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

DENTAL ENAMEL FORMATION AND IMPLICATIONS FOR ORAL HEALTH AND DISEASE

Dental enamel is the hardest and most mineralized tissue in extinct and extant vertebrate species and provides maximum durability that allows teeth to function as weapons and/or tools as well as for food processing. Enamel development and mineralization is an intricate process tightly regulated by cells of the enamel organ called ameloblasts. These heavily polarized cells form a monolayer around the developing enamel tissue and move as a single forming front in specified directions as they lay down a proteinaceous matrix that serves as a template for crystal growth. Ameloblasts maintain intercellular connections creating a semi-permeable barrier that at one end (basal/proximal) receives nutrients and ions from blood vessels, and at the opposite end (secretory/apical/distal) forms extracellular crystals within specified pH conditions. In this unique environment, ameloblasts orchestrate crystal growth via multiple cellular activities including modulating the transport of minerals and ions, pH regulation, proteolysis, and endocytosis. In many vertebrates, the bulk of the enamel tissue volume is first formed and subsequently mineralized by these same cells as they retransform their morphology and function. Cell death by apoptosis and regression are the fates of many ameloblasts following enamel maturation, and what cells remain of the enamel organ are shed during tooth eruption, or are incorporated into the tooth's epithelial attachment to the oral gingiva. In this review, we examine key aspects of dental enamel formation, from its developmental genesis to the ever-increasing wealth of data on the mechanisms mediating ionic transport, as well as the clinical outcomes resulting from abnormal ameloblast function.

Endocytosis and Enamel Formation

Enamel formation requires consecutive stages of development to achieve its characteristic extreme mineral hardness. Mineralization depends on the initial presence then removal of degraded enamel proteins from the matrix via endocytosis. The ameloblast membrane resides at the interface between matrix and cell. Enamel formation is controlled by ameloblasts that produce enamel in stages to build the enamel layer (secretory stage) and to reach final mineralization (maturation stage). Each stage has specific functional requirements for the ameloblasts. Ameloblasts adopt different cell morphologies during each stage. Protein trafficking including the secretion and endocytosis of enamel proteins is a fundamental task in ameloblasts. The sites of internalization of enamel proteins on the ameloblast membrane are specific for every stage. In this review, an overview of endocytosis and trafficking of vesicles in ameloblasts is presented. The pathways for internalization and routing of vesicles are described. Endocytosis is proposed as a mechanism to remove debris of degraded enamel protein and to obtain feedback from the matrix on the status of the maturing enamel.

Adaptor protein complex 2-mediated, clathrin-dependent endocytosis, and related gene activities, are a prominent feature during maturation stage amelogenesis

Molecular events defining enamel matrix removal during amelogenesis are poorly understood. Early reports have suggested that adaptor proteins (AP) participate in ameloblast-mediated endocytosis. Enamel formation involves the secretory and maturation stages, with an increase in resorptive function during the latter. Here, using real-time PCR, we show that the expression of clathrin and adaptor protein subunits are upregulated in maturation stage rodent enamel organ cells. AP complex 2 (AP-2) is the most upregulated of the four distinct adaptor protein complexes. Immunolocalization confirms the presence of AP-2 and clathrin in ameloblasts, with strongest reactivity at the apical pole. These data suggest that the resorptive functions of enamel cells involve AP-2 mediated, clathrin-dependent endocytosis, thus implying the likelihood of specific membrane-bound receptor(s) of enamel matrix protein debris. The mRNA expression of other endocytosis-related gene products is also upregulated during maturation including: lysosomal-associated membrane protein 1 (Lamp1); cluster of differentiation 63 and 68 (Cd63 and Cd68); ATPase, H(+) transporting, lysosomal V0 subunit D2 (Atp6v0d2); ATPase, H(+) transporting, lysosomal V1 subunit B2 (Atp6v1b2); chloride channel, voltage-sensitive 7 (Clcn7); and cathepsin K (Ctsk). Immunohistologic data confirms the expression of a number of these proteins in maturation stage ameloblasts. The enamel of Cd63-null mice was also examined. Despite increased mRNA and protein expression in the enamel organ during maturation, the enamel of Cd63-null mice appeared normal. This may suggest inherent functional redundancies between Cd63 and related gene products, such as Lamp1 and Cd68. Ameloblast-like LS8 cells treated with the enamel matrix protein complex Emdogain showed upregulation of AP-2 and clathrin subunits, further supporting the existence of a membrane-bound receptor-regulated pathway for the endocytosis of enamel matrix proteins. These data together define an endocytotic pathway likely used by ameloblasts to remove the enamel matrix during enamel maturation.

