Alkaline phosphatase activities of cultured human periodontal ligament cells

A simple cell motility assay demonstrates differential motility of human periodontal ligament fibroblasts, gingival fibroblasts, and pre-osteoblasts

During periodontal regeneration, multiple cell types can invade the wound site, thereby leading to repair. Cell motility requires interactions mediated by integrin receptors for the extracellular matrix (ECM), which might be useful in guiding specific cell populations into the periodontal defect. Our data demonstrate that fibroblasts exhibit differential motility when grown on ECM proteins. Specifically, gingival fibroblasts are twice as motile as periodontal ligament fibroblasts, whereas osteoblasts are essentially non-motile. Collagens promote the greatest motility of gingival fibroblasts in the following order: collagen III>collagen V>collagen I. Differences in motility do not correlate with cell proliferation or integrin expression. Osteoblasts display greater attachment to collagens than does either fibroblast population, but lower motility. Gingival fibroblast motility on collagen I is generally mediated by alpha2 integrins, whereas motility on collagen III involves alpha1 integrins. Other integrins (alpha10 or alpha11) may also contribute to gingival fibroblast motility. Thus, ECM proteins do indeed differentially promote the cell motility of periodontal cells. Because of their greater motility, gingival fibroblasts have more of a potential to invade periodontal wound sites and to contribute to regeneration. This finding may explain the formation of disorganized connective tissue masses rather than the occurrence of the true regeneration of the periodontium.

Use of microarrays to find novel regulators of periodontal ligament fibroblast differentiation

Periodontal regeneration requires the coordinated movement and differentiation of several cell types in order to re-establish the cementum, periodontal ligament (PDL), and alveolar bone. Cells in culture are often used as model systems for mature tissues, although they may represent expanded progenitor cell populations. Comparison of transcript expression between fresh PDL tissue and PDL cell isolates by MicroArray analysis has revealed numerous molecular differences. Several transcripts (including alkaline phosphatase, bone sialoprotein, periostin, and fibromodulin) are expressed at higher levels in fresh PDL than in cultured PDL cells. In contrast, PDL cells in culture selectively express a variety of growth factors. Several of these growth factors alter PDL fibroblast behavior. Two members of the transforming growth factor beta family of growth factors, namely, bone morphogenic protein-7 (BMP7) and growth differentiation factor-5 (GDF5), reduce cell proliferation and Stro-1 expression (a bone marrow stromal stem cell marker), whereas only BMP7 induces alkaline phosphatase activity. In contrast, fibroblast growth factor-5 induces enhanced cell proliferation and Stro-1 expression, while repressing alkaline phosphatase activity. The stimulation of PDL cells to differentiate (either by BMP7 or GDF5) inhibits cell motility. Thus, PDL cells in culture are regulated by several factors that differentially stimulate a mineralized (cementoblast-like) fate, a non-mineralized fate (mature fibroblasts), or the propagation of a more naive phenotype (potential progenitors).

Effects of pH on mineralization ability of human dental pulp cells

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of alkaline pH on calcification in human dental pulp (HDP) cells. HDP cells were cultured in pH 7.8 conditioned medium, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was measured. The ALP activity was higher in the pH 7.8 conditioned medium group than in the pH 7.2 conditioned medium group. Expression of mRNAs for bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2 was measured by the RT-PCR technique. The expression of BMP-2 in the pH 7.8 groups was greater than that in the pH 7.2 group. Furthermore, we determined Calcified nodule formation by von Kossa staining. The number of calcified nodules was increased in the pH 7.8 conditioned medium. These results suggest that HDP cell mineralization was enhanced in alkaline pH (pH 7.8) conditioned medium.

Regulation of ALP Activity by TNF-α on Human Dental Pulp

In this study, we examined the effects of TNF-alpha on Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP-2), Smads (which play intracellular signaling of BMPs) expression and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity of human dental pulp (HDP) cells to clarify the mechanism of tertiary dentin formation. The quantity of RT-PCR product for BMP-2 from the HDP cells stimulated by TNF-alpha is increased. However, ALP activity was not increased on the cells incubated with TNF-alpha. On the other hand, ALP activity was significantly increased on HDP cells treated with Ammonium Pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate (PDTC, NF- kappaB inhibitor) groups and combined supplementation of TNF-alpha and PDTC groups. Furthermore, we examined the effect of TNF-alpha and PDTC on Smad7 expression using RT-PCR and western blot analysis. Smad7 expression in HDP cells was increased by TNF-alpha, but decreased by PDTC treatment. These results suggest that NF- kappaB and Smad7 play an important role in the down regulation of ALP activity by TNF-alpha on HDP cells.

