OBJECTIVETo study localization and expression of CSF-1 receptor protein, in order to discover the CSF-1 and IL-1alpha effects on CSF-1 receptor mRNA levels and to determine if the autocrine effect is inhibited through the CSF-1 receptor.

METHODSImmunolocalization of CSF-1 receptor in the cultured dental follicle cells and in mandibles of the post-natal rats from day 1 to 11 were performed. The effects of different concentrations of CSF-1, IL-1alpha on CSF-1 receptor gene expression were detected by means of RT-PCR.

RESULTSCultured dental follicle cells were immunostained for the CSF-1 receptor. In vivo, immunostaining showed that the CSF-1 receptor was present in the dental follicle of the first mandibular molar at early post-natally and was either absent or greatly reduced by day 11 post-natally. High concentrations of cvCSF-1 reduced the gene expression of the CSF-1 receptor. IL-1alpha had no effects on CSF-1 receptor mRNA levels.

CONCLUSIONSThe expression of CSF-1 receptor reaches a peak early post-natally in the dental follicle of the first mandibular molar of the rat and then subsequently declines. High concentrations of CSF-1 inhibits the expression of CSF-1 receptor, IL-1alpha has no effect on the expression of CSF-1 receptor mRNA.