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1-Hydroxyethylidene-1,1-bisphosphonate (HEBP) simultaneously induces two distinct types of hypomineralization in the rat incisor dentine.

Effects of 1-hydroxyethylidene-1,1-bisphosphonate (HEBP) on the dentinogenesis of the rat maxillary incisor were microradiographically examined 96 hours after a single subcutaneous injection. HEBP produced hypomineralized incremental bands in the enamel (HPOe) and in the dentine (outer HPO1 and inner HPO2) in a dose-dependent manner. In the labial dentine, both HPO1 and HPO2 did not extend apically beyond the apical limit of the HPOe and were thus located in the circumpulpal dentine. The two lesions in the labial dentine fully developed with a dosage of 10 mg/ P/kg or larger, and with 15 mg P/kg or larger, gross hypoplastic lesions developed. Therefore, histological analysis at shorter postinjection intervals was carried out on the labial dentine with 10 mg P/kg of HEBP. The HPO1 appeared along the dentine-predentine junction by 24 hours and was characterized by reduced numbers of inorganic crystals and 10 nm particles which invested the collagen fibrils. Therefore, the HPO1 was judged to be produced by the disturbance of transformation of the predentine to dentine. The precursor lesion of HPO2 appeared in the proximal predentine by 4 hours, and was characterized by reduced number of collagen fibrils and unusually coarse interfibrillar stippled material. This lesion migrated to the dentine by 96 hours and became the HPO2, which was characterized by reduced number of collagen fibrils. Individual collagen fibrils in the HPO2 were invested by as many inorganic crystals and 10 nm particles as in the normal dentine. The HPO2 is considered to be produced by the disturbance of organic matrix formation.

Animals↗

Sulfated glycoconjugates in rat incisor secretory ameloblasts and developing enamel matrix.

We investigated the ultrastructural distribution and histochemical properties of sulfated glycoconjugates, which could be preserved by glutaraldehyde fixation, in secretory ameloblasts and developing enamel matrix, by use of the high iron diamine thiocarbohydrazide silver proteinate (HID-TCH-SP) staining and enzymatic digestion methods. Large type HID-TCH-SP stain deposits, approximately 10 nm in diameter, were detected on the interdigitating cell membrane of Tomes' process, inside some secretory granules, on the lateral cell membrane of stratum intermedium, in the basement membranes associated with outer enamel epithelium and endothelial cells of capillary, within the so-called hole region, and in the enamel matrix near future enamel-cement junction. A few large type stain deposits were, however, randomly distributed over the whole layer of enamel matrix. Small type stain deposits smaller than 5 nm in diameter were localized within some secretory granules and Golgi vesicles of ameloblasts and on the surface layer of developing enamel matrix. While the large type HID-TCH-SP stain deposits associated with the basement membranes and on the lateral cell membrane of stratum intermedium were susceptible to heparitinase, the others resisted enzymatic digestion not only by heparitinase but also by testicular hyaluronidase and chondroitinase ABC, indicating that they represent sulfated glycoconjugates other than heparan sulfate, chondroitin sulfate A, dermatan sulfate, or chondroitin sulfate C. On the other hand, HID-TCH-SP stain deposits within the secretory granules of odontoblasts and in the predentine matrix were susceptible to testicular hyaluronidase. Thus, it was confirmed that the composition of sulfated glycoconjugates secreted into the developing enamel matrix differs essentially from that of sulfated glycoconjugates associated with dentinogenesis.

Ameloblasts↗

Unusual collagen aggregates induced in rat incisor dentin after vinblastine administration.