Effect of IL-1alpha on the expression of cartilage matrix proteins in human chondrosarcoma cell line OUMS-27

We examined the effect of the inflammatory mediator interleukin-1alpha (IL-1alpha) on cell proliferation, alkaline phosphatase (ALPase) activity, and the expressions of cartilage matrix proteins, bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2), and BMP-2 receptors in human chondrosarcoma cell line OUMS-27 (chondrocytes). The cells were cultured with Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium containing 15% fetal bovine serum with 0, 1, 10, or 100 units/ml of IL-1alpha for up to 14 days. The expressions of cartilage matrix proteins, BMP-2, and BMP-2 receptors were estimated by determining mRNA levels using semiquantitative or real-time PCR and/or by determining protein levels using Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Cell proliferation was decreased after 5 days in culture with IL-1alpha. The ALPase activity was decreased significantly in the presence of IL-1alpha until day 10 of culture. The expression of type II collagen was significantly decreased after 7 days in culture with IL-1alpha. The expressions of aggrecan and link protein were significantly decreased through day 14 of culture with IL-1alpha. The expression of BMP-2 was increased at days 3, 7, and 14 of culture with IL-1alpha, while the expression of type II receptor for BMP-2 was significantly decreased in the samples. These results suggest that IL-1alpha suppresses the expression of cartilage matrix proteins through a suppression of the autocrine action of BMP-2, brought about by the decrease in BMP-2 receptor expression in chondrocytes.

Effect of β-alanyl-L-histidinato zinc on the differentiation of C2C12 cells

Although beta-alanyl-L-histidinato zinc (AHZ) can promote osteoblast differentiation, the molecular mechanism responsible is not fully understood. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of AHZ on undifferentiating mesenchymal cells. C2C12, a typical pluripotential mesenchymal cell line, was used. The cells were cultured in 5% serum-containing medium to induce differentiation, either with or without the addition of AHZ. Cell lineage was determined by immunostaining of type II myosin heavy chains, alkaline phosphatase (ALPase) activity, mRNA expression of cellular phenotype-specific markers using semi-quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, and core binding factor alpha1/runt-related transcription factor-2 (Cbfa1/Runx2) protein synthesis using Western blot analysis. C2C12 cells cultured in the presence of AHZ were strongly inhibited from developing into myoblasts, and showed high ALPase activity that was approximately double that in the vehicle. The expression of mRNA for Cbfa1/Runx2, ALPase, Sox9 and type X collagen was increased markedly by the AHZ-stimulated medium, whereas that of desmin and MyoD mRNA was drastically decreased. AHZ increased Cbfa1/Runx2 protein expression substantially. These results provide clear evidence that AHZ converts the differentiation pathway of C2C12 cells to the osteoblast and/or chondroblast lineage.

IL-1alpha affects mineralized nodule formation by rat osteoblasts

The present study was conducted to determine the effect of the inflammatory mediator interleukin 1alpha (IL-1alpha) on osteogenesis using rat osteoblasts. We examined the effect of IL-1alpha on cell proliferation, alkaline phosphatase (ALPase) activity, mineralized nodule formation, and the expression of extracellular matrix proteins in rat osteosarcoma cell lines. The cells were cultured with alpha-minimum essential medium containing 10% fetal bovine serum with and without 0, 1, 10, and 100 units/ml of IL-1alpha for up to 14 days. The mineralized nodule formation was examined by alizarin red staining, and the calcium content in mineralized nodules was determined using a Calcium C-Test kit. The expression of extracellular matrix proteins was estimated by determining levels of mRNAs using the semiquantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. The mineralized nodule formation and the calcium content in mineralized nodules were remarkably suppressed by IL-1alpha after 5 days of culture. The ALPase activity decreased in a dose-dependent manner in the presence of IL-1alpha after 7 days of culture. The expression of type I collagen was decreased after 3 days of culture with IL-1alpha. The expression of bone sialoprotein was slightly decreased at days 3 and 5, and the expression of osteopontin was increased at days 3, 5, and 7 of culture with IL-1alpha. These results suggest that IL-1alpha suppresses osteogenesis through a decrease in ALPase and type I collagen production by osteoblasts.

