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Expression of p63 and p73 in ameloblastomas.

BACKGROUND: To clarify the role of p53 homologs in oncogenesis and cytodifferentiation of odontogenic tumors, expression of p63 and p73 was analyzed in ameloblastomas as well as tooth germs. METHODS: Tissue specimens of nine tooth germs and 48 benign and five malignant ameloblastomas were examined by immunohistochemistry and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for the expression of p63 and p73. RESULTS: Immunoreactivity for p63 and p73 was evident in epithelial cells neighboring the basement membrane in developing and neoplastic odontogenic tissues. p63 expression in desmoplastic ameloblastomas was significantly higher than in acanthomatous and granular cell ameloblastomas, and ameloblastic carcinomas showed higher p63 expression than metastasizing ameloblastomas. p73 expression was significantly higher in plexiform ameloblastomas than in follicular ameloblastomas, and basal cell ameloblastomas showed higher p73 expression than granular cell ameloblastomas. mRNA transcripts for Delta Np63 and TAp73 were detected in all developing and neoplastic odontogenic tissues. TAp63 mRNA was expressed in five of eight tooth germs, 16 of 34 ameloblastomas, and one of one malignant ameloblastoma, whereas Delta Np73 mRNA was recognized in one of eight tooth germs, nine of 34 ameloblastomas, and one of one malignant ameloblastoma. CONCLUSION: The expression of p63 and p73 suggests that these p53 homologs play a role in differentiation and proliferation of odontogenic epithelial cells. Variations of predominantly expressed isoforms suggest that p63 and p73 might differentially function in odontogenic tissues.

Ameloblastoma↗

K-Ras gene status and expression of Ras/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling molecules in ameloblastomas.

BACKGROUND: To clarify the roles of rat sarcoma (Ras)/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway in oncogenesis and cytodifferentiation of odontogenic tumors, K-Ras gene status and expression of Ras, Raf1, MAPK/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) kinase (MEK)1, and ERK1/2 proteins were analyzed in ameloblastomas as well as in tooth germs. METHODS: Paraffin sections of 10 tooth germs and 46 benign and 6 malignant ameloblastomas were examined immunohistochemically for the expression of K-Ras, Raf1, MEK1, and ERK1/2. Frozen tissue samples of 22 benign ameloblastomas and 1 malignant (metastasizing) ameloblastoma were analyzed by direct DNA sequencing to detect K-Ras gene alteration. RESULTS: Immunohistochemical reactivity for K-Ras, Raf1, MEK1, and ERK1/2 was detected in both normal and neoplastic odontogenic epithelium, and these molecules were reactive chiefly with odontogenic epithelial cells neighboring the basement membrane. Plexiform ameloblastomas showed slightly stronger expression of these Ras/MAPK signaling molecules than follicular ameloblastomas. Keratinizing cells and granular cells showed decreased reactivity for the signaling molecules. Basal cell ameloblastomas showed slightly stronger reactivity for the signaling molecules than did the other subtypes. K-Ras immunoreactivity in malignant ameloblastomas was lower than that in dental lamina of tooth germs. Direct DNA sequencing showed a GGT to GCT point mutation at codon 12 of K-Ras gene in one ameloblastoma. CONCLUSION: Expression of K-Ras, Raf1, MEK1, and ERK1/2 in tooth germs and ameloblastomas suggests that Ras/MAPK signaling pathway functions to regulate cell proliferation and differentiation in both normal and neoplastic odontogenic epithelium. K-Ras gene status implied that K-Ras mutations might play a minor role in oncogenesis of odontogenic epithelium.

