Effects of VEGF and FGF2 on the Revascularization of Severed Human Dental Pulps

Abstract

The long-term outcome of replanted avulsed permanent teeth is frequently compromised by lack of revascularization, resulting in pulp necrosis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2) on the revascularization of severed human dental pulps. Tooth slices were prepared from non-carious human molars and treated with 0–50 ng/mL rhVEGF₁₆₅ or rhFGF-2 for 7 days in vitro. Both angiogenic factors enhanced pulp microvessel density compared with untreated controls (p < 0.05). Tooth slices were also treated with 0 or 50 ng/mL rhVEGF₁₆₅ for one hour prior to implantation into the subcutaneous space of immunodeficient mice. Treatment with rhVEGF₁₆₅ increased pulp microvessel density in vivo (p < 0.05). These results demonstrate that rhVEGF₁₆₅ enhanced neovascularization of severed human dental pulps and suggest that topical application of an angiogenic factor prior to replantation might be beneficial for the treatment of avulsed teeth.