Effect of enamel matrix derivative on the differentiation of C2C12 cells

BACKGROUND

Although enamel matrix derivative (EMD) can initiate de novo cementum and bone formation by stimulating and inducing differentiation of mesenchymal cells in the periodontal ligament, the molecular mechanism of this phenomenon is not fully understood. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of EMD on the differentiation of pluripotential mesenchymal cells.

METHODS

A typical pluripotential mesenchymal cell line, C2C12, was used to clarify the effect of EMD on cell differentiation. The cells were cultured in 5% serum-containing medium to induce cell differentiation, either with or without the addition of EMD. Differentiation to myoblasts was analyzed by immunostaining of desmin and type II myosin heavy chains. Osteoblast differentiation was evaluated by measuring alkaline phosphatase (ALPase) activity. Furthermore, to verify the cell lineage after culture with EMD, mRNA expression of cellular phenotype-specific markers characterizing osteoblasts (ALPase and osteocalcin), chondroblasts (type X collagen), myoblasts (desmin and MyoD), and adipocytes (lipoprotein lipase) was studied using semiquantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

C2C12 cells cultured in differentiation medium without EMD altered their phenotype to myoblasts, exhibiting positive reactions to desmin and myosin heavy chains by immunological analysis. However, the cells cultured in the presence of EMD were strongly inhibited from developing into myoblasts, and showed high ALPase activity that was approximately 2 to 4 times greater than that of the vehicle. The mRNA expression of ALPase, osteocalcin, and type X collagen was increased markedly by the EMD-stimulated medium, whereas the expression of desmin, MyoD, and lipoprotein lipase was drastically decreased.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study provides clear evidence that EMD converts the differentiation pathway of C2C12 cells into the osteoblast and/or chondroblast lineage.

The putative collagen binding peptide hastens periodontal ligament cell attachment to bone replacement graft materials

BACKGROUND

Bone replacement graft (BRG) materials are often used to treat periodontal defects, to promote cellular invasion, and to encourage bone regrowth. Periodontal ligament fibroblasts (PDLF) incorporate these materials and form the basis of the renewed connection between the existing and newly formed alveolar bone and the tooth surface. A peptide (P-15) that mimics the putative cell-binding domain of collagen has been reported to promote dermal fibroblast attachment and proliferation.

METHODS

PDLF were quantitatively examined for their ability to adhere to a variety of BRG materials fluorometrically. In addition, scanning electron microscopy was used to examine the changes in morphology exhibited by these cells as they attached and spread on several BRG materials. Finally, BRG materials containing the P-15 peptide were quantitatively examined for their ability to promote PDLF attachment and proliferation.

RESULTS

Freeze-dried allograft bone supports greater PDLF attachment than does several xenograft and alloplastic anorganic bone replacement materials. An anorganic BRG material containing the P-15 peptide promoted more rapid cell attachment and spreading than a similar anorganic BRG material lacking this peptide. Finally, none of the BRG materials examined promoted PDLF proliferation.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data indicate that the addition of the P-15 peptide increases the rapidity of PDLF attachment to xenogeneic bone replacement materials. This increase in the rate of attachment may have clinical significance in the context of the dynamic regulation of cell attachment during periodontal regeneration. However, this peptide does not promote an increase in stable cell attachment or proliferation in vitro.

Newly developed resinous direct pulp capping agent containing calcium hydroxide (MTYA1-Ca)

AIM

The aim of this study was to evaluate a newly developed resin (MTYA1-Ca) for direct pulp capping.

METHODOLOGY

The powder of MTY1-Ca is composed of 89.0% microfiller, 10.0% calcium hydroxide and 1.0% benzoyl peroxide and was mixed with liquid (67.5% triethyleneglycol dimethacrylate, 30.0% glyceryl methacrylate, 1.0% o-methacryloyl tyrosine amide, 1.0% dimethylaminoethylmethacrylate, and 0.5% camphorquinone). The shear bond, diametral tensile, bending and compressive strengths were measured. The alkaline activity of the elute dissolved from MTYA1-Ca was calculated. Cell viability by MTT assay and alkaline phosphatase (ALPase) activity were evaluated from dental pulp fibroblast reaction to the eluate dissolved from MTYA1-Ca. Histopathological studies of the response to exposed dental pulp of beagle dogs were completed with Dycal as a control.

