Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are proteolytic enzymes involved in degradation of the extracellular matrix.In a previous study, MMP-13 was found to be expressed in pulp implying its involvement in the pathogenesis of dental caries. Two extracted teeth were used. A sound tooth and a tooth with wide range of dental caries were used. Two sections were obtained each from isolated crown and root. Immunofluorescence of the FITC of the MMP-13 in coronal and radicular dentin was analyzed by confocal microscopy. Immunofluorescence signals that were indicative of MMP-13 were observed in coronal dentin of sound teeth and in carious teeth with a wide range of caries. Marked immunofluorescent reaction was observed in the border line of caries infected and affected coronal dentin. MMP-13 expression was not detected in the root dentin. The expressions of MMP-13 in carious dentin imply the roles of MMP-13 in caries progression.

Ⅰ. INTRODUCTION
 Ⅱ. MATERIALS AND METHODS
  1. Preparation of teeth
  2. Specimen preparation
  3. MMP-13 immunofluorescence
 Ⅲ. RESULTS
 Ⅳ. DISCUSSION
 Ⅴ. REFERENCES

• 이태연(가톨릭 대학교 여의도 성모병원 치과 보존과 임상 조교수) | Tae Yeon Lee Correspondence