Scanning electron microscopy of fluoride-induced disturbances on the enamel surface of rat molars

Rats were given a single high dose of fluoride at the age of 5 days and killed after 24 h, 10 or 15 days. The maxillary first molars were prepared for scanning electron microscopic examination. It was concluded that a single dose of fluoride, preferentially affecting ameloblasts with a high secretory activity, leads to the formation of subameloblastic cysts and enamel hypoplasias covered with granular deposits.

Correlated observations and analysis of maturation-ameloblast morphology and enamel mineralization

A combined HCl-collagenase digestion technique and scanning electron microscopy were used to isolate the enamel organ and to confirm the presence of maturation ameloblasts of both ruffle-ended (RA) and smooth-ended (SA) types on maturing enamel in kitten permanent tooth germs. EDTA perfusion of animals fixed with aldehyde produced two or three belt-like shallow grooves (from 30 to 100 micron wide) running horizontally through the maturing enamel surface, coinciding closely with the SA distribution pattern. In animals that had been perfusion-fixed with unbuffered osmium tetroxide containing 2.5% potassium pyroantimonate, SEM-EDX analysis detected K in a superficial enamel layer overlaid by the SA layer. Potassium concentration decreased gradually toward the deeper layers. Very little K penetrated the enamel under the RA layer. Energy-dispersive x-ray analysis of Ca and P concentrations in the enamel revealed an even distribution of these elements throughout the superficial layer of maturing enamel. These results suggest that the SA layer forms an access route for K and EDTA and that, in spite of the obvious morphological and functional differences between RA and SA, the maturing enamel surfaces overlaid by these two cell types show similar degrees of mineralization.

Ultrastructure of altered rat enamel beneath fluoride-induced cysts

The effect of a single injection of sodium fluoride (60 mg/kg) on the development of rat molar enamel beneath fluoride-induced subameloblastic cysts was studied by transmission electron microscopy using undecalcified sections. Three bands of altered enamel were identified and defined as the cyst surface band, the hypoplastic band, and the hypercalcified band. The irregular cyst surface band, not previously described, was found to have two components: electron-dense enamel globules and organic spherules. The electron-dense globules consisted of small, randomly arranged crystals (confirmed by selected area electron diffraction) occurring within a stippled organic matrix. The organic spherules have staining properties similar to stippled material and lack a crystalline component. They may be a form of organic material being extruded from the underlying developing enamel. The critical role of normal matrix production and ameloblast Tomes' process structure on the development of the crystal orientation and rod pattern is discussed.

Immunoglobulin G in cystic lesions of rat enamel organ following fluoride intoxication

Fluoride given as a high single dose to young rats with developing molars has earlier been shown to cause subameloblastic cysts with disorganized ameloblasts in the cystic wall and an irregular mineralization pattern of the underlying enamel. In the present study immunohistochemistry has been employed to determine if an increased permeability of the enamel organ occurred at the areas of cell disturbances. For this purpose 5-day-old rats were injected with 60 mg sodium fluoride per kg body weight. They were decapitated after 24 h, the maxilla prepared histologically and paraffin sections incubated for the demonstration of IgG according to the avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex method. Staining for IgG was present in the cystic lumina and in areas of disorganized ameloblasts. No reaction was observed in areas of unaffected ameloblasts. It was suggested that the fluoride-induced cell injury increased the permeability of the ameloblastic cell layer. Diffusion of IgG and most likely other substances as well, through the ameloblastic layer may have contributed to cyst formation and to the irregular mineral deposits that have been found in the ameloblastic layer and at the enamel surface.

Effect of selenium on developing mouse teeth in culture in vitro

First molars from 2-day-old mice were cultured for 7 days in medium supplemented with 0.04, 0.4, 4.0 parts/10(6) selenium (Se) or 10 per cent calf serum. Collagen synthesis, measured after labelling with [3H]-proline for the last 24 h of culture, was most active at 0.4 parts/10(6) Se. Supplementation with 300 parts/10(6) Se for the first 24 h of culture caused ultrastructural changes in newly-deposited enamel and dentine matrices.

