The precise distribution of various immunocompetent cells in rat molar pulp was immunohistochemically examined by use of seven anti-rat monoclonal antibodies. It was demonstrated that rat molar pulp contained many OX6 (anti-Ia antigen)-positive cells and a large number of ED1 (anti-monocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells)-positive, ED2 (anti-tissue macrophages)-positive, and/or OX35 (anti-macrophages and CD4+ lymphocytes)-positive cells. Macrophage-like cells predominated in the central portion of the pulp, while cells of dendritic appearance usually existed in the periphery of the pulp. Double-immunoperoxidase staining revealed that these cells showed some heterogeneity, but the majority could be classified as ED1+/OX6-/ED2+ cells, which may be la- histiocytes. Findings also suggested that true dendritic cells may be included in the ED1+/OX6+/ED2- category of cells. A small number of T lymphocytes and plasma cells were also detected. These results suggest that the normal dental pulp contains a variety of immunocompetent cells, with macrophages as the most dominating. Following the exogenous invasion of pathogenic stimuli in the pulp, these cells may participate in the defense reaction by acting as phagocytes or antigen-presenting cells, which are essential for the initiation of immune responses.
