Fig. 7

Generation of dentin-pulp like structures by PDGFRβ⁺/c-kit⁺ cells transplanted in emptied rat incisor root canal. a An untouched rat lower incisor as negative control. b A sham operation control with transplantation of hydrogel alone in rat emptied incisor root canal. Notice largely void canal space with small amount residual fibrous tissue at the periphery. c-g Transplantation of PDGFRβ⁺/c-kit⁺ cells and hydrogel into emptied rat incisor root canal. The canal was filled with globular dentin like calcification lined by odontoblast-like cells surrounded by vascular and fibrous connective tissues. c Low magnification d High magnification of the boxed area in c. e Odontoblast-like cells (arrows pointed) were positive for GFP staining. f Odontoblast-like cells (arrows pointed) were positive for DSP staining. g Odontoblast-like cells (arrows pointed) were positive for OPN staining. D, dentin; F, fibroblasts; FC, fibrous connective tissue; OD, odontoblast-like cells; P, pulp; V, blood vessel. Scale bar = 100 μm