Identification of N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor Subunit in Human Periodontal Ligament Fibroblasts: Potential Role in Regulating Differentiation

Abstract

Background: Periodontal ligament fibroblasts (PDLFs), which can be differentiated into osteoblasts, are crucial cells for the regeneration of the periodontal tissue. Although N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors were reported to be involved in bone formation by affecting osteoblasts, the existence and function of NMDA receptors in PDLFs have not been confirmed. The purpose of this study was to examine the expression of NMDA receptors and their role in human PDLFs.

Methods: Human PDLFs were cultured and evaluated to identify the subunits of NMDA receptors (NR) by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, Western blot analysis, and immunocytochemistry. Then, the cells were assigned to four different groups: a control media group, a control media with NMDA receptor antagonist group, a differentiation media group, and a differentiation media with NMDA receptor antagonist group. Cell proliferation assay, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity analysis, and mineralization assay were performed to determine whether NMDA receptors affected the function of PDLFs.

Results: NR1, NR2B, and NR2D were detected in human PDLFs. There was no statistically significant difference in proliferation among the groups. However, the NMDA receptor antagonist–treated group showed a significant reduction in ALP activity (P <0.05). Moreover, the NMDA receptor antagonist–supplemented group presented no mineralization.

Conclusions: This study revealed the existence of NMDA receptors in human PDLFs and specified their subunits. Moreover, NMDA receptors had a significant influence on the differentiation and mineralization of human PDLFs but did not affect their proliferation. These results suggest that NMDA receptors may play an important role in the differentiation and mineral tissue formation of human PDLFs.