Figure 2.

SEM examination of the effects of MMP-2 on the dentin matrix through low viscosity resin replicas. (A) Standardized human dentin cubes were treated for 24 h with 0.5 M lactic (pH 4.8) and resin penetration in demineralized dentin was observed by resin replicas. The low viscosity resin penetrates in the main dentin tubules. (B) The treatment of demineralized dentin cubes by activated recombinant MMP-2 shows a deeper resin penetration into the main dentin tubules, suggesting increased dentin matrix degradation. Bar = 100 mm.