ABSTRACT
Objective To study the effects of dexamethasone (DEX), recombinant bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP2), and combined application of rhBMP2 and DEX on alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity of human dental pulp cells (HDPCs) in vitro. Methods HDPCs were cultured by tissue block method and identified. Effects of DEX, rhBMP2, and combined application of both on ALP activity of HDPCs were determined by a modified enzyme dynamical method. Results DEX could enhance ALP activity, reaching the peak value at the concentration of 0.01 nmol/ml. rhBMP2 could enhance ALP activity in a dose-dependent manner. ALP activity was significantly higher under the condition of combined application of DEX and rhBMP2 than single application of DEX or rhBMP2 only. Conclusion Both DEX and rhBMP2 can enhance ALP activity of HDPCs. However, combined application of DEX and rhBMP2 can greatly enhance ALP activity of HDPCs.