Effect of Tc99m Labeling on The Survival Rate of Dental Pulp Stem Cells

Human dental pulp stem cells have substantial proliferative and differentiation potential. The isolated stem cells or progenitor cells of the pulp can differentiate into odontoblasts or /and osteoblast-like cells and aid in repair as well as reconstruction of tooth structure. Several ways have been introduced for isolation and tracing of these cells. The aim of this study was to isolate mesenchymal stem cells from deciduous dental pulps as well as labeling them with Technetium (Tc99m) to investigate the effect of Tc labeling on the survival rate of stem cells. In this experimental study، exfoliated deciduous teeth of 6-11 year old children without any history of systemic disease were collected. Enzymatic and non-enzymatic methods were used to expedite cell isolation and isolated cells (10000) from dental pulp were mixed with 25 millicurie of Tc for tracing purposes. Individual cell activity as well as culture medium activation was evaluated separately afterwards. Data was analyzed using ANOVA statistical test. Isolated dental pulp cells formed single cell derived colonies which showed fibroblast-like growth with solo cloning morphology. Specific staining of the cells indicated them to be stem cells and confirmed their differentiation into bone and fat. Moreover، Technetium significantly decreased the activity of cells. The survival rates of the cells in the period of 1،3،6،24،48 hours were reported to be 95. 5%، 85. 5%، 77. 4%، 68. 4%، and 57. 3% respectively. The dental pulp stem cells have a significant capacity to differentiate into bone and fat. Tracing the cells with Tc M99 will reduce their survival rate over time.