RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To isolate stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHEDs) and identify their phenotypes and multi-lineage differentiation potential. METHODS: Human pulp tissue from exfoliated deciduous teeth were dissected and digested to obtain the single cell suspension. The SHEDs selected by magnetic activated cell sorting system (MACS) were identified by examination of the cell morphology and growth in vitro and detection of the expressions of the cell markers. Osteogenic and adipogenic induction was performed to test the multi-lineage differentiation potential of the cells. RESULTS: SHEDs were successfully isolated from human exfoliated deciduous teeth. SHEDs showed a lower growth rate than dental pulp cells and displayed high expressions of CD29 and CD105 but low expressions of CD34 and CD45 as shown by flow cytometry. Experiments of in vitro induction demonstrated a strong potential of the STRO-1+ SHEDs for osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation. CONCLUSION: Immunomagnetic bead selection can be used to isolate and purify SHEDs, and the STRO-1+ SHEDs show the characteristics of stem cells with multipotent differentiation potentials.