Cytochemical localization of dipeptidyl peptidase II activity in rat incisor tooth ameloblasts

Dipeptidyl peptidase II (DPP II), E.C. 3.4.14.2, a serine class endopeptidase, is widely used as a lysosomal marker in cytochemical studies. To date most ultrastructural studies of ameloblasts use the presence of acid phosphatase activity to identify cellular organelles to be lysosomal. Using decalcified rat mandibles, with kidney tissue as a positive control, DPP II activity, was assessed with specific substrate Lysyl-alanine-4-methoxy-2-naphthylamide in ameloblasts at an ultrastructural level. Reaction product (RP) indicative of DPP II activity was observed only within lysosome-like organelles. These RP-labelled organelles were only localized in the supra- or para-nuclear regions of the ameloblasts, which corresponds with previous studies using acid phosphatase cytochemistry. However, in contrast with these studies, RP was not detected in the distal region of the ameloblasts, viz., in the Tomes' processes of the secretory ameloblasts or near the ruffled border in the maturation ameloblasts. The transitional ameloblasts were notable for the intensity of staining of their RP-labelled organelles. We propose that DPP II may have a role in programmed cell death which is thought to occur in this transition zone. Biochemical analysis of rat incisor enamel organ homogenates, indicated tissue fixation resulted in an 82% reduction in DPP II activity, although the specific activity of DPP II was not affected.

Immunolocalization of enamel proteins during amelogenesis in the cat

Amelogenesis in the cat has been suggested to closely resemble enamel formation in human teeth. In order to further characterize the sequence of events leading to enamel formation in the cat, the expression and distribution of enamel proteins throughout amelogenesis were examined by postembedding immunocytochemistry using an antibody to mouse amelogenins and the high resolution protein A-gold technique. Enamel proteins were first immunodetected in ameloblasts and in the extracellular matrix during the presecretory stage. Secretory stage ameloblasts showed the most intense cellular reactivity. In these cells, protein synthetic organelles, secretory granules, and large lysosome-like structures were all intensely labeled. Extracellularly, numerous gold particles were observed over enamel and over patches of material found at the baso-lateral surfaces of these ameloblasts. During the early maturation stage, the protein synthetic organelles and secretory granules of ameloblasts still showed some immunoreactivity, although the most conspicuous labeling at this later stage was found over enamel and over material present among the extensive apical membrane infoldings of ruffle-ended ameloblasts. Qualitative analysis of lysosome-like elements in ameloblasts suggested that their frequency and immunoreactivity in the maturation stage were relatively lower than in the secretory stage, where some groups of cells often showed numerous large labeled structures. The enamel matrix was intensely labeled at all stages; however, cervical-occlusal and surface-depth gradients were readily apparent by conventional staining and by quantitative analysis of immunolabeling in the late secretory and early maturation stages. These data suggest that the cellular and extracellular distribution of enamel proteins in the cat is generally similar to that reported in other species, although some particularities were observed, perhaps reflecting variation in the timing of developmental parameters.

