Immunohistological Characterization of Minced Dental Pulp Transplant in an Ectopic Mouse Model

Abstract

Introduction: Dental pulp stem cells have been explored as a potential source for dentin-pulp complex regeneration because of their pluripotency and differentiation capacity. However, cell-based approaches require enzymatic digestion and in vitro expansion, which may alter cell properties and hinder clinical translation. This preliminary proof-of-principle study examines a tissue-based alternative using freshly minced pulp (MP) in an ectopic mouse model as a potentially translatable approach for regenerative endodontics. Methods: Human dental pulp tissue was either minced or enzymatically digested, seeded onto collagen type I scaffolds, inserted into root fragments, and implanted subcutaneously into immunocompromised mice. Results: Histology revealed that MP grafting generated well-organized dentin-pulp-like tissue with high cellularity, vascularization, mineralization, and odontoblast-like cells extending processes into dentinal tubules, whereas dental pulp stem cell grafts formed less organized tissue and mineral deposits. MP-derived tissues also exhibited angiogenic potential, forming vessel-like structures containing pericytes and endothelial cells. Conclusions: This preliminary in vivo mouse study suggests the feasibility of MP transplantation and its potential for dentin-pulp complex regeneration, though further studies are needed to assess long-term outcomes and clinical applicability.