Young male Wistar rats weighing 100 g were injected intravenously with 0.2 mg of vinblastine sulfate (VBL). At 24, 27, and 36 hours and 2, 4, and 6 days after introduction of the drug, the rats were fixed by means of perfusion and the upper incisors were removed for electron microscopy. Many secretion granules had accumulated in the young odontoblasts 24 hours after VBL administration. Newly formed predentin located between odontoblasts contained small amounts of an unusual collagen aggregate characterized by a fine, symmetrically striated structure, and paired, dense bands, which were present at both ends. After 27 hours, following the disappearance of the secretion granules in the odontoblasts, unusual collagen aggregates had increased in amount. Two days after administration, the predentin layer, which was close to the odontoblasts, was composed largely of unusual collagen aggregates. During dentinogenesis, the layer of unusual collagen aggregates gradually shifted into the dentin, where, 4 days after VBL administration, it was, to a large degree, located. Mineralization of the unusual collagen aggregates began with the deposition of fine, filamentous crystals that later grew into needle-shaped crystals 40 A thick. These findings suggest that unusual collagen aggregates are produced as a result of the secreting function of odontoblasts and are mineralized, as are normal collagen fibrils in dentin.

Animals↗

The dentin matrix protein 1 gene of prototherian and metatherian mammals.

Mineralization of tooth dentin (the deposition of hydroxyapatite crystals in and around collagen type I fibers of the extracellular matrix) requires the involvement of several genes, among them the gene coding for the dentin matrix protein 1, DMP1. We determined the exon-intron organization of the cattle DMP1 gene and used this information to amplify by the polymerase chain reaction homologous gene fragments from the genomic DNA of two species of metatherian (marsupial) mammals and one prototherian (monotreme) species. The translated proto- and metatherian protein sequences are highly divergent from the eutherian sequences but retain the general characteristics of the DMP1 (high acidity, serine-richness, multiple glycosylation sites, and the presence of the RGD cell attachment tripeptide). They therefore appear to be functional even though, evolutionarily, teeth are in a regression phase in prototherians. It is possible, therefore, that DMP1 is also involved in other functions besides dentinogenesis. The DMP1 gene appears to evolve rapidly and apparently tolerates non-frame-shifting insertions/deletions throughout the coding sequence.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Collagen orientation and crystallite size in human dentin: a small angle X-ray scattering study.

The mechanical properties of dentin are largely determined by the intertubular dentin matrix, which is a complex composite of type I collagen fibers and a carbonate-rich apatite mineral phase. We performed a small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) study on fully mineralized human dentin to quantify this fiber/mineral composite architecture from the nanoscopic through continuum length scales. The SAXS results were consistent with nucleation and growth of the apatite phase within periodic gaps in the collagen fibers. These mineralized fibers were perpendicular to the dentinal tubules and parallel with the mineralization growth front. Within the plane of the mineralization front, the mineralized collagen fibers were isotropic near the pulp, but became mildly anisotropic in the mid-dentin. Analysis of the data also indicated that near the pulp the mineral crystallites were approximately needle-like, and progressed to a more plate-like shape near the dentino-enamel junction. The thickness of these crystallites, approximately 5 nm, did not vary significantly with position in the tooth. These results were considered within the context of dentinogenesis and maturation.

Collagen Type I↗

The effect of intravenous pamidronate on bone mineral density, bone histomorphometry, and parameters of bone turnover in adults with type IA osteogenesis imperfecta.