RESULTS

The physical properties of MTYA1-Ca were significantly superior to those of Dycal. It was impossible to measure these properties with Dycal because of poor physical properties. Both MTYA1-Ca and Dycal maintained high levels of alkaline activity (pH 10.96-12.20) over the 168-h duration of the study. Cell viability by MTT assay in the intact eluate of MTYA1-Ca was significantly higher than that of Dycal, whilst ALPase showed no difference between MTYA1-Ca and Dycal. A dentine bridge formed more slowly under MTYA1-Ca than under Dycal, but similar amounts had formed at 90 days.

CONCLUSIONS

MTYA1-Ca has the potential to be used as a direct pulp capping material.

Tissue-non-specific alkaline phosphatase mRNA expression and alkaline phosphatase activity following application of retinoic acid in cultured human dental pulp cells

Retinoic acid is a potent inducer of tissue-non-specific alkaline phosphatase (TNSALP) expression in various osteoblastic and fibroblastic cells, and may be involved in morphogenesis, cellular growth and differentiation. This study investigates the effects of retinoic acid on alkaline phosphatase activity and TNSALP gene expression in human dental pulp cells. Cultured cells were treated with various concentrations of retinoic acid (0, 10(-7), 10(- 6), 10 (-5) M) in 0.5% bovine serum albumin without serum. Alkaline phosphatase activity was determined by the rate of p-nitrophenyl phosphate hydrolysis and was also assayed in the presence of various inhibitors and under thermal inactivation. A set of specific oligonucleotide primers was selected, based on the nucleotide sequences of two human TNSALP mRNA (bone and liver) types, and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) performed. Inhibitory and thermal inactivation experiments revealed that the elevated alkaline phosphatase activity had properties of the TNSALP type. RT-PCR showed that retinoic acid enhanced the expression of bone-type TNSALP mRNA in pulp cells. However, the liver-type TNSALP mRNA was not detected. These findings suggest that the high alkaline phosphatase activity of retinoic acid-treated dental pulp cells is associated with increased transcription of the bone-type mRNA of the TNSALP gene and not with liver-type.

The effects of retinoic acid on alkaline phosphatase activity and tissue-non-specific alkaline phosphatase gene expression in human periodontal ligament cells and gingival fibroblasts

Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in human periodontal ligament (HPDL) cells is classified as a tissue-non-specific alkaline phosphatase (TNSALP) by its enzymatic and immunological properties. Since retinoic acid (RA) has been shown as a potent inducer of TNSALP expression in various osteoblastic and fibroblastic cells, we investigated the effects of RA on the level of ALP activity and expression of TNSALP mRNAs in HPDL cells. Cultured cells were treated with desired RA concentrations (0, 10(-7), 10(-6), 10(-5) M) in medium containing 1% bovine serum albumin without serum. ALP activity was determined by the rate of hydrolysis of p-nitrophenyl phosphate and was also assayed in the presence of specific inhibitors. In order to identify the TNSALP mRNA type expressed by HPDL, a set of oligonucleotide primers corresponding to 2 types of human TNSALP mRNA (i.e. bone-type and liver-type) were designed, and mRNA isolated from HPDL was amplified by means of reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). After treatment with RA (10(-6) M) for 4 d, there was a significant increase in the ALP activity of HPDL cells. The use of inhibitors and thermal inactivation experiments showed that the increased ALP activity had properties of the TNSALP type. RT-PCR analysis revealed that bone-type mRNA was highly stimulated in HPDL cells by RA treatment, but the expression of liver-type mRNA was not detected. These results indicated that the upregulation of ALP activity in HPDL cells by RA was due to the increased transcription of bone-type mRNA of the TNSALP gene.

