Inhibitory Effect of Gamma-Secretase on the Survival Rate of Dental Pulp Stem Cells: An in Vitro Study

ABSTRACT

Objective: To evaluate in vitro the effect of gamma-secretase inhibition on the survival of dental pulp stem cells. Material and Methods: Sound teeth have been used. Dental pulp stem cells were isolated by enzymatic digestion. An appropriate number of cells were treated with different concentrations of gamma secretase enzyme (DAPT) (1, 3, 6.25, 12.5, 25.5, 37.5, 50 and 100 µM). The metabolic activity of cells and the distribution of cells in different phages of cell cycle was evaluated by MTT assay and flow cytometry, respectively. Statistical analysis was made one-way ANOVA. Comparison was made between the groups on the level of p<0.05. Results: In low concentration of DAPT (1, 3, 6.25, 12.5) the growth rate of the cells increases, whereas in high concentration of DAPT (25.5, 37.5, 50, 100) can significantly reduce the viability of the treated cells. The results also indicate that DAPT can interrupt the cell cycle in G1 phase. Conclusion: The DAPT for dose-dependent survival rate of dental pulp stem cells and affect cell population increase in the G1 phase of the cell cycle.