Zinc iodide-osmium tetroxide impregnation of the ?tubulo-vesicular system? in Tomes' process of the rat incisor ameloblast

Zinc iodide-osmium tetroxide (ZIO) is a nonspecific but selective impregnation method that visualizes a tubulo-vesicular system in cells. The detailed structure and three-dimensional distribution of this ZIO-impregnated system was studied in the Tomes' process of secretory ameloblasts in the rat incisor. The ZIO-impregnated system consisted of an extensive array of smooth membrane-bound thick and thin tubules and vesicles. The interconnected thick and thin tubules formed a complex "core network" in the central cytoplasm of Tomes' process that enmeshed and often surrounded individual secretory granules. From the core network, radial branches extended toward the smooth cell membrane of the interdigitating portion of Tomes' process. Although the core network and branches frequently appeared connected to the secretory granules and the cell membrane, stereo-pair electron microscopy failed to show conclusive evidence of such continuity. However, many coated vesiclelike structures were attached to the core network and its branches. No special relationship was found between interrod and rod secretory sites and the tubulo-vesicular network. In thick sections, the ZIO-impregnated tubulo-vesicular network occupied a considerable volume of cytoplasm. The vinblastine-labile nature of this network as demonstrated previously (Nanci et al., 1987) indicated that the system undergoes rapid and extensive turnover. Considering the dynamic nature and sheer volume of the tubulo-vesicular system, we propose that it be regarded as a major cell organelle.

Fine structural changes and lysosomal phosphatase cytochemistry of ameloblasts associated with the transitional stage of enamel formation in the rat incisor

Trimetaphosphatase (TMPase) and cytidine-5'-monophosphatase (CMPase) were used as lysosomal markers in the transitional ameloblasts (TA) to investigate the distribution of lysosomal structures and to correlate the cytochemical findings with the ultrastructural features of these cells. Of particular interest were the cytochemical and morphological changes which occur as the ameloblasts approach the maturation stage of enamel formation. The sequence of changes observed provides a basis for designation of three regions of the transitional zone (early and late TA and modulating ameloblasts). In the early TA region, the cells decreased in height and contained phagic vacuoles as well as numerous TMPase and CMPase reactive structures. Late transitional ameloblasts had invaginations at their distal ends as well as membrane-bound structures, both filled with fine granular material. Dense bodies, phagic vacuoles, and other elements of the lysosomal system were enzyme reactive. Modulating ameloblasts lacked the phagic vacuoles but exhibited large numbers of multivesicular bodies, vesicles, and secretory granules. Their distal ends were morphologically altered indicating a change towards ruffle- or smooth-ended varieties of maturation ameloblast. In the former, increased granular material was observed within cell membrane invaginations and associated membrane-bound structures. In the latter, intercellular spaces widened and were filled with granular material. The present cytochemical findings of an extensive lyosomal system in transitional ameloblasts confirm the function of those cells in reducing the secretory ameloblast population and in the selective elimination of their protein-synthesizing organelles. Furthermore, this extensive lysosmal system and the present morphological findings are consistent with a potential role for transitional ameloblasts in contributing to the marked loss of enamel protein known to occur during maturation.

Histochemical, ultrastructural, and electron microprobe analytical studies on the localization of calcium in rat incisor ameloblasts at early stage amelogenesis

The enamel organs of rat incisors were separated from the enamel surface and processed for rapid freezing and freeze-substitution. A histochemical stain for calcium (GBHA) of thick Epon sections revealed intense calcium reactions in the secretory ameloblasts, exclusively in the tubulovesicular structures extending throughout their distal cytoplasm. Electron microscopy revealed a thin layer of amorphous material with clusters of electron-dense granules along the distal surface of secretory ameloblasts. In young secretory ameloblasts without typical Tomes' processes, a considerable number of mitochondria were located in the distal cytoplasm and contained numerous electron-dense granules. Similar dense granules as well as fine ribbon-like electron-dense figures, all containing significant amounts of calcium, were observed in some of the tubulovesicular structures at the distal end of these cells. A putative exocytotic figure of such dense granules was also observed. The electron-dense granules were rare in more differentiated ameloblasts with elongated Tomes' processes, which occasionally displayed ribbon-like figures in some of the tubulovesicular structures in the process region. No significant calcium peak was detected in the extracellular amorphous material, secretory granules, or along the lateral plasma membranes. These observations may imply high calcium concentrations in mitochondria and tubulovesicular structures in the distal cytoplasm of secretory ameloblasts relative to that of the cytosol and support the possible contribution of these organelles in secretory ameloblasts to cellular calcium regulation at least in the early stage of amelogenesis.

