Periodontium is a complex organ composed of mineralized epithelial and connective tissue. Dexamethasone could stimulate proliferation of osteoblast and fibroblasts. This study aimed to assess the osteogenic effect of dexamethasone on periodental ligament (PDL) stem cells. PDL stem cells were collected from periodontal ligament tissue of root of extracted premolar of young and healthy people. The stem cells were cultured in α-MEM Medium in three groups, one group with basic medium contains (α- MEM and FBS 10 % and 50 mmol of β_ gelisrophosphat and L_ ascorbic acid µg/ml), the second group: basic medium with dexamethasone and the third one: basic medium without any osteogenic stimulant. Mineralization of cellular layer was analyzed with Alizarin red stain method. Osteogenic analysis was done by Alkaline phosphates and calcium test. These analysis indicated that the amount of intra-cellular calcium and alkaline phosphates in the Dexamethasone group was far more than the control and basic group (P<0.05). The results of Alizarin red stain indicated more mineralization of cultured cells in Dexamethasone group (P<0.05). The study results showed that Dexamethasone has significant osteogenic effect on PDL stem cells and further studies are recommended to evaluate its effect on treatment of bone disorders.
Keywords: PDL stem cell; alizarin red; dexamethasone; in vitro.