Expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 mRNA and protein during deciduous tooth resorption in bovine odontoclasts.

Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9, or gelatinase B) is an extracellular proteinase that is highly expressed in osteoclasts and has been postulated to play an important role in their resorptive activity. Although MMP-9 has been reported to play a role in bone resorption, the association of this enzyme during deciduous tooth resorption has not yet been clarified. The purpose of the present study was to increase our understanding of the role of MMP-9 during deciduous tooth resorption.

Localization of cathepsin K in bovine odontoclasts during deciduous tooth resorption.

Cathepsin K is a cysteine proteinase, which is abundantly and selectively expressed in osteoclasts. It is believed to play an important role in the proteolysis of bone resorption by osteoclasts. The objectives of this study were to investigate the association of cathepsin K in the physiological root resorption of deciduous teeth and to identify the cathepsin K-producing cells in deciduous root resorption.