A study of post-secretory maturation ameloblasts in the cat by transmission and freeze-fracture electron-microscopy

Permanent canine and molar tooth germs of kittens were processed for thin-sectioning and freeze-fracture replication. Maturation ameloblasts were divided into ruffle-ended (RA), smooth-ended (SA) and intermediate (IA). RA had an extensive distal ruffled border consisting of deep membrane invaginations, forming complicated extracellular channels. Adjacent RA were connected by extensive distal junctional complexes (zonulae occludentes). The SA had flattened distal cell surfaces and few coated and smooth vesicles in the distal cytoplasm. Adjacent SA were connected by proximal zonulae occludentes, but had only maculae occludentes at their distal ends so permitting broad lateral extracellular spaces to communicate directly with the enamel surface. IA near the RA layer had a ruffled border consisting of deep and narrow membrane invaginations and pinosomes filled with granular material. IA next to the SA layer had no ruffled border but had pinosomes that seemed to originate directly from the distal cell surfaces. IA were polarized and connected by proximal and distal junctional complexes consisting of either zonulae or fasciae occludentes and associated gap junctions.

Ultrastructure of lingual enamel epithelium in rabbit permanent incisors

The recent observation that the lingual surface of the permanent rabbit incisor, in contrast to the rodent incisor, is covered with enamel near the initially formed tip, initiated a histologic study of the enamel epithelium in this region. Tooth buds from fetal New Zealand white rabbits aged 27 and 30 days in utero were processed for transmission electron microscopy. Examination of longitudinal and cross-sections revealed a transition of secretory ameloblasts to postsecretory ameloblasts on the facial aspect of the enamel organ. Incisally, the facial ameloblast layer was continuous with postsecretory ameloblasts on the lingual aspect. More apically on the lingual surface, a gradual transition between postsecretory and reduced ameloblasts occurred. This study shows that by day 27 in utero, the ameloblasts on the lingual aspect of the tooth are in the postsecretory and degenerative stages and that, by day 30, the enamel epithelium lingually has been replaced by cementum on the prismatic enamel and by connective tissue.

Intramembrane particle distribution on the plasma membrane of ruffle-ended and smooth ended maturation ameloblasts of the rat incisors

Plasma membrane structure and intramembrane particle (IMP) distribution in ruffle-ended (RA) and smooth-ended (SA) maturation ameloblasts were investigated by means of freeze-fracture replication of the rat incisor enamel organ. On the plasma membranes of both the lateral and distal cell surfaces, mean values of IMPs per 1 micron2 obtained from the SAs were lower than that from the RAs. This does not exclude the ameloblast modulation phenomenon but rather supports a radical shift of functional activity between RA and SA and argues in favour of the possible existence of two definite groups of maturation ameloblasts. In the distal plasma membranes of these ameloblasts, there were also some morphologic evidence of endocytic activity (resorptive functions).

Correlation of apical and lateral membrane modulations of maturation ameloblasts

Maturation ameloblasts of rat incisor teeth have smooth-ended and ruffle-ended apical membrane configurations. It has also been reported that maturation ameloblasts have several lateral membrane configurations. The purpose of this study was to determine the correlation between the modulations of lateral and apical cell membranes of murine incisor ameloblasts in the maturation stage of amelogenesis. Maxillary and mandibular incisors were dissected, demineralized, embedded in paraffin, sectioned and then de-paraffinized, and the enamel organs were prepared for scanning electron microscopy. Additional mouse and rat incisor enamel organs were fixed and teased apart during dehydration, then observed in the SEM. The lengths of smooth- and ruffle-ended ameloblast segments were measured, and the site, length, and frequency of each lateral membrane configuration were determined within each segment. The lateral membrane configuration with folds forming from 12 to 14 channels around the periphery of the cells was most predominant in both smooth- and ruffle-ended cells. Cells surrounded by from six to eight channels were the only other lateral membrane configuration observed in ruffle-ended ameloblasts. Smooth-ended ameloblasts had lateral membrane configurations with either dense or sparse microvillous projections in addition to both types of channel cells. The observation that channelled extracellular spaces are always associated with ruffle-ended cells suggests that channels somehow function in conjunction with the ruffled apical membrane in resorption and removal of enamel matrix proteins. The smooth-ended ameloblasts lack tight apical junctions, and their microvillous lateral membranes permit the passage of plasma fluids around cells to the maturing enamel surface.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Freeze-fracture replicas of rat ameloblasts reveal unusual membrane domains around gap junctions