The type IA osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) phenotype is characterized by multiple fractures, blue sclerae, and minimal skeletal deformity without dentinogenesis imperfecta. The object of this study was to determine the effect of treatment with intravenous pamidronate (30 mg) every 3 months on bone density and bone histomorphometry in adults with type IA OI. After an initial iliac crest bone biopsy eight subjects, 5 women and 3 men, entered a treatment program lasting 21-30 months. Five subjects, all women, completed the study which included a posttreatment iliac crest bone biopsy. Pamidronate treatment led to significant increases in bone mineral density (BMD), measured by DXA, in the lumbar spine at 12 months (P = 0.05) and in the femur neck (P = 0.02) at 24 months. Significant increases in BMD were also seen in femoral trochanter at 12 months (P = 0.05) and at 24 months (P = 0.02), and in Ward's triangle at 12 months (P = 0.02) and 24 months (P = 0.05). Mean osteocalcin levels decreased 32%, C-terminal procollagen peptide and bone alkaline phosphatase declined 12% and 47% at 15 and 21 months, respectively. Deoxypyridinoline crosslink excretion decreased 31%. Posttreatment bone biopsy revealed a significant 6.3% increase in mean bone trabecular volume (P = 0.01). Mean cortical thickness increased from 848 mm to 1384 mm (P = 0.01) and cortical porosity decreased 13.2% (P = 0.01). Bone formation rate increased significantly in all 5 patients from 6.6 to 15.3 mm2/yr (P = 0.01). Mineral apposition rate was unchanged. These results indicate that intravenous pamidronate, 30 mg every 3 months, may have significant effects on bone density and histomorphometry in adults with type IA OI. Responses at higher doses remain to be evaluated.

Adult↗

Dentin sialoprotein and phosphoprotein induce neutrophil recruitment: a mechanism dependent on IL-1beta, TNF-beta, and CXC chemokines.

Dentin is a reservoir of several potentially active molecules, and dentin sialoprotein (DSP) and dentin phosphoprotein (DPP) are the two major non-collagenous proteins. It has been established that dentin molecules are released as a consequence of osteoclast action during the resorption process. Along with osteoclasts, inflammatory cells seem to play an important role at sites of root resorption. Although the role of dentin molecules in dentinogenesis is well known, their role in pathological processes associated with dentin matrix dissolution is unclear. Recent studies have suggested that dentin components may function as chemotactic and activator signals for inflammatory cells at these sites. Herein we present evidence that demineralized dentin crude extract, DSP, and DPP induced doseand time-dependent neutrophil migration into the peritoneal cavity of mice and that this activity was inhibited by dexamethasone, but not by indomethacin or MK886. The blockade of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-1 (IL-1) receptors inhibited neutrophil accumulation. The neutrophil migration was also diminished in the absence of the chemokines cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant (KC) and macrophage inflammatory protein-2 (MIP-2), but not in the absence of macrophage inflammatory protein-1alpha (MIP-1alpha). These results demonstrate that dentin induces neutrophil migration via the synthesis of IL-1beta, TNF-alpha, and chemokines and they suggest that dentin matrix proteins may have an active role in inflammatory cell recruitment during pathological processes associated with dentin and bone matrix dissolution.

Animals↗

Modulation of collagen fibrillogenesis by dentinal proteoglycans.

Studies have identified different pools of proteoglycan (PG) species present within the unmineralized matrix of the predentine, the transitional phase at the predentine-dentine interface and the mineralized dentine. These PGs alter with respect to the chemical nature of their glycosaminoglycan (GAG) chains and as a result of extracellular processing of the macromolecule in the matrix. The present study has examined the influence of the PGs isolated from these phases and the influence of the attached GAG chains, upon their ability to control collagen fibrillogenesis. PGs isolated from the three phases were characterized and determined to contain a mixture of decorin and biglycan. Results have indicated that predentine PGs, which are substituted with a higher proportion of dermatan sulfate, significantly delayed fibril formation while ultimately promoting the formation of thicker fibrils. Removal of the GAG chains further delayed fibrillogenesis, leading to the formation of thinner fibrils, compared with the collagen-only control. PGs isolated from predentine-dentine, which contained a higher proportion of chondroitin sulfate, also significantly delayed fibrillogenesis, resulting in thicker collagen fibrils. GAG chains attached to the predentine-dentine interface PGs played a role in the timing of fibrillogenesis with fibril formation initiated at the same time as the collagen control, but yielding thicker fibrils. Dentine PGs significantly inhibited fibrillogenesis and fibril thickness over concentrations of 50-25 microg/mL protein. In conclusion, the PGs isolated from the distinct phases have indicated differing roles in the orchestrated organization of the extracellular matrix during dentinogenesis, with roles for both the core protein and attached GAG chains indicated.

