Objective: To evaluate whether the Notch signalling pathway is involved in the senescence of human dental pulp cells. Methods: Human dental pulp cells were isolated and cultured. The Notch signalling pathway was blocked by adding DAPT (N-[N-(3,5-difluorophenacetyl-L-alanyl)]-S-phenylglycine t-butyl ester, γ-secretase inhibitor, 5 μmol/L) into the culture medium. Cell proliferation was evaluated by MTT assay. Cell senescence was evaluated through expression of senescenceassociated β-galactosidase (SA-β-Gal) using β-galactosidase staining. Results: The proliferation of the human dental pulp cells decreased dramatically after treatment with DAPT, compared with the control. SA-β-Gal positive staining cells were seen in the DAPT group, but not in the control group. Conclusion: The Notch signalling pathway is involved in the senescence of human dental pulp cells.

Keywords: dental pulp cells, senescence, Notch signalling pathway