Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the immunohistochemical expression of transforming growing factor beta (TGF-β) and interferon gamma (IFN-γ) between radicular cysts (RCs) and dentigerous cysts (DCs).
Methods: Twenty RCs and DCs were selected for analysis of the immunoexpression of TGF-β and IFN-γ in the epithelium and capsule.
Results: The cell reactivity of TGF-β and IFN-γ in the lining epithelium and capsule of RCs showed no significant differences when compared with DCs (P > .05). There was a tendency of a higher expression of TGF-β in the capsule of DCs.
Conclusions: Our results showed the presence of TGF-β and IFN-γ in RCs and DCs, supporting the hypothesis that both participate in the development of these lesions, where IFN-γ usually plays a role in bone resorption, which is counterbalanced by the osteoprotective activity performed by TGF-β.
Keywords: Dentigerous cyst; immunohistochemistry; interferon gamma; radicular cyst; transforming growth factors.
Copyright © 2014 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.