Figure 2. Transcript alteration by root-end filling materials. Semi-quantitative analysis of transcript expression by periodontal ligament and gingival fibroblasts was performed with RT-PCR. The expression of transcripts associated with hard-tissue formation was examined when these fibroblasts were cultured with different root-end filling materials. ß1 integrin is an ECM protein found in all cell types and was used as a standard control for template cDNA quality and quantity. Alk Phos = alkaline phosphatase; BSP = Bone sialoprotein; MTA = mineral trioxide aggregate.