The expression of type III collagen in dental pulp during root development of immature permanent teeth

AIM: To investigate the changes of type Ⅲ collagen expressed in human dental pulp at different developmental stages of immature permanent teeth. METHODS: Based on the teeth root development status, the pulp tissues were classified into three groups; root just starting development, being in development and apical closed. The above - mentioned pulps were examined immunohistochemically by SP techniques. RESULTS: The expression intensity of type Ⅲ collagen in coronal pulp core in three groups were statistically different according to the image analysis. When the root was just starting development, pulp core stained more strongly than outer pulp. CONCLUSION: The expression of type Ⅲ collagen tends to decrease with the development of immature permanent teeth roots. Type Ⅲ collagen may play a role in the root development.