Endothelial expression of c-kit and CD68 in dental follicles of human impacted third molars.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Periodontal tissue remnants of odontogenesis constitute the dental follicle (DF) which is actually considered a stem niche in adults. However, potentialities of local endothelia within this niche seem overlooked. We thus aimed at testing the endothelial cells expression of c-kit, the progenitor cells marker, and CD68, commonly regarded as a monocyte/macrophage marker, in human DFs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed an immunohistochemical study using these two markers which were applied on samples collected from ten adult patients. RESULTS: The markers were positively expressed in endothelial cells, as well as in spindle-shaped stromal cells of the DF. CONCLUSIONS: The origin of DF stem or progenitor cells needs reviewing in the light of these findings, as endothelium could be a donor site for niche inhabitants.