Streptococcus mutans lipoteichoic acid-induced apoptosis in cultured dental pulp cells from human deciduous teeth

Herein, we suggest that Streptococcus mutans lipoteichoic acid-induced death of dental pulp cells on human deciduous teeth is caused by apoptosis. We provide evidence for the causal role of apoptosis in this process by demonstrating an increase in the proportion of fragmented DNA in such dental pulp cells, which results in a ladder pattern of DNA fragmentation. Additionally, Streptococcus mutans lipoteichoic acid-induced apoptotic cell death is suppressed by caspase inhibitor. Collectively, these findings suggest that Streptococcus mutans lipoteichoic acids may cause apoptosis in human dental pulp cells, and serve as an important factor in pulpitis. (C) 2001 Academic Press.