Ameloblastoma↗

Detection of mitochondria-mediated apoptosis signaling molecules in ameloblastomas.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the roles of the apoptosis signaling pathway mediated by mitochondria in oncogenesis and cytodifferentiation of odontogenic tumors, expression of pathway signaling molecules was analyzed in ameloblastomas as well as in tooth germs. METHODS: Tissue specimens of 12 tooth germs, 41 benign ameloblastomas, and five malignant ameloblastomas were examined by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry to determine the expression of cytochrome c, apoptotic protease-activating factor-1 (APAF-1), caspase-9, and apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF). RESULTS: The mRNA expression of APAF-1, caspase-9, and AIF was detected in all samples of normal and neoplastic odontogenic tissues. Immunohistochemical reactivity for cytochrome c, APAF-1, caspase-9, and AIF was detected in both normal and neoplastic odontogenic tissues. Expression of cytochrome c and AIF was evident in odontogenic epithelial cells neighboring the basement membrane, and APAF-1 and caspase-9 were detected in most odontogenic epithelial cells. Immunoreactivity for cytochrome c in tooth germs was slightly weaker than that in benign and malignant ameloblastomas. Keratinizing cells in acanthomatous ameloblastomas and granular cells in granular cell ameloblastomas showed a decrease or loss of immunoreactivity for these mitochondria-mediated apoptosis signaling molecules. Expression of AIF was obviously low in ameloblastic carcinomas. CONCLUSION: Expression of cytochrome c, APAF-1, caspase-9, and AIF in tooth germs and ameloblastomas suggests that the mitochondria-mediated apoptotic pathway has a role in apoptotic cell death of normal and neoplastic odontogenic epithelium. Expression of these mitochondrial apoptosis signaling molecules might be involved in oncogenesis, cytodifferentiation, and malignant transformation of odontogenic epithelium.

Ameloblastoma↗

Detection of cell cycle-related factors in ameloblastomas.

To determine whether cell cycle regulation or alteration plays a role in oncogenesis and cytodifferentiation of odontogenic epithelium, cell cycle-related factors, including cyclin D1, p16INK4a, p21(WAF1/Cip1) and p27Kip1 proteins, DNA topoisomerase IIalpha and histone H3 mRNA, were examined in 8 tooth germs and 31 ameloblastomas. Cyclin D1 was expressed in epithelial cells near the basement membrane in tooth germs and ameloblastomas, suggesting that this protein participates in cell proliferation in odontogenic epithelium. Immunoreactivity for p16 protein was observed in most epithelial cells in tooth germs and ameloblastomas. Expression of p21 protein was detected in most epithelial cells in tooth germs and ameloblastomas, but not in keratinizing or granular cells in variants of ameloblastomas. Expression of p27 protein was chiefly found in central polyhedral cells and keratinizing cells in tooth germs and ameloblastomas. These cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors were well preserved in ameloblastomas as compared with tooth germs, suggesting that the odontogenic epithelium is strictly regulated by these factors. The cell cycle phase/cellular proliferation markers, DNA topoisomerase IIalpha and histone H3 mRNA, were localized in scattered epithelial cells attached to the basement membrane in tooth germs and ameloblastomas.

Ameloblastoma↗

Disturbed tooth eruption in osteopetrotic (op/op) mice: histopathogenesis of tooth malformation and odontomas.

BACKGROUND: Odontoma-like structures are formed in the jaw bone of osteopetrotic (op/op) mice, which have a congenital deficiency in osteoclastic differentiation due to the absence of functional macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF). METHODS: To clarify the histopathogenesis of tooth malformation and odontoma-like structures, a 2-year postnatal process of development of the op/op mandibular incisor was examined radiologically and histologically. At the same time, extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling around tooth germs was analyzed immunohistochemically. RESULTS: Abnormal forms of op/op tooth germ were noticeable even at 3 days after birth on a radiogram. Histologically, op/op mice were clearly distinguished by the disappearance of dental follicular space at 3 days. With aging, bone trabeculae, which were not remodeled, penetrated into op/op tooth germs and divided them into several daughter germs, which were recognized as odontomas. In mandibular incisor bodies, the immature ECM components, such as heparan sulfate proteoglycan and tenascin, were preserved diffusely in the dental papilla/pulp, which indicates that maturation of the stroma does not take place in op/op mandibular incisors. CONCLUSION: The observation suggests that the disturbed morphogenesis of op/op tooth germs is functionally explained by the disordered immunolocalization of ECM molecules, and that the dental follicular space is essential for normal tooth development because it prevents bone penetration into the tooth germs.

Animals↗

Immunohistochemical and biochemical analysis of laminin in neonatal rat first molars.

