Transfer of the bone morphogenetic protein 4 gene into rat periodontal ligament by in vivo electroporation.

Objective: Regulation of alveolar bone metabolism is required in clinical dentistry. The aim of the present study was to establish a method for gene transfer into the periodontal ligament (PDL) by in vivo electroporation with a plasmid vector and to investigate the effects of BMP-4 transfer into the PDL.

Design: Plasmids containing mouse BMP-4 cDNA (pCAGGS-BMP4) were transfected into cultured rat PDL cells by in vitro electroporation, and BMP-4 production and secretion were detected by immunocytochemistry and western blotting.

Vibrational stimulation induces osteoblast differentiation and the upregulation of osteogenic gene expression in vitro.

Vibrational stimulation is an accepted non-invasive method used to improve bone remodeling. However, the underlying mechanisms of this phenomenon remain unclear. In this study, we developed a new vibration-loading system to apply vibrational stimulation to cells based on a previously reported in vivo study.

Dorsomorphin stimulates neurite outgrowth in PC12 cells via activation of a protein kinase A-dependent MEK-ERK1/2 signaling pathway.

In this study, we investigated the effect of dorsomorphin, a selective inhibitor of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling, on rat PC12 pheochromocytoma cell differentiation. PC12 cells can be induced to differentiate into neuron-like cells possessing elongated neurites by nerve growth factor, BMP2, and other inducers. Cells were incubated with BMP2 and/or dorsomorphin, and the extent of neurite outgrowth was evaluated.

Investigating bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling in a newly established human cell line expressing BMP receptor type II.

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), members of the transforming growth factor β cytokine superfamily, elicit various biological effects in different tissues. BMP receptor type II (BMPRII) contains a unique carboxyl-terminal region that interacts with multiple signaling molecules. However, expression of endogenous BMPRII is low in various mammalian cell lines, which hampers the analysis of BMP signaling.

Physiological properties of molar-mechanosensitive periodontal neurons in the trigeminal ganglion of the rat.

Spike discharges from periodontal mechanosensitive neurones responding to the mechanical stimulation of molar teeth were recorded from the trigeminal ganglion of rats anaesthetized with pentobarbital sodium. Maxillary molar-sensitive units were close together in a narrow, lateral area of the maxillary division of the ganglion, whereas those of mandibular molar-sensitive units were scattered throughout the mandibular division. The majority of maxillary molar-sensitive units responded only to stimulation of the first molar.