Animals↗

Targeted disruption of two small leucine-rich proteoglycans, biglycan and decorin, excerpts divergent effects on enamel and dentin formation.

Small leucine-rich proteoglycans have been suggested to affect mineralization of dental hard tissues. To determine the functions of two of these small proteoglycans during the early stages of tooth formation, we characterized the dental phenotypes of biglycan (BGN KO) and decorin deficient (DCN KO) mice and compared them to that of wild type mice. Each targeted gene disruption resulted in specific effects on dentin and enamel formation. Dentin was hypomineralized in both knock out mice, although the effect was more prominent in the absence of decorin. Enamel formation was dramatically increased in newborn biglycan knockout mice but delayed in absence of decorin. Increased enamel formation in the former case resulted from an upregulation of amelogenin synthesis whereas delayed enamel formation in the later case was most probably an indirect consequence of the high porosity of the underlying dentin. Enamelin expression was unchanged in BGN KO, and reduced in DCN KO. Dentin sialoprotein (DSP), a member of the family of phosphorylated extracellular matrix proteins that play a role in dentinogenesis, was overexpressed in BGN-KO odontoblasts and in the sub-odontoblastic layer. In contrast, a decreased expression of DSP was detected in DCN KO. Dentin matrix protein-1 (DMP-1), bone sialoprotein (BSP) and osteopontin (OPN) were upregulated in BGN KO and downregulated in the DCN KO. Despite the strong effects induced by these deficiencies in newborn mice, no significant difference was detected between the three genotypes in adult mice, suggesting that the effects reported here in newborn mice are transient and subjected to self-repair.

Amelogenin↗

Junctional proteins and Ca2+ transport in the rat odontoblast-like cell line MRPC-1.

A transcellular bulk flow of Ca2+ ions through the odontoblast layer is of central importance during dentinogenesis. For this, specialized mechanisms may exist, which by a concerted action, gate Ca2+ into the proximal end of the cells and extrude the ions towards the mineralization front. To elucidate these mechanisms, an in vitro model would be useful. Mature odontoblasts are, however, post-mitotic cells and cannot be propagated in cell culture. The aim of the present study was, therefore, to characterize the odontoblast-like rat cell line MRPC-1(1) with regard to transcellular Ca2+ transport, barrier function, and intercellular junctions when cultured on membranes in Transwell chambers. The MRPC-1 cells grew as epithelial-like cells in a continuous bilayer separated by a thin collagenous matrix and with intercellular junctional complexes. They exhibited properties of a low-resistance epithelium, maintained a Ca(2+)-dependent diffusion barrier, and exhibited a functional diversity between the two cell layers. MRPC-1 cells expressed ZO-1, occludin, E-, and N-cadherins in addition to alpha-, beta-, gamma- and p120cat catenins, thereby demonstrating some traits in common with, but also differences from, epithelial cells and major differences from fibroblasts. The transcellular Ca2+ flux was inhibitable by nifedipine unidirectionally, giving evidence for an active intracellular Ca2+ transport through voltage-gated channels of the L-type. Similarities with native odontoblasts indicate that MRPC-1 cells may be useful for in vitro studies of transcellular Ca2+ transport mechanisms of importance for the calcification process.

Animals↗

Parathyroid hormone (1-34) receptor-binding and second-messenger response in rat incisor odontoblasts.

