Numerous studies have attempted to characterize the dental pulp stem cells. However, studies performed on prenatal human tissues have not been performed to evaluate the in situ characterization and topography of progenitor cells. We aimed to perform such a study using of antibodies for CD117/c-kit and multiplex antibody for Ki67+ caspase 3. Antibodies were applied on samples dissected from five human midterm fetuses. Positive CD117/c-kit labeling

Fenestrations of the vertebral arteries (VAs) are usually identified angiographically. A left fenestrated vertebral artery (fVA) is reported here, identified in an adult specimen by microdissection. The distal segment of this VA was fenestrated and it consisted of two arms, the caudal one being larger than the cranial one. The caudal end of the rostral arm and the left posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) were inserted at the same point. The

The anatomy of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) has a wider variability compared to the superior cerebellar artery (SCA) or the anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA). The PICA with bihemispheric distribution (bPICA) can be found in less than 0.1 procents of cases. We report here a rare such case, documented by anatomical microdissection. A true right bPICA was found emerging the origin of the basilar artery. From its lateral medullary

BACKGROUND: TRAIL is a transmembrane protein that induces apoptosis in various tissues including alveolar bone. Its in vitro expression can be activated by several methods, such as RANKL administration and cell scraping. Expression of TRAIL and its receptors DR5 and DcR2 was examined in osteoclast-like cells to analyze their effects on cell lifespan and to explore their role in orthodontic tooth movement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Osteoclast-like cells

OBJECTIVES: β-defensin-4 is a member of antimicrobial peptides (APs) of the immunity system. This molecule has antimicrobial activity but it seems to be involved in articular inflammatory processes too, as it happens during osteoarthritic disease (OA). Considering the possible relation existing between (OA) and temporomandibular disorders (TMD), the aim of our study was to evaluate immunohistochemically the presence of β- defensin-4 in pathological