Effect of polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) on human periodontal ligament fibroblast (HPLF) functions in the presence of glucocorticoids

Cell functions in vivo are stimulated by extracellular matrices, vitamins, growth factors, and hormones. In this paper, the effects of glucocorticoids, dexamethasone (Dex), and Cortexrone (Cor) on the growth and differentiation of human periodontal ligament fibroblast (HPLF) were discussed in relation to a polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) consisting of polysaccharides (chitin, cellulose derivatives, and chitosan) as a tissue-culture material. A Dex-treatment at a concentration of 10(-)-10(-7) M inhibited one-half of HPLF growth in comparison with 10(-9) M Dex-treatment and no additive medium and produced aggregates on the chitosan-sulfated chitin PEC (SPECs) with regard to the degree of sulfate substitution. On the chitosan-sulfated cellulose PEC, 10(-7)-10(-9) M Dex-treatment promoted HPLF growth and inhibited the production of aggregates. On the other hand, a Cor-treatment, a mineral corticoid, which inhibits the interaction between Dex and its receptor, increased HPLF growth on SPEC141, but the HPLF did not construct aggregates. A Dex and Cor mixture-treatment inhibited one-third HPLF growth in comparison with 10(-5) M Dex-treatment and produced aggregates on PEC. The cooperative effect of both the culture material and hormones was found to control HPLF growth and morphology. The alkaline phosphatase (ALPase) activities of HPLF increased with an increase in the Dex and Cor concentration. The value of Dex-treated HPLF ALPase activity demonstrated a two-fold increase from that with Cor-treatment. The ALPase activity of Dex and Cor mixture-treated HPLF on PEC decreased with an increase in the Cor concentration, because Cor increased HPLF growth on PEC. In using carboxymethylated chitin derivatives as the polyanion, HPLF decreased in cell growth and produced aggregates in the absence of the additives, suggesting that PEC induces HPLF differentiation using only the stimulation of the material surface.

Effects of polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) on human periodontal ligament fibroblast (HPLF) function. II. Enhancement of HPLF differentiation and aggregation on PEC by L-ascorbic acid and dexamethasone

In addition to many types of extra cellular matrix (ECM) in vivo, cells are stimulated by many types of vitamins, hormones, growth factors, etc. In this paper the effects of L-ascorbic acid 2-phosphate (Asc-2P) and dexamethasone (Dex) on proliferation and differentiation of human periodontal ligament fibroblast (HPLF) using polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) as a matrix in vitro will be discussed. The PEC was composed of chitosan as a polycation, with carboxymethyl (CPEC) or sulfated chitin (SPEC). Asc-2P (0.2 mM) inhibited the growth of HPLF on CPEC, but promoted the growth on SPEC. Moreover, the aggregation of HPLF on CPEC was inhibited by Asc-2P, but that on SPEC was induced in the presence of Asc-2P and Dex. Although Asc-2P reduced an increase in alkaline phosphatase (ALPase) activity of HPLF on CPEC as well, it induced a twofold increase in ALPase activities on SPEC and TCD. Furthermore, in the medium containing Asc-2P and 100 mM of Dex, cell growth was inhibited, but ALPase activity was promoted on both SPEC and TCD to form many aggregates on SPEC. ALPase activity increased by twofold over that of HPLF cultured in the medium containing only Asc-2P. Therefore, it is suggested that the cell functions of HPLF are controlled by the combination of PEC and additives.

Functional characteristics of gingival and periodontal ligament fibroblasts

In periodontal surgery, healing after guided tissue regeneration (GTR) may be explained by differences in functional activities of gingival and periodontal ligament fibroblasts (GF and PDLF). Several studies in vitro have supported this hypothesis, but much remains to be defined. In the present work, gingival and periodontal ligament fibroblasts derived from five healthy subjects were isolated and compared in vitro. The morphology of the cells was observed under scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Several extracellular matrix components (ECM) were studied to compare the effects on fibroblast attachment, proliferation, and protein synthesis. Several biochemical markers were examined in both cellular extract (CE) and conditioned medium (CM). We also examined the muscle differentiation markers alpha-smooth muscle actin, desmin, and smooth-muscle myosin. Finally, we studied the effects of epithelial cells on the proliferation and protein synthesis of the two types of fibroblasts. GF and PDLF appeared identical under the SEM. All ECM components enhanced attachment; however, while collagen types I and IV promoted the attachment of GF, gelatin, laminin, and vitronectin promoted that of PDLF. Most ECM components increased the proliferation rate of GF and the biosynthetic activity of PDLF. The biochemical markers were similarly distributed between the two cell types, except for alkaline phosphatase, which was detected only in the CE of PDLF. Both GF and PDLF strongly expressed alpha-smooth-muscle actin and were negative for desmin; only PDLF were positive for smooth-muscle myosin. Epithelial cells increased the proliferation of both GF and PDLF but had no effect on their biosynthetic activity. These in vitro results may better explain the in vivo functional differences between GF and PDLF.

