Distribution of transforming growth factor-beta(1)-binding proteins and low-affinity receptors during odontoblast differentiation in the mouse

Transforming growth factor-beta(1) (TGF-beta B1) was immunolocalized within differentiated odontoblasts and ameloblasts while LAP-beta(1) was detected at the apicol pole of odonotoblasts and ameloblasts and in predentine. Anti-LAP-beta(1) antibodies also stained the epithelial-mesenchymal junction (EMJ). Decorin was immunolocalized in young functional odonotoblasts and in both predentine and dentine. Biglycan was similarly distributed but absent from dentine. Immunostaining with anti-latent TGF-beta(1) binding protein-1 (LTBP-1) showed fibrillar structures located at the EMJ and between predontoblasts and odontoblasts; at older states staining was restricted to the dental papilla and sec. Thus differentiated odonotoblasts express TGF-beta(1) and in a more restricted manner decorin, biglycan and LAP-beta(1); it can be assumed that TGF-beta(1) is able to interact with the three molecules present in predentine. Earlier, LTBP-1 and LAP-beta(1), both present at the EMJ, may contribute to odontoblast differentiation. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.