Even though indirect evidence indicates that PTH exerts an anabolic effect on dentinogenesis, the existence of PTH receptors and any second-messenger response in odontoblasts have not been demonstrated. The aim of this study was to investigate whether rat incisor odontoblasts express PTH receptors, and to identify which second messenger pathway the hormone may activate. Odontoblasts were dissected from rat incisors. Amino-terminal (1-34) fragment rat PTH [rPTH(1-34)] conjugated to fluorescein isothiocyanate visualized receptor sites on the cell surface. Upon incubation of odontoblasts with rPTH(1-34), cAMP formation was increased. However, no fluctuations in intracellular calcium activity were observed upon rPTH(1-34) stimulation when using Fura-2 as a Ca2+ probe. In long-time incubations, stimulation with PTH(1-34) upregulated APase activity. The results demonstrate that rPTH(1-34) evokes an anabolic response in dentinogenically active odontoblasts, and that this may be mediated through the protein kinase A/cAMP pathway, whereas no indications for Ca2+ as a second messenger were evident.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗

Expression of the mRNA for types I and II interleukin-1 receptors in dental tissues of mice during tooth development.

Interleukin-1 (IL-1) can exert its pleiotropic effects on nearly every tissue by binding to its cognate receptor. Two types of IL-1 receptors have been identified. A large number of cell types have been shown to possess IL-1 receptors in vitro and in vivo, but few studies have addressed the question of expression in dental tissues in vivo. Using in situ hybridization in normal newborn, young and adult mice, we have examined the cellular distribution of both types of IL-1 receptors in dental tissues. In the ameloblast layer of incisors and molars, the mRNA for the type I IL-1 receptor (IL-1RI) and the type II IL-1 receptor (IL-1RII) was detected at the presecretory stage. The expression level markedly increased and remained during amelogenesis at the secretory stage. At the maturation stage, however, the transcripts for both IL-1RI and -II mRNA disappeared. Expression of IL-1RI and -II mRNA was also observed in odontoblasts after crown morphogenesis had been completed, and continued in these cells during dentinogenesis. No transcripts were detected in stratum intermedium cells and other cells in dental follicle, stellate reticulum, dental papilla, or pulp. Additionally, both types of IL-1R mRNA were also detected in osteoclasts on surfaces of alveolar bone. These results demonstrated for the first time that enamel-secreting ameloblasts and dentine-secreting odontoblasts express IL-1RI and -II mRNA, suggesting that IL-1 plays a regulatory role in the function of ameloblasts and odontoblasts during tooth development of mice.

Age Factors↗

Expression of connexin 43 and ZO-1 in differentiating ameloblasts and odontoblasts from rat molar tooth germs.

We studied the distribution of connexin (Cx) 43 and ZO-1 by confocal laser scanning microscopy at early stages of dentinogenesis and amelogenesis. Labeling for Cx43 was observed at early stages of differentiation in both the epithelial cells and differentiating odontoblasts. Immunolabeling was detected at the distal and medial regions of undifferentiated ameloblasts and between cells from stratum intermedium and stellate reticulum. Differentiating odontoblasts exhibited immunoreaction for this antibody at their distal end. Immunoreactivity for ZO-1 was observed at regions that correspond to the proximal and distal junctional complexes of differentiating ameloblasts. Staining for ZO-1 was observed at apical regions of odontoblasts with a punctate appearance. In more advanced stages, expression of Cx43 was more evident on ameloblasts, especially at the junctional complexes. Punctate immunolabeling for Cx43 was observed at the lateral sides of differentiating ameloblasts and between the other cells of the enamel organ. Immunoreaction for ZO-1 in ameloblasts was more evident than at the previous stage. It was also observed at the distal end of differentiated odontoblasts. The present study showed that differentiating ameloblasts and odontoblasts express Cx43 and ZO-1 as early as the start of the differentiation process. In addition, the expression of these junctional proteins increases as differentiation of cells continues.

Ameloblasts↗

In situ detection of apoptosis in dental and periodontal tissues of the adult mouse using annexin-V-biotin.