Specimens of aldehyde-fixed and glycerol-impregnated tooth germs obtained from 1-2 day old rats were prepared for ultrathin section studies and for freeze-fracture, with the purpose of studying the structural organization of membranes of developing ameloblasts. In this report we describe unusual membrane domains which were found surrounding several ameloblast gap junctions. Developing ameloblasts - when examined in ultrathin sections - exhibit gap junctions which appear straight, curved or invaginated. In freeze-fracture replicas, in addition to their typical appearance, several gap junctions were found to be surrounded by a membrane margin which was undulating and devoid of intramembrane particles (IMP's). We believe that these hitherto unreported particle-free membrane margins are associated with the formation of curved or invaginated gap junctions. It is possible that these membrane margins are particle-free because plasma membrane proteins (presumably IMP's) become transiently detached from the cytoskeleton and move laterally. It is therefore likely that these margins are pure lipid domains which are more flexible, thus providing a transient hinge-like mechanism which facilitates the movement required for the formation of the curved or invaginated ameloblast gap junctions.

Ameloblastic secretion and calcification of the enamel layer in shark teeth

Tooth primordia at early stages of mineralization in the sharks Negaprion brevirostris and Triaenodon obesus were examined electron microscopically for evidence of ameloblastic secretion and its relation to calcification of the enamel (enameloid) layer. Ameloblasts are polarized with most of the mitochondria and all of the Golgi dictyosomes localized in the infranuclear end of the cell toward the squamous outer cells of the enamel organ. Endoplasmic reticular membranes and ribosomes are also abundant in this region. Ameloblastic vesicles bud from the Golgi membranes and evidently move through perinuclear and supranuclear zones to accumulate at the apical end of the cell. The vesicles secrete their contents through the apical cell membrane in merocrine fashion and appear to contribute precursor material both for the basal lamina and the enameline matrix. The enamel layer consists of four zones: a juxta-laminar zone containing newly polymerized mineralizing fibrils (tubules); a pre-enamel zone of assembly of matrix constituents; palisadal zones of mineralizing fibrils (tubules); and interpalisadal zones containing granular amorphous matrix, fine unit fibrils, and giant cross-banded fibers with a periodicity of 17.9 nm. It seems probable that amorphous, non-mineralizing fibrillar and mineralizing fibrillar constituents of the matrix are all products of ameloblastic secretion. Odontoblastic processes are tightly embedded in the matrix of the palisadal zones and do not appear to be secretory at the stages investigated. The shark tooth enamel layer is considered homologous with that of other vertebrates with respect to origin of its mineralizing fibrils from the innerental epithelium. The term enameloid is appropriate to connote the histological distinction that the enamel layer contains odontoblastic processes but should not signify that shark tooth enamel is a modified type of dentine. How amelogenins and/or enamelins secreted by amelo- blasts in the shark and other vertebrates are related to nucleation and growth of enamel crystallites is still not known.

Ghost cells in complex odontoma: a light microscopic and SEM study

Ghost cells in complex odontoma were studied by light microscopic and scanning electron microscopic examination of decalcified sections. They were found at different locations in odontomas: next to tubular dentin, at the site where enamel would be expected; adjacent to remnants of enamel matrix or surrounded by enamel matrix; within granular calcified masses in contact with bone or tubular dentin; in contact with ameloblasts or adjacent to small rests of odontogenic epithelium. They were either isolated or arranged in groups. Their cytoplasm presented a fibrillar component and a lack of keratohyaline. In a complex odontoma, ghost cell keratinization occurs as a result of metaplastic transformation. The calcifying process in these cells was found to be a passive one, with the cells becoming gradually entrapped within the calcified material--bone, osteoid, dentin, dystrophic osteodentin, or dystrophic granular or lamellar types of calcification. Complex odontomas contain both normal and metaplastic odontogenic epithelial cells, which may have lost their developmental and inductive properties.

