vitro tests confirmed the presence of STRO-1 positive cells, which is a stem cell marker. In addition, CDLH1 were positive to CD44 and CD90 confirming their mesenchymal feature, and also expressed markers for differentiated cells: collagen type I, myosin, myelin and GFAP, and displayed tri-lineage differentiation potential, compatible with multipotency. Three-Dimensional CT images at 60 days postoperatively showed bone tissue completely covering the defect floor in the in defects treated with CDLH1/PRP, while defects treated with PRP still showed radiolucent areas. Histomorphometric analysis showed that, CDLH1/PRP produced a higher proportion (84 ± 8%) of formed bone compared to PRP (70 ± 10%) (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The results demonstrated that stem cells derived from the pulp of deciduous teeth possess osteogenic potential, and that their use should be considered in the treatment of bone defects.

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