DETERMINATION OF PLASMA-PROTEINS IN DENTINAL FLUID FROM CAVITIES PREPARED IN HEALTHY-YOUNG HUMAN TEETH

The discharge of albumin, IgG and fibrinogen in dentinal fluid released from freshly exposed dentine was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Data were compared with the relative concentrations of these proteins in the interstitial fluid of the pulp. The sampling procedure involved retrieval of phosphate-buffered saline placed in cavities exposing the dentine or pulp of young human premolars for a period of 15 min. Albumin and IgG were found in all dentine samples. The relative occurrence of these two proteins was similar in fluid samples from the exposed pulp. While fibrinogen was detected in all pulp samples only four of a total of 16 dentine samples displayed this protein. Shortly after a mechanical exposure, the exposed ends of the dentinal tubules will therefore release plasma proteins, although to a varying extent. The amount and quality appear related to the amount in which they are present in the interstitial fluid of the pulp.