Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Schwann cells are probably the effective factors which can promote peripheral nerve regeneration of osseointegrated dental implants.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) mRNA in the co-culture of Schwann cells and dental implants, and to analyze the biocompatibility of dental implants and Schwann cells.
METHODS: Wallerian degenerated sciatic nerves were harvested from adult dogs. Schwann cells were cultured by enzymatic digestion and differential adhesion methods. 1×10⁸/L cells culture was then seeded onto the dental implants with titanium sandblasted and acid-etched surface as well as petri dish. The expression of BDNF and NGF mRNA in Schwann cells was detected by reverse-transcription PCR at days 1, 3, 6, 8 and 11, respectively.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: BDNF and NGF mRNA had a similar expression pattern with one peak either in the co-cultured Schwann cells or Schwann cells cultured alone. However, compared with the Schwann cells cultured alone, the expression levels of BDNF and NGF mRNA were higher and earlier peak appeared in the co-cultured Schwann cells. These findings suggest that dental implants with titanium sandblasted and acid-etched surface can promote the gene expression of Schwann cells. There is an excellent biocompatibility between this kind of dental implants and Schwann cells.