Abstract: Objective: To investigate thedynamic expressionofCX3CL1 and CX3CR1 in the trigeminal ganglions (TGs) and furthermore toelucidate the potential roles ofCX3CL1 and CX3CR1 in the trigeminal nervous system that involved in the development of the inflammatory response and hyperalgesia induced by pulpitis. Methods: An animal-model of pulpitiswas established. The dynamic expression ofCX3CL1 and CX3CR1 inTGswasobserved byimmunofluorescencetechnique. Results: CX3CL1and CX3CR1-positive cells were found in boththe experimental and control TGs by immunofluorescentstaining. The expression of CX3CL1profiles were presented typical morphology of circles surroundingthe neurons, while CX3CR1wereexpressed inTG neurons. Statistical analysis revealed that the numbers ofCX3CL1and CX3CR1-positive cells were increased induced byCFA-inflammation. The rate of CX3CL1-positive cellsreached the peak at 2weeksand decreased to normal level at 6 weeks. The rate of CX3CR1-positive cells was significantly higherthanthat ofthe control group at 24 hours and 72 hoursafter CFA-inflammation. Conclusion: The expression of CX3CL1 and CX3CR1 may participate in the inflammatory response of pulpitis and hyperalgesia intrigeminal nervous system.

Key words: Pulpitis, Hyperalgesia, Trigeminal ganglion, CX3CL1 , CX3CR1