Dynamics of enamel formation in the rat incisor tooth. 1979

C P Leblond, and H Warshawsky

Enamel formation was reviewed by morphology and radioautography in rat incisors. Labeled amino acids and sugars were used as matrix precursors whereas labeled calcium monitored mineral deposition. All ameloblasts synthesize organic material, but only cells in the zone of secretion release labeled matrix. The pattern of matrix deposition indicates that enamel rods are elaborated by Tomes' processes within cavities formed by interrod partitions. The latter are elaborated by cytoplasmic projections from adjacent ameloblasts. Initially-labeled matrix is added as a band near the cells. With time the label randomizes throughout the entire immature enamel and most of it is lost in the zone of maturation. However, a glycoprotein component attributed to remnants of Tomes' process membrane persists in mature enamel. Labeled calcium is incorporated into crystals which grow at a uniform rate throughout the entire layer of enamel in the zone of secretion and up to the middle of the zone of maturation. The ribbon-like crystals are built close to the cell membrane and elongate as the cell recedes. Crystal elongation occurs in the same location as new matrix is deposited; that is, rod crystals are related to Tomes' processes and interrod crystals, to cytoplasmic projections. The crystals grow to full size mainly by thickening and this growth presumably displaces the organic matrix.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D007180 Incisor Any of the eight frontal teeth (four maxillary and four mandibular) having a sharp incisal edge for cutting food and a single root, which occurs in man both as a deciduous and a permanent tooth. (Jablonski, Dictionary of Dentistry, 1992, p820) Incisors
D008903 Minerals Native, inorganic or fossilized organic substances having a definite chemical composition and formed by inorganic reactions. They may occur as individual crystals or may be disseminated in some other mineral or rock. (Grant & Hackh's Chemical Dictionary, 5th ed; McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific and Technical Terms, 4th ed) Mineral
D010447 Peptide Hydrolases Hydrolases that specifically cleave the peptide bonds found in PROTEINS and PEPTIDES. Examples of sub-subclasses for this group include EXOPEPTIDASES and ENDOPEPTIDASES. Peptidase,Peptidases,Peptide Hydrolase,Protease,Proteases,Proteinase,Proteinases,Proteolytic Enzyme,Proteolytic Enzymes,Esteroproteases,Enzyme, Proteolytic,Hydrolase, Peptide
D010758 Phosphorus A non-metal element that has the atomic symbol P, atomic number 15, and atomic weight 31. It is an essential element that takes part in a broad variety of biochemical reactions. Black Phosphorus,Phosphorus-31,Red Phosphorus,White Phosphorus,Yellow Phosphorus,Phosphorus 31,Phosphorus, Black,Phosphorus, Red,Phosphorus, White,Phosphorus, Yellow
D002118 Calcium A basic element found in nearly all tissues. It is a member of the alkaline earth family of metals with the atomic symbol Ca, atomic number 20, and atomic weight 40. Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body and combines with phosphorus to form calcium phosphate in the bones and teeth. It is essential for the normal functioning of nerves and muscles and plays a role in blood coagulation (as factor IV) and in many enzymatic processes. Coagulation Factor IV,Factor IV,Blood Coagulation Factor IV,Calcium-40,Calcium 40,Factor IV, Coagulation
D003460 Crystallization The formation of crystalline substances from solutions or melts. (McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific and Technical Terms, 4th ed) Crystalline Polymorphs,Polymorphism, Crystallization,Crystal Growth,Polymorphic Crystals,Crystal, Polymorphic,Crystalline Polymorph,Crystallization Polymorphism,Crystallization Polymorphisms,Crystals, Polymorphic,Growth, Crystal,Polymorph, Crystalline,Polymorphic Crystal,Polymorphisms, Crystallization,Polymorphs, Crystalline
D003461 Crystallography The branch of science that deals with the geometric description of crystals and their internal arrangement. (McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific and Technical Terms, 4th ed) Crystallographies
D003743 Dental Enamel A hard thin translucent layer of calcified substance which envelops and protects the dentin of the crown of the tooth. It is the hardest substance in the body and is almost entirely composed of calcium salts. Under the microscope, it is composed of thin rods (enamel prisms) held together by cementing substance, and surrounded by an enamel sheath. (From Jablonski, Dictionary of Dentistry, 1992, p286) Enamel,Enamel Cuticle,Dental Enamels,Enamel, Dental,Enamels, Dental,Cuticle, Enamel,Cuticles, Enamel,Enamel Cuticles,Enamels
D003746 Dental Enamel Proteins The proteins that are part of the dental enamel matrix. Enamel Proteins, Dental,Proteins, Dental Enamel
D000565 Ameloblasts Cylindrical epithelial cells in the innermost layer of the ENAMEL ORGAN. Their functions include contribution to the development of the dentinoenamel junction by the deposition of a layer of the matrix, thus producing the foundation for the prisms (the structural units of the DENTAL ENAMEL), and production of the matrix for the enamel prisms and interprismatic substance. (From Jablonski's Dictionary of Dentistry, 1992) Ameloblast

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