Analysis of collagen fibres in human dental pulp using picrosirius red stain and polarised microscopy

BackgroundThe extracellular matrix (ECM) performs a very important function in growth regulation, tissue differentiation and organization. Diseases of pulp are seen in all ages. Collagen, the main macromolecule of dental pulp, varies in its number, thickness and distribution with age. Hence a study was designed to identify and analyze the collagen fibers in human dental pulp on the basis of polarizing colors in various age groups.Material and methodsA study was conducted using the pulp of 30 non-carious teeth from patients of various ages and one tooth germ. Picrosirius red stain was used to stain the collagen present in dental papilla, dental follicle and dental pulp and the thickness of the fibers was assessed on the basis of the polarizing colors.ResultsCollagen fibers in dental follicle stained red while they were not stained in papilla. Collagen fibers in the pulp of teeth of younger individuals stained green to greenish yellow, in middle aged individuals, it stained orange–orange red while in older individuals, it stained red.ConclusionThe results from the study show that with aging, thickness of collagen fibers increases and there is change in their arrangement and packaging indicating fibrosis.