Rabbit polyclonal antibody against mouse EHS laminin was used to investigate the distribution and composition of laminin in the rat first molar tooth germ. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that laminin is expressed in the inner and outer epithelia of the enamel organ and in small blood vessels in the dental papilla and strellate reticulum. Immunoblots revealed that tooth germ laminin differs from EHS laminin. Tooth germ laminin contains beta chains, while the alpha 1 chain is substituted by a 300-kDa chain. Two-dimensional electrophoresis analysis of tooth germ extract showed that beta chains appeared as four spots with approximate pI values of 6.6, 7.5, 7.8 and 8.5. These results indicate that more than-one type of laminin isoform is present in the first molar tooth germ. Additionally, we have shown that despite the early degradation of tooth germ basement membrane, the laminin molecule is still intact at the time of birth.

Animals↗

Laminin alpha5 is required for dental epithelium growth and polarity and the development of tooth bud and shape.

In tooth development, the oral ectoderm and mesenchyme coordinately and reciprocally interact through the basement membrane for their growth and differentiation to form the proper shape and size of the tooth. Laminin alpha5 subunit-containing laminin-10/11 (LM-511/521) is the major laminin in the tooth germ basement membrane. Here, we have examined the role of laminin alpha5 (Lama5) in tooth development using laminin alpha5-null mouse primary dental epithelium and tooth germ organ cultures. Lama5-null mice develop a small tooth germ with defective cusp formation and have reduced proliferation of dental epithelium. Also, cell polarity and formation of the monolayer of the inner dental epithelium are disturbed. The enamel knot, a signaling center for tooth germ development, is defective, and there is a significant reduction of Shh and Fgf4 expression in the dental epithelium. In the absence of laminin alpha5, the basement membrane in the inner dental epithelium becomes discontinuous. In normal mice, integrin alpha6beta4, a receptor for laminin alpha5, is strongly localized at the basal layer of the epithelium, whereas in mutant mice, integrin alpha6beta4 is expressed around the cell surface. In primary dental epithelium culture, laminin-10/11 promotes cell growth, spreading, and filopodia-like microspike formation. This promotion is inhibited by anti-integrin alpha6 and beta4 antibodies and by phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitors and dominant negative Rho-GTPase family proteins Cdc42 and Rac. In organ culture, anti-integrin alpha6 antibody and wortmannin reduce tooth germ size and shape. Our studies demonstrate that laminin alpha5 is required for the proliferation and polarity of basal epithelial cells and suggest that the interaction between laminin-10/11-integrin alpha6beta4 and the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-Cdc42/Rac pathways play an important role in determining the size and shape of tooth germ.

Animals↗

Tooth-type specific expression of dHAND/Hand2: possible involvement in murine lower incisor morphogenesis.

dHAND/Hand2 is a basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor required for the development of the heart, pharyngeal arches, and vasculature and is expressed during embryogenesis. However, there are no reports on the involvement of the dHAND gene in tooth development. In the present study, the expression of dHAND was examined in developing tooth germs of mice. The dHAND gene was expressed in the mesenchyme of the presumptive incisor region of the lower jaw at an early stage and in the mesenchyme of the lower incisor tooth germ at a later stage. However, the dHAND gene was not expressed in the upper incisor region or the upper and lower molar regions during jaw development. Treatment of tooth germ explants of lower incisors with antisense oligodeoxinucleotide (ODN) against dHAND prevented the differentiation of tooth germ cells, including ameloblasts and odontoblasts, the formation of dentin and enamel, and the proliferation of tooth germ cells and increased the apoptosis of tooth germ cells, suggesting that dHAND is essential for these cells during development. On the other hand, the treatment of tooth germ explants of upper incisor and upper or lower molars did not induce severe effects on their development. Treatment of the explants with basic fibroblast growth factor in association with antisense ODN partially rescued them from the effects of antisense ODN. The present results suggest that the dHAND gene plays important roles in type-specific development of lower incisors, and that basic fibroblast growth factor is involved downstream of the dHAND pathway in tooth germ cells.

Ameloblasts↗

Mouse rudimentary diastema tooth primordia are devoid of peripheral nerve fibers.

