Anand, P

Baecker, P A

Ford, A P

Renton, T

Yiangou, Y

Aims: To investigate the levels of the capsaicin or vanilloid receptor-1 (VR1) and the ATP-gated purinoceptor P2X(3) in painful and nonpainful human tooth pulps. Methods: Immunohistochemistry with specific antibodies and image analysis was used to quantify VR1- and P2X(3)-positive nerve fibers in painful (n = 13) and nonpainful (n = 33) human tooth pulps, and VR1 immunoreactivity was compared with immunoreactivity for the structural neuronal marker peripherin. Results: Strong VR1-like immunoreactivity was documented for the first time in dental pulp neurons. Weaker P2X(3)-like immunoreactivity was also detected in fewer nerve fibers. The ratio of VR1 to peripherin immunoreactivity was not significantly different between nonpainful and painful tissues (mean +/- SE % area of VR1 to peripherin; nonpainful 53.4 +/- 4.7%, n = 33; pulpitis 35.1 +/- 7.1 %, n = 13; P = .07). Conclusion: The presence of VR1 and P2X(3) in fibers of human tooth pulp suggest that they may play a role in perception of dental pain, but further studies, including quantitation of their ligands, are necessary to elucidate any role they may play in pathophysiologic states

Capsaicin receptor VR1 and ATP purinoceptor P2X(3) in painful and nonpainful human tooth pulp

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