An early event in apoptosis is exposure of phosphatidylserine, an aminophospholipid normally present in the inner leaflet of the plasma membranes, at the outer leaflet of the plasma membrane facing the extracellular space. Annexin V (Anx-V) is a 35-kDa protein with high affinity for phosphatidylserine, which can be applied to detect apoptosis. We injected biotin-labelled Anx-V intravenously in adult mice and examined the tissue distribution of Anx-V-labelled cells in dental and periodontal tissues using ABC-peroxidase histochemistry. In the continuously erupting incisors, strong and frequent immunostaining was observed in transitional stage and late maturation stage ameloblasts with less frequent staining in preameloblasts. Frequency of staining in odontoblasts and pulp cells was low but increased slightly at older stages of dentinogenesis. Labelling was also seen in phagocytic or phagocytic-like cells in the enamel organ and pulp. A positive staining was furthermore found in fibroblasts of the periodontal ligament in continuously erupting incisors and in fully erupted molar teeth. Staining intensity and the number of positive cells were enhanced by antigen retrieval using high-pressure cooking. We conclude that Anx-V-biotin labels dental cells in early stages of cell death and indirectly cells that have ingested labelled apoptotic cells during the course of the experiment. The data confirm that during amelogenesis most cell death occurs in transitional stage and late maturation stage ameloblasts. Thus, labelling with Anx-V is a useful marker for studying cell death and the dynamics of clearance of apoptotic cells during tooth development.

Animals↗

Sequential expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and nitrotyrosine in odontoblasts and pulp cells during dentin repair after tooth preparation in rat molars.

Nitric oxide (NO) stimulates osteoblast differentiation, but whether NO contributes to odontoblast differentiation during dentin repair is unknown. By using reverse transcription/polymerase chain reaction and immunostaining, we investigated the gene expression and/or immunolocalization of endothelial NO synthase (eNOS), inducible NOS (iNOS), and nitrotyrosine (a biomarker for NO-derived peroxinitrite), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and osteocalcin (early and terminal differentiation markers of odontoblasts, respectively) in dental pulp tissue after rat tooth preparation. At the early stage (1-3 days) post-preparation, markedly increased expression of iNOS and nitrotyrosine was found in odontoblasts and pulp cells beneath the cavity, whereas eNOS expression was significantly decreased. ALP mRNA expression was significantly increased after 1 day but decreased after 3 days, whereas ALP activity was weak in the dentin-pulp interface under the cavity after 1 day but strong after 3 days. Osteocalcin mRNA expression was significantly increased at this stage. At 7 days post-preparation, tertiary dentin was formed under the cavity. All the molecules studied were expressed at control levels in odontoblasts/pulp cells beneath the cavity. These findings show that abundant NO is released from odontoblasts and pulp cells at an early stage after tooth preparation and indicate that, after tooth preparation, the up-regulation of iNOS and nitrotyrosine in odontoblasts is synchronized with increased cellular expression of ALP and osteocalcin. Therefore, the NO synthesized by iNOS after tooth preparation probably participates in regulating odontoblast differentiation during tertiary dentinogenesis.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗

Dexamethasone stimulates differentiation of odontoblast-like cells in human dental pulp cultures.

Regenerative dental pulp strategies require the identification of precursors able to differentiate into odontoblast-like cells that secrete reparative dentin after injury. Pericytes have the ability to give rise to osteoblasts, chondrocytes, and adipocytes, a feature that has led to the suggestion that odontoblast-like cells could derive from these perivascular cells. In order to gain new insights into this hypothesis, we investigated the effects of dexamethasone (Dex), a synthetic glucocorticoid employed to induce osteogenic differentiation in vitro, in a previously reported model of human dental pulp cultures containing pericytes as identified by their expression of smooth muscle actin (SMA) and their specific ultrastructural morphology. Our data indicated that Dex (10(-8) M) significantly inhibited cell proliferation and markedly reduced the proportion of SMA-positive cells. Conversely, Dex strongly stimulated alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and induced the expression of the transcript encoding the major odontoblastic marker, dentin sialophosphoprotein. Nevertheless, parathyroid hormone/parathyroid hormone-related peptide receptor, core-binding factor a1/osf 2, osteonectin, and lipoprotein lipase mRNA levels were not modified by Dex treatment. Dex also increased the proportion of cells expressing STRO-1, a marker of multipotential mesenchymal progenitor cells. These observations indicate that glucocorticoids regulate the commitment of progenitors derived from dental pulp cells to form odontoblast-like cells, while reducing the proportion of SMA-positive cells. These results provide new perspectives in deciphering the cellular and molecular mechanisms leading to reparative dentinogenesis.