Ultrastructure of mouse incisor ameloblasts after vascular perfusion with colchicine

In order to revalue the effects of colchicine on incisor secretory ameloblasts, entire mice were perfused with Krebs solution supplemented with a buffer and amino acids, through the right common carotid artery. The normal ultrastructure of the cells was maintained for 2 h with the perfusate alone. When colchicine (0.3-3.0 micrograms/ml) was added to the perfusate, it induced ultrastructural changes, such as the loss of cytoplasmic microtubules, the loss of secretory granules in Tomes' process, the abnormal accumulation and secretion of secretory granules, disarranged Golgi apparatus and the fragmentation of rough endoplasmic reticulum. Vesicles (150-400 nm in diameter) resembling immature secretory granules also accumulated, the degree of accumulation depending on the duration of colchicine treatment. The accumulation of secretory granules and these vesicles suggests that the intracellular transport system was affected by colchicine but that the production of secretory granules was continuous throughout the experimental period. The present perfusion system has enabled us to treat ameloblasts with an agent that is a useful experimental tool for elucidating cell functions, despite being lethal to animals in vivo.

Three-dimensional network of microtubules in secretory ameloblasts of rat incisors

Secretory ameloblasts appear to contain isolated microtubules and microtubules arranged in bundles associated with filaments or sheets of filaments. The relation between isolated and bundled microtubules in secretory ameloblasts was investigated by serial sections. Some isolated microtubules entered microtubule bundles in adjacent sections. Microtubules which diverged from a bundle sometimes converged into another bundle in other sections. Microtubules were associated with filaments or sheets of filaments for varying distances. It is concluded that isolated microtubules frequently form bundles by joining with other microtubules, and thus, microtubules make a three-dimensional network throughout the whole cytoplasm which is probably concerned with the transport of secretion granules.

Ultrastructure of secretory ameloblasts in puppies

Four about 4-week-old puppies were fixed by perfusion; the secretory ameloblasts of the first molar tooth germs were observed with an electron microscope. The morphology of the puppy secretory ameloblast closely resembles that of man. In addition, the primary cilia and a pair of basal bodies were observed close to Golgi apparatus of the secretory ameloblast. Cytoplasmic microtubules radiated from the basal bodies. It is suggested that a pair of basal bodies may be the microtubule-organizing center of the secretory ameloblast. Further, melanocytes were present in the intermediate cell layer and aggregated melanosomes were present in the cytoplasm of both stratum intermedium cells and secretory ameloblasts.

Formation of tight and gap junctions in the inner enamel epithelium and preameloblasts in human fetal tooth germs

Human fetal primary tooth germs in the cap stage were fixed with a glutaraldehyde-formaldehyde mixture, and formative processes of tight and gap junctions of the inner enamel epithelium and preameloblasts were examined by means of freeze-fracture replication. Chains of small clusters of particles on the plasma membrane P-face of the inner enamel epithelium and preameloblasts were the initial sign of tight junction formation. After arranging themselves in discontinuous, linear arrays in association with preexisting or forming gap junctions, these particles later began revealing smooth, continuous tight junctional strands on the plasma membrane P-face and corresponding shallow grooves of a similar pattern on the E-face. Although they exhibited evident meshwork structures of various extents at both the proximal and distal ends of cell bodies, they formed no zonulae occludentes. Small assemblies of particles resembling gap junctions were noted at points of cross linkage of tight junctional strands; but large, mature gap junctions no longer continued into the tight junction meshwork structure. Gap junctions first appeared as very small particle clusters on the plasma membrane P-face of the inner enamel epithelium. Later two types of gap junctions were recognized: one consisted of quite densely aggregated particles with occasional particle-free areas, and the other consisted of relatively loosely aggregated particles with particle-free areas and aisles. Gap junction maturation seemed to consist in an increase of particle numbers. Fusion of gap junctions in the forming stage too was recognized. The results of this investigation suggest that, from an early stage in their development, human fetal ameloblasts possess highly differentiated cell-to-cell interrelations.

Actin filaments in the terminal webs of secretory ameloblasts of rats

Actin filaments decorated with heavy meromyosin in enamel-secreting ameloblasts of rat incisors were examined. Proximal and distal terminal webs contained actin filaments; some were arrayed in diverse directions to each other. Some were associated with coated and uncoated vesicles. These actin filaments may relate to the sideways movement of secreting ameloblasts, suggesting that the distal terminal web is an apparatus generating a force by which ameloblasts can slide over each other.

