IL1 expression in CD1a+ DCs from inflammed human dental pulps

Objective: IL-1α and IL-1β are pro-inflammatory cytokines derived from mononuclear phagocytes that play several roles in the innate and acquire immunity, inflammation, tissue destruction and tissue homeostasis. Its expression in dendritic cells (DCs) from human dental pulp (HDP) has not been studied extensively.  The aim of this study was to determine the expression of IL-1α and IL-1β in CD1a+ CDs and subtypes from healthy HDP and with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis. Methods: 47 HDP samples were obtained from healthy premolars indicated for orthodontic reasons and 25 with AIP diagnosis.  The samples were homogenized and stained in surface with MAbs CD1a, anti-CD16, anti-CD68; an intracellular stain was made with MAbs anti- IL-1α and anti- IL-1β to its identification by flow cytometry.  The obtained data were analyzed using SPSS V.18 for Windows. Results: The comparison of IL-1α and IL-1β expression according diagnosis showed a cytokines increase in inflamed HDP (p <0.05 Mann Whitney test), however, IL-1α and IL-1β levels in CD1a+ and CD1a+/CD68+ DCs were similar (p>0.05 Wilcoxon test). CD1a+/CD16+ phenotype showed a hyper-response profile with higher levels of IL-1α and IL-1β than others phenotypes in HDP with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis (p <0.05 Kruskal Wallis). In this phenotype the IL-1α levels were significantly higher than IL-1β (p<0.05 Wilcoxon test).  Conclusion: This ex-vivo model showed CDs with increased expression levels of IL-1α in CD1a+/CD16+ phenotype from inflamed HDP, suggest an important contribution of its hyperactivity in the inflammatory process within the dental pulp.