Scanning electron microscopy of monkey secretory- and transitional-stage enamel organ cells

This scanning electron microscope (SEM) study of secretory- and transitional-stage enamel organ cells of the permanent dentition of Macaca mulatta and Macaca arctoides was undertaken because the topography of these cells in primates has not been described in the literature. Comparison of our results with murine enamel organ morphology reported previously revealed not only many similarities, but also some significant differences. Tooth buds of the permanent dentition were routinely prepared for SEM. Murine secretory-stage ameloblasts have been described to be 65-70 microns long, with smooth lateral membranes, but those of monkeys were only 30-35 microns tall, with four different lateral plasma membrane configurations: smooth, filamentous, longitudinally ridged, and transversely ridged. The filamentous form was most common. Cells were seen with either transverse or longitudinal ridges in the basal half, and with filamentous ridges in the apical portion; this indicates modulation between these forms. Because of the extraordinary similarity between these lateral membrane modulations and those of rat incisor maturation ameloblasts, a comparable function is proposed--namely, that monkey secretory ameloblasts function, in part, in the resorption and mineralization of enamel matrix. There were several layers of rounded stratum intermedium cells basal to monkey secretory-stage ameloblasts, but only one layer of cuboidal stratum intermedium in rodents. The stellate reticulum cells of rats and monkeys appeared attenuated, with large extracellular spaces. There was little or no reduction in cell length of monkey transitional-stage ameloblasts. The position of the nuclear bulge differentiated transitional- from secretory-stage ameloblasts.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Structure and function of enamel gene products

The present paper reviews the main features of amelogenin and enamelin biochemistry, molecular biology, structural and ultrastructural localization, and immunology. It also examines recent studies concerning the origin, chemical characterization, suggested role, and participation of these two major classes of extracellular developing enamel matrix proteins in the complex process of "matrix-mediated" mineralization.

Degradation and loss of matrix proteins from developing enamel

The pattern and timing of the breakdown and loss of matrix proteins were studied in developing rat incisor enamel using sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), fluorography, radioautography, and in vitro incubations of proteins isolated from freshly dissected, crushed pieces of enamel. For biochemical studies, the technique of Robinson et al. (1974, 1977, 1983) was used to transect the enamel organ and enamel into a series of strips at 1 mm intervals along the length of the tooth. The proteins in each strip were extracted and either quantified by Lowry analysis or applied to 12% slab (enamel) or 5-15% continuous gradient (enamel organ) SDS-polyacrylamide gels and separated by electrophoresis. The biochemical studies indicated that the amount of protein contained within an enamel strip increased gradually by volume across the secretory stage, reached a peak early during the maturation stage, and then declined rapidly thereafter. The distribution of enamel proteins on SDS-polyacrylamide gels changed markedly throughout this period. These changes included increases and decreases in the intensity of staining of proteins at certain molecular weights (e.g., 18 kDa) and the appearance and disappearance of some proteins not seen clearly near the start of the secretory stage of amelogenesis (e.g., 32 and 10 kDa). Labeling studies with 35S-methionine suggested that the "stacked" arrangement of proteins typical of forming enamel (secretory stage) actually represented a very dynamic association of proteins, with new ones being added at the top of the stack and then breaking down with time to become those seen at lower molecular weights. Across the secretory stage, new proteins were always added to the top of the stack, but during early maturation this activity slowed dramatically, allowing the breakdown of aging proteins to be visualized more clearly. Radioautographic studies with 3H-methionine indicated that the breakdown of newly secreted proteins also was correlated with a movement of label from the site of secretion into deeper, previously unlabeled, areas of forming enamel. In vitro studies revealed that the rate and degree of breakdown of enamel proteins varied markedly, depending on the stage of amelogenesis from which the proteins were extracted. Secretory stage enamel proteins showed slow in vitro degradation with accumulation of proteins near 18 kDa. Early maturation stage enamel proteins showed more rapid breakdown with little accumulation of proteins near 18 kDa, whereas late maturation stage enamel proteins showed complete degradation by 2 days of incubation in vitro.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Freeze-fracture electron microscopy of simultaneous odontoblast exocytosis and endocytosis in human permanent teeth