Enamel rod relations in the developing rat incisor

Scanning electron microscopic and X-ray diffraction studies have shown that mandibular rat incisor teeth have two sets of rods which decussate at angles between 60 and 80% in both the most immature zone and the zone just beyond the opaque margin. A less well oriented interrod enamel component was found at right angles to both sets of rods. The information provides additional views of this complex tissue. Furthermore, it has been shown that the Wistar rat incisal enamel ultrastructure facilitates the use of X-ray diffraction to determine molecular relations between the crystals and matrix constituents as the rods are not all at 90 degrees to one another.

Characterization of putative secretory sites on ameloblasts of the rat incisor

The distribution and structure of the putative sites where enamel matrix is secreted from the ameloblast were studied by correlating the external topography with the distribution of organelles in Tomes' process cut in various planes of section. Both the interrod and rod secretion sites are associated with deep membrane infoldings. It was found that the interrod secretion site completely surrounds each ameloblast, and the marked interdigitation of adjacent cells results in a cooperative growth front for interrod enamel. In contrast, the rod secretion site is present on only one surface of the interdigitating portion of Tomes' process. Numerous granules were observed adjacent to the membrane infoldings associated with both sites, and granules were seen fused to membrane infoldings suggesting that the matrix of enamel is a merocrine secretion product.

Calcium distribution in freeze-dried enamel organ tissue during normal and altered enamel mineralization

Energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis was applied to freeze-dried blocks of enamel organ tissue to determine levels of calcium in various cellular regions. The tissue blocks were dissected free from adjacent forming enamel following injection of cobalt or fluoride ions, both of which temporarily inhibit enamel mineralization. In all control and experimental specimens there was an increasing gradient of calcium from the stratum intermedium cells to the distal ends of the ameloblasts. Calcium levels were significantly reduced near the distal ends of the ameloblasts following cobalt or fluoride injection as compared with controls. It is suggested that evidence of an intercellular buildup of calcium near the distal ends of the ameloblast supports a controlling function of these cells. The changes in calcium levels are correlated with alterations in mineralization known to occur in the adjacent enamel of the model systems employed.

Quantitative analysis of rough endoplasmic reticulum approaches to the cell membrane in the secretory ameloblast of the rat incisor

The distribution of approaches of rough endoplasmic reticulum to the cell membrane within the supranuclear region of the secretory ameloblast of the rat incisor was quantitated using a Zeiss MOP-3. In ameloblasts cut in cross section, most of these approaches appear as circular profiles representing cross sections of elongated cisternae, which are aligned parallel to the long axis of the cell. Because of their position, orientation, and distribution of ribosomes, these approaches were consistent with the appearance of subsurface cisternae. Using cross-sectioned ameloblasts, the lengths of apposed plasma membranes either between or within rows of cells were measured from electron micrographs. Along these lengths, matched approaches of rough endoplasmic reticulum from opposite sides of the apposed plasma membranes were counted. Approaches from either side that were unmatched were also counted. Thirteen percent of the approaches were matched between rows of ameloblasts, and 13.5% of the approaches were matched within rows, demonstrating no significant difference between the two sites. Furthermore, mathematical analysis showed that the theoretical probability of two approaches coinciding is 17%. The experimental values are not statistically different from the theoretical probability, and it is concluded that the matching of rough endoplasmic reticulum approaches to the plasma membrane, or subsurface cisternae, occurs at random.

The distribution of filipin-cholesterol complexes in secretory ameloblasts of rat incisor

The number of filipin-sterol complexes, visualised as 25-35 nm protuberances on freeze-fracture replicas of secretory ameloblasts of rat incisor, was small on the plasma membrane and nil on internal membranes of the cell body. Distal infoldings and vesicles inside Tomes process presented a higher number of protuberances. Such membrane-induced deformations were especially abundant on membrane remnants left inside the forming enamel and in holes at the dentine-enamel junction. This reflects regional variations of cholesterol or accessibility of cholesterol. Increased rigidity of membranous remnants may play a role in the induction of local defects during rat enamel formation. These observations clarify the origin of phospholipids and cholesterol detected biochemically.