The tooth is a well-defined peripheral target organ for trigeminal nerve fibers. However, only limited information is available regarding pioneer axon guidance to the developing tooth target field. In rodents there is a toothless diastema region between incisors and molars that in the mouse maxilla contains three rudimentary tooth anlagen. Their development stop at the early bud stage when the primary nerve axons grow towards the developing first molar tooth germs. In order to provide background information for studies of regulatory mechanisms of pioneer axon guidance to the developing tooth germs, we investigated the distribution of nerve fibers in the mouse diastema tooth buds, and compared it to the axon growth to the maxillary and mandibular first molar tooth germs by immunohistochemical localization of peripherin and PGP9.5. Analysis of serial sections showed that trigeminal nerve fibers emerging from the trigeminal maxillary and mandibular nerve trunks started to grow towards the developing molar tooth germ at the early bud stage, and subsequently they diverged into buccal and lingual branches next to the condensed dental mesenchyme. During the cap stage, nerve fibers were observed around the tooth germ in the dental follicle region. In contrast, no nerve fibers were located in the vicinity of the diastema tooth primordia at any stage studied, nor did any nerve fibers appear to grow towards this region. Our results show that the development and subsequent disappearance of the diastema tooth primordia takes place without peripheral trigeminal innervation. The diastema tooth primordia may therefore be a useful model system for future studies on molecular regulatory mechanisms of pioneer axon guidance to the tooth germs, and possibly also for evolutionary studies of peripheral axon guidance mechanisms.

Animals↗

Gene expression patterns associated with suppression of odontogenesis in mouse and vole diastema regions.

Rodents have a toothless diastema region between the incisor and molar teeth which may contain rudimentary tooth germs. We found in upper diastema region of the mouse (Mus musculus) three small tooth germs which developed into early bud stage before their apoptotic removal, while the sibling vole (Microtus rossiaemeridionalis) had only a single but larger tooth germ in this region, and this developed into late bud stage before regressing apoptotically. To analyze the genetic mechanisms of the developmental arrest of the rudimentary tooth germs we compared the expression patterns of several developmental regulatory genes (Bmp2, Bmp4, Fgf4, Fgf8, Lef1, Msx1, Msx2, p21, Pitx2, Pax9 and Shh) between molars and diastema buds of mice and voles. In diastema tooth buds the expression of all the genes differed from that of molars. The gene expression patterns suggest that the odontogenic program consists of partially independent signaling cascades which define the exact location of the tooth germ, initiate epithelial budding, and transfer the odontogenic potential from the epithelium to the underlying mesenchyma. Although the diastema regions of the two species differed, in both species the earliest difference that we found was weaker expression of mesenchymal Pax9 in the diastema region than in molar and incisor regions at the dental lamina stage. However, based on earlier tissue recombination experiments it is conceivable that the developmental arrest is determined by the early oral epithelium.

Animals↗

Cell lineage of primary and secondary enamel knots.

Recent research indicates that control of cusp morphology involves a signalling center at the heart of the developing tooth germ, known as the enamel knot. The primary enamel knot forms in both incisors and molar tooth germs at the cap stage of tooth development. Secondary and tertiary enamel knots only develop in molar tooth germs. These sit at the sites of future cusp tips from the early bell stage of tooth development. In studies describing the relationship between the primary and secondary enamel knots, it is often assumed that there is a cellular continuity between these structures, such that cells from the primary enamel knot physically contribute to the secondary enamel knots. We have devised a method whereby the developing tooth germ can be cultured in frontal slices with the enamel knot visible. The fate of the primary enamel knot cells can then be followed by 1,1', di-octadecyl-3,3,3',3',-tetramethylindo-carbocyanine perchlorate (DiI) labeling. Using this method, no cells of the primary enamel knot were seen to move toward the developing secondary enamel knots. Thus, although the primary and secondary enamel knots have a close molecular and functional relationship in molar development, they are not actually derived from the same cells.

Animals↗

Histogenesis and disappearance of the teeth of the Mekong giant catfish, Pangasianodon gigas (Teleostei).

Juveniles of the Mekong giant catfish, Pangasianodon gigas (Teleostei), have 3 sorts of tooth-upper and lower jaw teeth, palatal teeth, and pharyngeal teeth--but adults are toothless. To investigate the histogenesis and disappearance of the teeth, we made serial sections of the mouth and teeth of juvenile fish at 10 developmental stages (from ca. 8.5 to ca. 30 cm in total length) and examined them under scanning electron microscope and light microscope. Observations of teeth and surrounding tissues in the serial sections revealed the process of tooth resorption by active odontoclast-like cells. Numbers of jaw and palatal teeth decreased with age. When the fish reached ca. 14 cm in total length, the numbers of functional upper jaw teeth and successional tooth germs decreased rapidly, and the developmental rate of successional tooth germs slowed. When the fish reached ca. 24 cm, no teeth existed in the upper jaw. It is clear that tooth disappearance results from the shedding of functional teeth and the lack of replacement tooth germs.

