Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 and Transforming Growth Factor-β Stimulate Cystine/Glutamate Exchange Activity in Dental Pulp Cells

The results suggest that IGF-1 and TGF-β are protective through the stimulation of system xc-mediated cystine uptake, leading to maintenance of cellular glutathione. This novel action of growth factors on dental pulp cells has implications not only for preventing toxicity of dental materials but also for the general function of these cells.