Immunohistochemical localization of connective tissue growth factor, transforming growth factor-betai and phosphorylated-smad2/3 in the developing periodontium of rats

摘要

Background and Objective: Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) is a downstream mediator of transforming growth factor-betal (TGF-beta1), and TGF-beta1-induced CTGF expression is regulated through the SMAD pathway. CTGF is implicated in the development of cartilage, bone and tooth. However, its expression in the developing periodontium is unclear. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the immunolocalization of CTGF, TGF-beta1 and phosphorylated SMAD2/3 (pSMAD2/3) in the developing periodontium of rats.Material and Methods: The maxillaries of Wistar rats, 2, 3, 7 and 12 wk of age, were used and the localization of CTGF, TGF-beta1 and pSMAD2/3 was detected using immunoperoxidase techniques.