CELLS OF THE PULP they leave behind a cellular process

that forms the dentinal tubule

ODONTOBLASTS

Cell bodies of odontoblasts remain

Advanced Bullet-Point Notes: Odontoblast outside the mineralized tissue

Odontoblasts are the most specialized cells Lateral branches of odontoblast

of the dentin-pulp complex responsible for processes interconnect via
dentinogenesis throughout both tooth canaliculi, allowing intercellular
development and aging. communication and
fluid/metabolite circulation
During dentinogenesis, odontoblasts form
dentin and dentinal tubules, making dentin Ultrastructural features of active
a living and responsive tissue. odontoblasts:

Similarities with osteoblasts and Large nucleus (up to 4 nucleoli) at

cementoblasts: basal end

All produce a matrix composed of Golgi complex located in

collagen fibrils, noncollagenous supranuclear cytoplasm, composed
proteins, and proteoglycans of smooth-walled vesicles and
capable of mineralization. cisternae

Share ultrastructural features: Mitochondria evenly distributed

Highly ordered rough Prominent RER with closely stacked

endoplasmic reticulum cisternae
(RER)
Ribosomes attached to RER
Prominent Golgi complex indicating active protein synthesis

Numerous mitochondria Filamentous material in RER lumen

likely represents newly synthesized
Rich in RNA with nuclei protein
containing one or more
nucleoli Secretion products:

Contain secretory granules Mainly type I collagen; small

amounts of type V collagen
Morphologic distinctions:
Proteoglycans, dentin sialoprotein,
Odontoblasts (in coronal pulp): Tall and phosphophoryn (unique to
columnar cells dentin, involved in mineralization)

Enzymes:

Osteoblasts and cementoblasts: Alkaline phosphatase:

Polygonal to cuboidal associated with
mineralization, though exact
Anatomic distinctions: role unclear

Odontoblasts do not become Acid phosphatase: a

entrapped in the matrix; instead, lysosomal enzyme possibly
 involved in digesting Microtubules extend from the cell body,
resorbed predentin matrix run parallel to the long axis, and likely
function in cytoplasmic extension, material
Inactive odontoblasts (post-root transport, or structural support.
development and eruption):
Occasionally, mitochondria are found in the
Exhibit fewer organelles process near the predentin.

Become shorter as dentin Plasma membrane of the odontoblast process is

production shifts from primary to closely aligned with the dentinal tubule wall.
secondary dentin
Constrictions in the process may create
SUMMARY: ODONTOBLAST spaces containing collagen fibrils and
ground substance.
· Odontoblasts are specialized cells in the dentin-
pulp complex responsible for forming dentin and The tubule is lined with peritubular dentin
dentinal tubules during tooth development and matrix, bordered by the lamina limitans
aging. (an electron-dense membrane).

· · They share structural and functional traits A narrow space exists between the lamina
with osteoblasts and cementoblasts, including limitans and the plasma membrane, except
production of a mineralizable matrix and features at constriction sites.
of protein-secreting cells (e.g., RER, Golgi complex,
mitochondria, ribosomes). Clinical relevance:

· · Unlike other cells that become embedded in Restorative procedures that remove
matrix, odontoblasts remain outside the enamel and dentin often disrupt
mineralized tissue, extending processes into odontoblasts.
dentinal tubules.
Determining the extent of the odontoblast
· · These processes connect via canaliculi, process is important for predicting
allowing communication and nutrient flow. restorative impact on the pulp.

· · Odontoblasts primarily secrete type I Controversy on extent of process penetration:

collagen, phosphophoryn (unique to dentin),
dentin sialoprotein, and enzymes like alkaline and Traditionally believed to extend through
acid phosphatase. entire dentin thickness.

· · Active odontoblasts are tall, columnar, and Transmission electron microscopy: Process
organelle-rich; inactive ones become shorter with limited to inner third of dentin (may be due
fewer organelles after root development. to tissue shrinkage during preparation).

ODONTOBLAST PROCESS Scanning electron microscopy: Suggested

extension to DEJ, but may have mistaken
Odontoblast Process: Occupies most of the space the lamina limitans for the process.
within each dentinal tubule; coordinates formation
of peritubular dentin. Monoclonal antibody studies: Tubulin
immunoreactivity supports presence
Microtubules and microfilaments: Main throughout the full dentin thickness.
ultrastructural components of the odontoblast
process and lateral branches. Confocal microscopy (rat molars):
Processes do not extend to outer dentin or
DEJ, except early in development.
· Fixed tissue antigen presence: TEM: Limited to inner third of dentin (may
be artifact).
Proteins in tubule walls may come from
odontoblasts no longer present. 