Replica preparations of dental pulp revealed membrane specializations indicating both exocytosis and endocytosis in the apical part of the odontoblast cell body and the proximal part of the odontoblast process. In tangential fractures, the plasmalemma exhibited protruding spheroids, considered to be the final stage in exocytosis. Other stages observed were plasmalemmal elevations covering underlying vesicles and surrounded by particle-free zones and fusion between vesicles and the cell membrane. Features indicative of endocytosis were plasmalemma studded patchwise with small circular craters 60-70 nm in diameter, often in association with intramembranous particles, and clusters of particles, probably constituting the sites of initiation of endocytotic vesicles in the plasmalemma.

Ultrastructure of fluoride-induced cysts in the rat molar enamel organ

Earlier studies have shown that a single high dose of fluoride induces subameloblastic cysts separated by morphologically unaltered ameloblasts in the developing rat molar. In the present investigation, the ultrastructure of both the ameloblasts forming the cystic wall, and the cells within the cystic lumina were studied by means of transmission electron microscopy. It was shown that 24 h after fluoride injection the ameloblasts of the cystic wall showed various degrees of cytoplasmic and nuclear alterations. Some cells displayed signs of necrosis as indicated by condensation of the chromatin. The cytoplasmic changes varied from altered organelle morphology to fragmentation and almost complete shedding of the whole cytoplasm. In the ameloblasts of the cystic wall secretory products accumulated intracellularly, in distended rough endoplasmatic reticulum, in vesicles of the Golgi region and extracellularly between ameloblasts as well as between cells in the stratum intermedium, indicating an altered matrix secretion. Electron lucent material, cell and cell fragments were found in the cystic lumina, the two latter apparently originating from the ameloblastic layer. The degenerative changes seemed to follow the normal pattern of cell degeneration.

Fluoride-induced cystic changes in the enamel organ of the rat molar

Many substances have been found to cause enamel disturbances in toxic doses, and it has been postulated that these disturbances are linked to the formation of sub-ameloblastic cysts. In the present investigation, fluoride-induced sub-ameloblastic cysts in developing rat molars were related to fluoride dose, age of the animals, and the plasma fluoride level. The sub-ameloblastic cysts, which developed predominantly towards the end of the secretory stage of amelogenesis, appeared shortly after fluoride administration and regressed within 3 days. Hypoplasias and internal defects were found in the enamel under the disturbed ameloblast layer. The highest plasma fluoride levels were found in the youngest animals 24 h after injection. The frequency and size of the sub-ameloblastic cysts were clearly related to the fluoride-dose and age of the animal and, subsequently, to the plasma fluoride level.

Energy-dispersive X-ray microanalysis and scanning electron microscopy of developing and mature cat enamel

Calcium and phosphorus distribution in forming, maturing and mature enamel of cat teeth and the microstructures manifest in all these were examined in fractured enamel from the dentine-enamel junction toward the enamel surface. concentrations of both Ca and P increased gradually from the forming enamel, through the maturing enamel and into the mature enamel. The innermost layer, adjacent to the dentine-enamel junction showed the greatest and the superficial layer the lowest concentration of Ca. Still the mature enamel of the erupted tooth was not yet completely mineralized and Ca and P concentrations only slightly higher than those in maturing enamel. Molar Ca:P ratio of each enamel stage was lower than that of pure crystalline hydroxyapatite. Simultaneously-performed SEM observations revealed microstructural changes in the enamel: in the forming-front layer of the forming enamel, the enamel was a rough, immature structure but began to show more compact, tighter structures as concentrations of Ca and P altered. The results suggest that the enamel organ exercises intense cellular control over increases of Ca and P concentration during the formation and maturation stages of amelogenesis.