Animals↗

Polarizing activity, Sonic hedgehog, and tooth development in embryonic and postnatal mouse.

Tooth development involves reciprocal epithelial-mesenchymal interactions, polarized growth, mesenchyme condensation, and complex morphogenetic events. Because these processes bear similarities to those occurring in the developing limb, we asked whether morphogenetic signals found in the limb also occur in the developing tooth. We grafted mouse embryo tooth germs to the anterior margin of host chick embryo wing buds and determined whether the dental tissues had polarizing activity. Indeed, the grafts induced supernumerary digits. Activity of both molar and incisor tooth germs increased from bud to cap stages and was maximal at late bell stage in newborn. With further development the polarizing activity began to decrease, became undetectable in adult molar mesenchyme but persisted in incisor mesenchyme, correlating with the fact that incisors grow throughout postnatal life while molars do not. When different portions of neonatal incisors were assayed, a clear proximo-distal gradient of activity was apparent, with maximal activity restricted to the most proximal portion where undifferentiated mesenchyme and enamel organ reside. In situ hybridizations demonstrated that prior to induction of supernumerary digits, the tooth germ grafts induced expression in host tissue of Hoxd-12 and Hoxd-13. In addition, whole-mount in situ hybridizations and immunohistochemistry showed that developing tooth germs express Sonic hedgehog (Shh). Shh expression was first detected in bud stage tooth germs; at later stages Shh transcripts were prominent in enamel knot and differentiating ameloblasts at the cuspal region. We concluded that tooth germs possess polarizing activity and produce polarizing factors such as Shh. As in the limb, these factor(s) and activity probably play key roles in establishing polarity and regulating morphogenesis during early tooth development. Given its subsequent association with differentiating ameloblasts, Shh probably participates also in cytogenetic events during odontogenesis.

Aging↗

Expression of aquaporin isoforms during human and mouse tooth development.

Previously, we described the development of hyaluronan (HA) deposition in human tooth germ tissues that are consistent with water transport in different stages of tooth development. The aquaporins (AQP) constitute a family of membrane water channels that are expressed in many organs. However, there are no data available about the expression pattern of aquaporin water channels in dental structures. In the present study we have characterised the expression of six different aquaporin isoforms (AQP1-5, AQP-9) in developing human and mouse tooth germs by immunohistochemistry using isoform specific antibodies. In the "bell stage" AQP1 was expressed in endothelial cells of small vessels whereas no other structures of the tooth primordial were labeled. AQP2, AQP3 and AQP9 immunoreactivity was not observed in tooth germs, whereas strong AQP4 and AQP5 expression was observed in dental lamina, inner enamel epithelium, stratum intermedium, stellate reticulum and the outer enamel epithelium. Oral epithelium also exhibited AQP4 and AQP5 immunolabeling. During development of the matrices of the dental hard tissues AQP4 and AQP5 immunostaining was observed in the odontoblasts and their processes, as well as in the secretory ameloblast and their apical processes. Immunolabeling controls were negative. In conclusion, AQP4 and AQP5 are expressed in tooth germ tissues in early development in cells that previously have been shown to express HA and/or CD44, indicating that AQP water channels may play a role for ECM hydration during tooth development.

Animals↗

A role for mesenchyme-derived tachykinins in tooth and mammary gland morphogenesis.