Endocytotic pathways at the ruffled borders of rat maturation ameloblasts

Using horseradish peroxidase (HRP) as a soluble protein tracer, electron microscopic studies were carried out in order to analyze endocytosis in the ruffle-ended ameloblasts of rat incisors. Accumulated HRP was initially incorporated from the ruffled border into the cytoplasm by means of pinocytic vacuoles ( pinosomes ) and pinocytotic coated vesicles. The majority of the HRP was taken up by the large number of pinosomes , which then formed large endocytotic vacuoles by fusing either with each other or with preexisting endocytotic vacuoles. As time passed HRP accumulated, not in the pinosomes and ruffled border but in the endocytotic vacuoles and multivesicular bodies. Frequent connections between HRP-labeled coated vesicles and these cytoplasmic bodies indicate that these vesicles serve as an HRP carrier. These findings strongly suggest that ruffle-ended ameloblasts actively absorb soluble proteins from the enamel matrix during enamel maturation.

A freeze-fracture study of ruffle-ended post-secretory ameloblasts

The post-secretory portion of the rat incisor enamel organ was prepared for routine transmission electron microscopy and freeze-fracture replication in order to define further the structural surface features of the ruffle-ended ameloblasts. Surface views of the distal plasma membrane of the ruffle-ended ameloblasts revealed a well-developed zonula occludens junction with from six to ten rows of tight junctional strands. Gap junctions were also observed just proximal to the tight junctional strands. The membranes of the ruffled border contained a rich supply of intramembrane particles (IMP). The IMPs were approximately 7 to 8 nm in diameter and preferentially located on the P-face profiles of the membrane. The density of IMPs on the membranes of the ruffled border was higher than that on the lateral borders of the cell. It is suggested that the IMPs of the ruffled border may represent enzymatic proteins in the basal cell membrane of absorptive ameloblasts. In addition, the large, highly-developed zonula occludens appeared structurally capable of sealing the intercellular spaces between the ruffle-ended ameloblasts.

Morphology and function of maturation ameloblasts in kitten tooth germs

In order to clarify the morphology and function of maturation ameloblasts, kitten tooth germs were examined using an ultrastructural tracer technique. Kitten maturation ameloblasts were divided into two cell types: a ruffle-ended type showing plasma membrane infoldings and invaginations at the distal cell surface and a smooth-ended type showing a non-invaginated, smooth distal cell surface. Both ameloblasts possessed two sets of junctional complexes at their proximal and distal ends. In either type of cell, intravenously injected horseradish peroxidase penetrated from the vascular region into the developing enamel surface through both the proximal and distal junctional complexes, although the tight junction compartment inhibited horseradish peroxidase permeation. Ruffle-ended ameloblasts further incorporated peroxidase from the distal cell surface into the cytoplasm by means of membrane invaginations and coated vesicles. Smooth-ended ameloblasts showed little intracellular peroxidase incorporation. These results show clearly that resorptive and non-resorptive maturation ameloblasts exist in kitten enamel organ and that the two cell types correspond to ruffle-ended and smooth-ended maturation ameloblasts in rat incisors.

Studies of the effects of fluoroacetate on ameloblasts in rat incisor

The effects of fluoroacetate on the ameloblasts were studied in the rat incisor. Fluoroacetate is an inhibitor of tricarboxylic acid cycle and accumulation of citrate occurred in the animal tissues due to fluoroacetate administration. In the present study, fluoroacetate injection caused severe morphologic changes in the ameloblasts. The most prominent change was observed in the mitochondria. Reduction of the mitochondrial matrix density was the earliest change followed by varying degrees of matrix swelling. Loss of the matrix granules and disintegration of the cristae were also observed. The difference in the mitochondrial activities in regard to the citrate metabolism was found between the matrix formation stage and the maturation stage in the ameloblasts. Extensive dilatation of the rough-surfaced endoplasmic reticulum and grossly enlarged vacuoles were found mainly in the early maturation stage at 12 and 24 hours after the fluoroacetate administration. These abnormally large vacuoles seemed to be caused by the water stored within the endoplasmic reticulum cisternae. Accumulation of plasma citrate and decrease of ionized calcium concentration in the whole blood were observed in the fluoroacetate treated group. These findings suggest that fluoroacetate may cause the lowering of the function of the ameloblasts through the suppression of cell energy production and that both the secretion of the matrix and the calcification of the enamel may be inhibited.