Dentin matrix is non-turnover, so these
antigens remain fixed. SEM: Possibly extends to DEJ, but could
misidentify lamina limitans.
· Vitality of dentin:


Odontoblast processes are extensions of
living pulp cells. Immunostaining: Shows tubulin
throughout tubule, suggesting full
Destruction of dentin affects the vital pulp penetration.
due to this cellular connection.

· Odontoblast cell cycle: 

Considered fixed postmitotic—cannot Confocal (rats): Processes don’t reach DEJ

divide once fully differentiated. after early development.

Lifespan matches that of the viable pulp, 

though metabolic activity can change in
response to injury (Pulpal Repair) · Dentin is vital due to living odontoblast
extensions; damage affects pulp.
SUMMARY OF ODONTOBLAST PROCESS:
· · Odontoblasts are postmitotic—lifespan
equals that of viable pulp, though activity can
· Odontoblast process: Occupies most of the change.
dentinal tubule; coordinates peritubular dentin
formation. ·

· · Main components: Microtubules and MACROPHAGE

microfilaments, involved in extension, transport,
and structure.
Macrophages are monocytes that have exited the
bloodstream, entered tissues, and differentiated
· · Mitochondria may be present near the
into specialized subpopulations.
predentin.
Subpopulations are identified through antigenic
· · Plasma membrane closely follows the tubule
properties using immunohistochemical studies.
wall; constrictions can create spaces with collagen
and ground substance.
Commonly located near blood vessels.
· · Tubule lined by peritubular dentin and
A major subpopulation is highly active in
lamina limitans (electron-dense membrane).
endocytosis and phagocytosis.
· · Restorative procedures can damage
odontoblasts; understanding process extent is
clinically important. - Function as scavengers: remove
extravasated red blood cells, dead cells,
· · Extent of process: and foreign bodies.
 ·
 - Use lysosomal enzymes to destroy Dead cells
ingested materials.
Red blood cells that have leaked
Another macrophage subset is involved in immune out
responses:
Germs or foreign objects
- Process antigens and present them to
memory T cells. They use special enzymes to break
down whatever they eat.
- Antigens are bound to class II major
histocompatibility complex (MHC) Another group helps the immune system
molecules on macrophages. by:

- Interaction with naïve or memory T cells Breaking down invaders (like

is critical for T cell–dependent immunity. bacteria) and showing pieces of
them to T cells (a type of immune
 cell).

Like fibroblasts, macrophages are involved in This helps T cells recognize and fight
signaling pathways within the pulp. off infections.

When stimulated by inflammatory signals, they Macrophages also send chemical signals
release various soluble factors: that affect other cells, especially when
there's inflammation (swelling or
Include interleukin 1, tumor necrosis irritation).
factor, growth factors, and other
cytokines. They can release things like:

Some macrophages express lymphatic markers, Interleukin 1

suggesting a connection with lymphatic function
and development. Tumor necrosis factor

Growth factors

EXPLANATION: Other cytokines (messenger

chemicals)
Sure! Here's a simpler version of the notes that still
keeps the important information: Some macrophages have markers that
connect them to the lymphatic system,
Macrophages are a type of white blood cell which helps with fluid balance and immune
that start as monocytes in the blood, then defense.
move into body tissues and change into
macrophages. DENDRITIC CELLS

They come in different types, which can be Dendritic cells are accessory cells of the immune
studied in the lab using special techniques. system

Many macrophages are found near blood Similar to Langerhans' cells, which are found in
vessels. the epidermis and mucous membranes

One group of macrophages is very good at Primarily located in lymphoid tissues, but also
eating and removing harmful things like: widely present in connective tissues, including the
dental pulp
Function as antigen-presenting cells (APCs) Heparin – functions as an anticoagulant.

Characterized by: Histamine – acts as a key inflammatory

mediator.
Dendritic cytoplasmic processes
Additional chemical factors involved in
Presence of class II MHC complexes on the inflammation.
cell surface

In normal pulp, they are mainly situated in the

periphery of the coronal pulp, near the predentin

Migrate centrally in the pulp after an antigenic

challenge

Play a central role in the induction of T cell–

dependent immunity

Mechanism of action:

Engulf protein antigens

Present an assembly of peptide fragments

bound to MHC class II molecules

This antigen-MHC assembly is recognized

by T cells

T-cell receptor binds to the assembly,

leading to T-cell activation

Visual representation includes:

Dendritic-like cell in cell-to-cell contact

with a lymphocyte

MAST CELLS

Mast cells are primarily located in connective

tissues, usually found in small groups near blood
vessels.

Rarely present in normal pulp tissue, but

commonly observed in chronically inflamed pulps.

Play a significant role in inflammatory reactions,

attracting scientific interest.

Contain granules loaded with: