HSP70 mRNA expression by cells of the epithelial rest of Malassez due to mechanical forces in vitro

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the present study was to examine the in vitro responses of ERM cells under the combination of centrifugal and compression forces, in terms of their expression of HSP70 mRNA. METHODS: The ERM cells were positive for CK19 indicating that they were derived from the odontogenic epithelium. Cultured ERM cells were applied centrifugal force and compressing force at one to three times as mechanical forces. After addition of forces, cells were observed using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and were measured expression of HSP70 mRNA by RT-PCR. RESULTS: SEM observations showed the cells were flattened immediately after the application of mechanical force, but nuclear protrusions recovered the same as the control 3 h later. A significantly higher expression of HSP70 mRNA was observed in ERM cells under mechanical force compared with the control, but it gradually decreased with time. No accumulation of HSP70 mRNA expression occurred with intermittent force. However, the expression of HSP70 mRNA with intermittent force repeated 3 times was significantly higher compared with intermittent force applied only once or twice. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that ERM cells express HSP70 mRNA in response to mechanical force, and that intermittent force maintains the level of HSP70 mRNA expression.