Ultrastructure of granular materials in rat incisor enamel organ at early maturation stage

With scanning electron microscopy, globules were seen in inter-cellular spaces between ameloblasts with ruffled borders and papillary cells at early maturation stage. Numerous globules were located on longitudinal folds between parallel ridges on the sides of ameloblasts, but only a few in the papillary layer. In previously-scanned specimens sectioned for transmission electron microscopy, the globules were composed of finely granular material. Vacuoles containing material identical to extra-cellular granules were observed in intra-cellular portions of the ameloblasts and papillary cells.

Synthesis and secretion of the enamel matrix precursor by the kitten secretory ameloblast

Secretory ameloblasts in kitten molar tooth germs were examined with an electron microscope to analyze the synthesis and secretion processes of the enamel matrix precursor. The contents of the secretion granule were identified as fine granular material, which observed in both the rough endoplasmic reticulum and the Golgi cisterns, accumulated in the dilated margins of the innermost Golgi cistern and formed condensing vacuoles. The same kind of condensing vacuoles was also produced from the GERL cisterns. During the secretion granule maturation processes in the Golgi region, the contents accumulated densely and the granules grew smaller. In addition, granule-limiting membranes acquired fine, bristle coats. The mature secretion granules then migrated, along microtubules, into the surfaces of the Tomes processes and finally released their contents by a process of exocytosis at the type 1 face which faces the enamel growth region.

Intercellular junctions in the cells of the human enamel organ as revealed by freeze-fracture

Examined by thin sections and freeze-fracture replication techniques, secretory ameloblasts possessed two sets of the junctional complexes at both proximal and distal ends of the cell bodies, which consisted of tight junctions and occasional gap junctions and desmosomes. The proximal tight junction was fascia occludens, whereas the distal tight junction was zonula occludens. Between adjacent ameloblasts, mature gap junctions were frequent. The stratum-intermedium cells were connected to each other and to the stellate-reticulum cells and ameloblasts by well-developed desmosomes, gap junctions and fascia or macula-type tight junctions. Stellate-reticulum cells were inter-connected by many extensive cytoplasmic processes, in which well-developed desmosomes, small gap junctions and occasional macula-type tight junctions appeared. Thus fascia or macula-type tight junctions as well as many desmosomes seem to serve in mechanical, cell-to-cell adhesion during tooth formation. Frequent and large gap junctions between adjacent stratum-intermedium cells and between the stratum intermedium and the base of the ameloblast suggest that, in relation to enamel formation, these two cell layers form a functional unit.

Decalcification for electron microscopy with L-ascorbic acid

L-Ascorbic acid decalcification was used for electron microscopy of mammalian tooth germs and bone after fixation in a glutaraldehyde-paraformaldehyde mixture. The recommended decalcifying solution is 2% with respect to L-ascorbic acid and 0.9% with respect to sodium chloride. The method has the advantage that decalcification is complete within a quarter of the time required with EDTA. The fine structure of ameloblasts and hard tissue is preserved as well as with EDTA.

Actin filaments in the ameloblast of the rat incisor

The distribution of actin filaments in the inner enamel-secretory ameloblast of the rat incisor was examined by labelling with heavy meromyosin. Actin filaments were mainly located in the long axis of the cell beneath the cell membrane. They tended to be more numerous in Tomes' process than in the cell body. Some filaments were associated with microtubules, with other actin filaments, and coated vesicles. Possible relation of the actin filaments to cell motility, stabilization of some, and movement of other cellular components is discussed.

Lysosomes and removal of the basal lamina of ameloblasts in early stages of odontogenesis

Differentiation of ameloblasts is characterised by the development of cytoplasmic organelles and changes in the distal cytoplasm and surface adjacent to the basal lamina. Examination of rat tooth germs prepared for thin section electron microscopy and for freeze fracture, and also stained for acid phosphatase, reveals that three concomitant events occur in this region. The distal surface membrane becomes progressively more undulated, there is an increase in acid phosphatase-containing membrane-bound vesicles (lysosomes) and the basal lamina becomes less apparent and finally disappears. Since the progressive disappearance of the basal lamina is accompanied by an increase in lysosomes, it is possible that lysosomal enzymes are involved in the breakdown of the basal lamina or, alternatively, that the basal lamina is broken down by enzymes derived from odontoblasts, and that its remnants are taken up by the many coated pits and invaginations of the distal surface membrane to be further degraded iun the lysosomal system.