Tachykinin peptides such as substance P (SP) function as neurotransmitters and neuromodulators in the mammalian central and peripheral nervous systems. Here, we provide evidence that they may also play an important role in the morphogenesis of some nonneural organs where epithelial-mesenchymal interactions are involved. We show the following. (1) mRNA encoding tachykinin precursor proteins is expressed transiently in condensing mesenchyme during the development of mouse tooth germ, mammary gland, limb bud, external auditory meatus and genital tubercle. (2) In developing tooth germ and mammary gland; mRNA encoding the neutral endopeptidase (NEP) that degrades secreted tachykinins is spatially and temporally co-expressed with tachykinin precursor mRNA. (3) SP and the mRNA encoding SP receptors are also expressed in the developing tooth germ. (4) Tooth development in explant cultures is blocked both by tachykinin-precursor-specific antisense oligonucleotide and by an SP receptor antagonist: in both cases the block is relieved by exogenous SP. Together, these findings suggest a surprising new role for tachykinins in tooth and mammary gland morphogenesis, and possibly also in limb, ear and external genitalia morphogenesis.

Animals↗

[Ultrasound diagnosis of fetal tooth anlagen and their histologic correlates].

AIM: The present study was to examine the radiographic and histologic correlation of the respective ultrasonographic findings. METHODS: Histologic examinations were performed in 12 fetuses who had died in utero between 16 and 34 weeks of gestation. The fetuses had been examined by intrauterine sonography for tooth germs and had been subjected to additional radiographic examinations post abortum or partum. During autopsy, the tooth germs were again examined sonographically and radiographically, and non-decalcified histological sections were obtained by means of the sawing and grinding technique. RESULTS: The results obtained by histologically examining the 12 fetal jaws in the ultrasonic plane corresponded in all cases to those examined by sonography and radiology. CONCLUSION: Sonographic proof of tooth germs might gain increasing importance in future because agenesia of tooth germs is one of the principal signs of a variety of hereditary syndromes, particularly those of ectodermal origin.

Ectodermal Dysplasia↗

A histochemical study of the development of premaxilla and maxilla during secondary palate formation in the mouse embryo.

The development of premaxilla and maxilla in the mouse fetus during secondary palate formation from the 12th to the 16th days of gestation was histochemically assessed. To determine the developmental stages, a classification based on the morphogenesis of the limbs, or the "limb score" (LS) was employed. The stage of LS coincided with the gestational age from the 13th to the 15th days. Early on the 12th day, alkaline phosphatase (ALPase) activity was intense in the mesenchyme lateral to the incisor tooth bud and latero-inferior to the inferior orbital nerve. Subsequently, osteoblasts differentiated at these two sites. The ALPase positive area grew concomitantly with the nasal capsule, the molar tooth germ, and the closure of the secondary palate. The area of bone differentiation contoured the orbital nerve and extended to the rostral part of the secondary palate. At the LS stage -6 (13.52 days), ALPase activity was observed in the mesenchyme medial to, and also surrounding the molar tooth germ. The area of osteogenesis of the secondary palate spread along the medial side of the molar tooth germ, where the formation of the medial alveolar process of the maxilla was completed by the LS stage 3 (15.35 days). The ALPase positive area extended to the horizontal palatal shelves. By late on the 16th day, the palatal process was fully developed. In parallel, bone resorption began on the molar side of the alveolar process. Acid phosphatase and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase activities (ACPase and TRACPase activity, respectively) revealed ACPase and TRACPase positive mononuclear cells around the molar tooth germ long before ossification occurred. Our results thus suggest an involvement of the incisor tooth bud and the infra-orbital nerve in the initial osteogenesis of the premaxilla and maxilla. Enzyme activities lead to the consideration that osteoclast precursors initiate differentiation around the molar tooth germ. Ostensibly, the mechanical force from the growth of the molar tooth would promote differentiation and activation of osteoclasts located on the alveolar process. Also, the LS classification would improve and simplify future studies of the development of the secondary palate.

Acid Phosphatase↗

Effects of prenatal malnutrition on development of oral tissue in neonatal rats.

The effects of prenatal malnutrition on the growth of incisor and molar tooth germs and tongue were investigated in newborn rats. Compared with the results on the young of well-nourished mothers, the young of the malnourished animals had fewer and smaller cells in the molar tooth germs and fewer cells in incisor tooth germs. The tongue of the malnourished animals had fewer but larger cells. 45Ca uptake studies and alkaline and acid phosphatase activities suggested that prenatal malnutrition affected incisor and molar tooth germs in different ways. Alkaline phosphatase activity in the tongue did not differ between dietary groups. The results indicate that an adequate protein intake is extremely important for the healthy development of the teeth and tongue of the offspring.

Acid Phosphatase↗