Stimulation of human periodontal ligament fibroblast collagenase production by a gingival epithelial cell-derived factor

To examine whether cell-to-cell interactions between human gingival epithelial cells (HGE) and periodontal ligament fibroblasts (PLF) or gingival fibroblasts (GF) take place in the periodontium, the effects on collagenase production by PLF and GF were analyzed after adding several concentrations of HGE-conditioned medium (HGE-CM) to PLF or GF culture. Collagenase production by both cell populations was stimulated by adding HGE-CM, which stimulated collagenase production by PLF to a greater extent than that by GF. The HGE-derived stimulatory factor had a molecular mass of approximately 20 kDa, and its stimulant effect was inhibited markedly in the presence of an anti-human interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1 alpha) neutralizing antibody, indicating that the factor was identical to, or antigenically cross-reactive with, IL-1 alpha. These results suggest that epithelial apical migration in the periodontium may occur after interstitial resident cells have released tissue-degrading enzymes, such as collagenase, and damaged the extracellular matrix, once a sufficient amount of IL-1 alpha-like factor for stimulating the production of proteolytic enzyme has been released by HGE in periodontal lesions.

Interleukin-1 beta stimulates collagenase production by cultured human periodontal ligament fibroblasts

To examine the effects of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) on collagenase production by human periodontal ligament fibroblasts (PLF) and gingival fibroblasts (GF) in culture, collagenase activity in conditioned media was determined using a novel procedure that circumvented interference by enzyme inhibitors. Fibroblasts obtained from five paired periodontal ligament and gingival tissues were cultured for two weeks, and then incubated for a further 72 h in alpha-MEM supplemented with various concentrations of IL-1 beta (0 to 1250 pg/ml). The conditioned media from individual cultures were harvested and treated with dithiothreitol to inactivate TIMPs, and then with APMA, to activate the latent collagenase. Collagenase activity was measured fluorometrically using FITC-collagen as a substrate. IL-1 beta induced a approximately 2.4 to 5.2-fold increase in collagenase activity in PLF compared to a approximately 1.4 to 2.2-fold increase in GF. These results are in contrast to previous studies in which collagenase activity was measured in the presence of TIMPs, and indicate that PLF are more sensitive to IL-1 beta than GF. Since both PLF and GF are present in periodontal lesions, it is possible that collagenase secretion stimulated by exposure to inflammatory cell products such as IL-1 beta may participate in the destruction of collagen fibers involved in periodontal attachment.

Transforming growth factor-beta-1 reduces alkaline phosphatase mRNA and activity and stimulates cell proliferation in cultures of human pulp cells

Transforming growth factor-beta-1 (TGF-beta-1) is a potent modulator of proliferation and differentiation in various tissues, and may be involved in the control of dental development and repair. This study was carried out to investigate the effects of TGF-beta-1 on alkaline phosphatase (ALPase) activity and mRNA level, and on DNA content in cultures of human pulp cells. Four lines of pulp cells (P1-P4), isolated from the upper wisdom teeth of four patients, were maintained separately in monolayer cultures in the presence of 10% fetal bovine serum. TGF-beta-1, at 0.1 ng/mL, increased ALPase activity and DNA content in P1 cultures, but not in P2-P4 cultures. In all cultures, TGF-beta-1, at 5 ng/mL, decreased ALPase activity to a very low level, and increased DNA content. Northern analysis showed that human pulp cells synthesized a single species of 2.6-kb liver/bone/kidney-type ALPase, and that TGF-beta-1, at 5 ng/mL, decreased the level of the ALPase mRNA. These results suggest that TGF-beta-1 is a mitogen for human pulp cells, and that it regulates the activity of the universal-type ALPase at the pre-translational level.