Freeze-fracture studies of neonatal mouse incisors

Differentiation of preodontoblasts to odontoblasts and preameloblasts to ameloblasts during development of the mouse mandibular incisor proceeds in a gradient from the area of the odontogenic organ, where undifferentiated ectomesenchymal and epithelial cells proliferate, toward the incisal tip where mature tooth tissues, dentin and enamel, are present. The freeze-fracture technique has been used in the work presented here to study cell membrane ultrastructure of preodontoblasts and preameloblasts at several stages of differentiation. At early stages of differentiation, cuboidal preameloblasts are joined together distally by numerous gap junctions. Relatively fewer junctions occur elsewhere on the lateral plasma membranes, but gap junctions frequently occur proximally between preameloblasts and stratum intermedium cells. As differentiation proceeds and the cells become columnar, distal and proximal junctions persist. Tight junctions, however, were not observed at any of the stages studied. Intramembrane particle concentration of the lateral preameloblast plasmalemma appears to increase as differentiation proceeds. Odontoblasts are also joined distally by numerous gap junctions which persists through later stages of differentiation. Although odontoblast cell processes were observed to project toward the preameloblast layer, no clear points of cell to cell contact or defined intercellular junctions between the two cell types were observed.

Ultrastructural and cytochemical studies of resorptive and digestive functions of secretory ameloblasts in kitten tooth germs

Ultrastructural and cytochemical studies of kitten secretory ameloblasts were made in order to clarify their functions in the resorption and digestion of extracellular organic materials. The secretory ameloblast had triangular Tomes' processes whose profile was divided into type 1 and type 2 faces. Type 1 face was associated with tubular structures, coated pits, coated vesicles, and irregularly shaped vesicles presumably representing phagosomes. Freeze-fracture replicas clearly showed the presence of large, particle-rich depressions and small depressions on the cell membrane P face in the type 1 face of the Tomes' process. Exocytosis of secretory granules was seldom observed. In both thin sections and replicas, the type 2 face possessed cell membrane microinvaginations. From the supranuclear region to a zone near the Tomes' process, many dense bodies, multivesicular bodies, and vacuoles were present; and many of them showed intense acid phosphatase reactions. Reaction products of acid phosphatase were demonstrated in the Golgi apparatus, GERL, and the lateral cell membrane. These results suggest that kitten secretory ameloblasts resorb and digest extracellular organic materials.

Fine structure of secretory ameloblasts in kitten tooth germs, with special regard to intercellular junctions as revealed by freeze-fracture

Using both thin sectioning and freeze-fracture replication, junctional complexes at both proximal and distal ends of the cells consisted of tight junctions in close association with gap junctions and desmosomes. The tight junctions generally consisted of smooth, continuous rows of particles on the P-face and corresponding patterns of shallow grooves on the E-face of cell membranes. Though sealing of paracellular spaces around the ameloblasts in the proximal junctional complex was incomplete, there was complete sealing around the ameloblasts and well-developed meshwork structures of tight junctions in distal junctional complexes. Discontinuous and free-ending strands of tight junctions were frequent in junctional complexes, suggesting that ameloblast distal junctional complexes serve, not only as a barrier to high molecular passive substances through the ameloblast layer, but also as a channel for ions and low-molecular substances. Ameloblasts were firmly connected with stratum intermedium cells by desmosomes and gap junctions. The gap junctions on ameloblast basal and lateral surfaces probably function in intercellular transfer of ions and low-molecular substances between the stratum intermedium and ameloblasts and in control of ameloblast cytodifferentiation.

Morphology and permeability of junctional complexes in maturing ameloblasts of rat incisors

Thin sections of newborn rat incisors were examined by tracer experiments and freeze-fracture replication in order to clarify the morphology and permeability of ameloblast junctional complexes in the maturation stage. Ameloblast junctional complexes consisted of gaps and tight junctions at the proximal and distal ends. Whereas the proximal junctional complexes sealed extracellular spaces incompletely, the distal ones formed complete, belt-like barriers around the cell. Tight junctions of these junctional complexes, however, were composed of both continuous and discontinuous rows of particles with various spaces among them. Intravenously injected horseradish peroxidase (HRP) reached the enamel surface through the extracellular spaces among ameloblasts and was absorbed by ameloblasts of the ruffled borders. Pinocytosis and transcellular migration of HRP could not be demonstrated in maturing ameloblasts except in the ruffled border zone.