Expression of insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor in human pulp tissue

Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) plays an important role in cell proliferation and differentiation. The purpose of this study was to use a radioreceptor assay to evaluate whether IGF-1 receptors are present in human pulp and to determine whether differences in its expression are found in the pulp tissue of teeth having incomplete or complete root development. Twenty pulps were obtained from freshly extracted human third molars; they were then processed and labeled with ¹²⁵I-IGF-1. The results showed IGF-1 receptor expression in all human pulp samples. t test revealed statistically significant higher expression in the pulps from teeth having incomplete root development (P < 0.005). Given the functions of this growth factor system in other tissues, the present findings are consistent with the hypothesis that IGF-1 contributes toward forming and mineralizing dental tissues as well as in pulp-repairing processes.