Fluid and protein flux across the pulpodentine complex of the dog in vivo.

Dentinal fluid volume and protein concentrations were measured from cavities prepared in the dentine of dog molars. Fluid was collected under spontaneous conditions, during the application of negative pressures, and during a recovery period. The data allowed the calculation of dentine permeability as hydraulic conductances, fluid flux, protein flux, reflection coefficients and pulpal tissue pressures. In general, the protein concentration of dentinal fluid was about one-fifth that of plasma during spontaneous conditions and it fell when fluid flux was increased by the application of external negative pressures. The collection and analysis of dentinal fluid looks promising as a non-invasive method of assessing the state of the underlying pulp.