Actins↗

A histological and biochemical study of the effect of vitamin C-deficiency on induction of amelogenesis in hamster molars in vitro.

Second maxillary molars of hamsters were cultured in the presence or absence of 250 micrograms/ml vitamin C for periods up to 12 days. At various days, cultured explants were studied with histological and biochemical methods to investigate effects of vitamin C-deficiency on matrix production and mineralization in vitro. As biochemical parameters for protein synthesis and mineralization, uptake and incorporation of [3H]-proline, 45Ca and 32PO4 were used. To discriminate between synthesis of collagenous and non-collagenous proteins digestion of the [3H]-proline-labelled material by purified collagenase and its degree of hydroxylation were measured. Histologically, in control explants cultured with vitamin C, normal dentinogenesis, amelogenesis and mineralization in vitro were observed. In the vitamin C-deficient explants, odontoblasts produced an abnormal predentine matrix and de-differentiated. Eventually, this matrix mineralized aspecifically. In the presence of this abnormal matrix, ameloblasts failed to differentiate, which suggests that a cell-matrix type of interaction is involved in the differentiation of the pre-ameloblasts. Biochemically, in the vitamin C-deficient explants protein synthesis and collagen synthesis were reduced by about the same extent; the in-vitro produced collagens appeared under-hydroxylated and could, in degraded form, easily be extracted in formic acid. An increase of [3H]-proline solubility in formic acid in the control explants, however, paralleled enamel matrix production and was attributed to the solubilization of proline-rich enamel matrix proteins. The production of acid insoluble phosphate was not affected by vitamin C-deficiency. The uptakes of 45Ca and 32PO4 were retarded and the molar Ca:PO4 uptake ratio was lower, reflecting the histologically observed aspecific mineralization.

Amelogenesis↗

Long-term (8 days) effects of exposure to low concentrations of fluoride on enamel formation in hamster tooth-germs in organ culture in vitro.

Second maxillary molars of 3-4-day-old hamsters were cultured for 7-8 days in the continuous presence of fluoride (F-) or chloride in concentrations between 2.63 microM and 1.31 mM. For biochemical study, explants were labelled during the last 24 h of culture with a triple label of [3H]-proline, 45Ca and 32PO4. The 3H-labelled presumptive amelogenins were separated from the 3H-labelled dentine collagens by a three-step extraction procedure. Histologically, chronic exposure to F- had no obvious effects below 26.3 microM; at 26.3 microM of F-, a non-mineralizing enamel matrix was observed besides that of a normal mineralizing enamel. From 52 microM of F- onwards, only a non-mineralizing enamel matrix was found in decreasing amounts extracellularly as F- concentrations increased. Except for the presence of globular dentine, dentinogenesis was not obviously affected by F-. Biochemically, total synthesis of presumptive amelogenins was hardly disturbed, but their solubility was changed by chronic F- treatment; more amelogenins became formic-acid soluble at the expense of water-soluble amelogenins. Chronic exposure to F- decreased the water-soluble amelogenin fraction according to a logarithmic function of the medium F- concentration. By extrapolation, it was calculated that concentrations higher than 1-2 microM of F- affect amelogenesis in vitro. Synthesis of dentine collagen was not affected by chronic exposure to F- in vitro. Chronic exposure to F- decreased uptake of 45Ca and to a less extent trichloroacetic acid-soluble 32PO4. Chronic F- exposure may inhibit energy production in the enamel organ resulting in an impairment of enamel matrix secretion as well as that of a trans-epithelial transport mechanism for calcium.

Amelogenesis↗