Localization of the enzyme ATPase in the rat secretory ameloblast by means of electron microscopy

Ca2+ transport and signalling in enamel cells

Dental enamel is one of the most remarkable examples of matrix-mediated biomineralization. Enamel crystals form de novo in a rich extracellular environment in a stage-dependent manner producing complex microstructural patterns that are visually stunning. This process is orchestrated by specialized epithelial cells known as ameloblasts which themselves undergo striking morphological changes, switching function from a secretory role to a cell primarily engaged in ionic transport. Ameloblasts are supported by a host of cell types which combined represent the enamel organ. Fully mineralized enamel is the hardest tissue found in vertebrates owing its properties partly to the unique mixture of ionic species represented and their highly organized assembly in the crystal lattice. Among the main elements found in enamel, Ca2+ is the most abundant ion, yet how ameloblasts modulate Ca2+ dynamics remains poorly known. This review describes previously proposed models for passive and active Ca2+ transport, the intracellular Ca2+ buffering systems expressed in ameloblasts and provides an up-dated view of current models concerning Ca2+ influx and extrusion mechanisms, where most of the recent advances have been made. We also advance a new model for Ca2+ transport by the enamel organ.

Gene Expression and Localization of Insulin-like Growth Factors and Their Receptors throughout Amelogenesis in Rat Incisors

Insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) are expressed in many tissues and control cell differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis. In teeth, the temporo-spatial pattern of expression IGFs and their receptors has not been fully characterized. The purpose of this study was to obtain a comprehensive profile of their expression throughout the life cycle of ameloblasts, using the continuously erupting rat incisor model. Upper incisors of young male rats were fixed by perfusion, decalcified, and embedded in paraffin. Sections were processed for in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. mRNA and protein expression profiles IGF-I, IGF-II, IGF-IR, and IGF-IIR mRNA were essentially identical. At the apical loop of the incisor, very strong signals were seen in the outer enamel epithelium while the inner enamel epithelium showed a moderate reaction. In the region of ameloblasts facing pulp, inner enamel epithelium cells were still moderately reactive while signals over the outer enamel epithelium were slightly reduced. In the region of ameloblasts facing dentin and the initial portion of the secretory zone, signals in ameloblasts were weak while those over the outer enamel epithelium were strong. In the region of postsecretory transition, signals in both ameloblasts and papillary layer cells gradually increased. In maturation proper, signals in ameloblasts appeared as alternating bands of strong and weak reactivities, which corresponded to the regions of ruffle-ended and smooth-ended ameloblasts, respectively. Papillary layer cells also showed alternations in signal intensity that matched those in ameloblasts. These results suggest that the IGF family may act as an autocrine/paracrine system that influences not only cell differentiation but also the physiological activity of ameloblasts.

Pathway and speed of calcium movement from blood to mineralizing enamel

We studied by autoradiography the distribution of 45Ca in the enamel organ of frozen rats 4.3, 6.1, 7.8, 10.6 and 13.7 sec after an i.v. injection. The intercellular junctions of the proximal side of the smooth-ended ameloblast (SA) and the distal side of the ruffle-ended ameloblast (RA) were closed to calcium. The junctions of the distal side of SA, the proximal side of RA, and both sides of the secretory stage ameloblasts were not. The time required for calcium to pass through the ameloblast layer was less than 1.8 sec in the secretory stage and SA region. The time in the RA region was 3.5-6.3 sec. In the transitional region from RA to SA, a band of strong radioactivity appeared from the papillary layer of RA region towards the enamel of the SA region. The radioactivity in the secretory stage enamel increased almost linearly with time. The diffusion speed of calcium in the enamel was more than 50 microns for 1.8 sec in the maturation stage and less than 15 microns for 9.4 sec in the secretory stage. These results indicate that in the secretory and SA regions calcium moves to the enamel surface through the intercellular spaces of ameloblasts and in the RA region via RA cells.

Enamel mineralization and the role of ameloblasts in calcium transport

Amelogenesis is a dynamic and unique process of cell-matrix interactions in that matrix synthesis, degradation and resorption all proceed simultaneously, coupled with mineral depositions in a compartment between ameloblasts and dentin or dental papilla. Accumulation of data suggest the role of ameloblasts in tooth morphogenesis and matrix formation, but no fully acceptable explanation has been given concerning the role of ameloblasts in calcium transport. In this article, old and new points of issue raised regarding the role of ameloblasts in calcium acquisition are reviewed and possible mechanisms whereby the ameloblasts prevent the rise of cytosolic calcium while actively or less actively transporting calcium are elaborated upon based on recent findings.

Changes in the mode of calcium and phosphate transport during rat incisal enamel formation

The distribution of 45Ca, 32PO4, 22Na, and calcein in the freeze-dried sections of rat lower incisor was examined. Also, the ratio of 45Ca to 32PO4 transported into the enamel at various developmental stages was studied after the simultaneous injection of 45Ca and 32PO4. The distribution of calcein fluorescence indicated the presence of an extracellular route from capillary to enamel in the areas of both the secretory and smooth-ended ameloblasts. Autoradiograms showed that the 45Ca incorporation into the enamel in the smooth-ended ameloblast region was higher than that into the secretory enamel, and a remarkably high incorporation was observed in the enamel of the apical two-thirds of the ruffle-ended ameloblast region. Although the 32P incorporation into the enamel of the smooth- and ruffle-ended ameloblast region was higher than in the secretory enamel, the differences between these two regions were not so evident as that observed in the case of 45Ca. The high labeling of 45Ca and 22Na was observed in the apical two-thirds of the ruffle-ended ameloblasts. The 45Ca/32PO4 ratio in the secretory enamel was significantly lower than that in the blood, but in the enamel of the smooth-ended ameloblast region the ratio was not significantly lower. Contrarily, the ratio in the enamel of the ruffle-ended ameloblast region was much higher than that in blood. These results indicate that the mode of transport of these ions into enamel is altered in relation to the morphological changes of the ameloblasts.

Specificity of the metal-salt method for the localization of Ca2(+)-ATPase activity studied in rat adenohypophysis tissue in a model system of polyacrylamide gel films

The histochemical method using the lead-salt technique for the detection of Ca2+)-ATPase activity has been studied quantitatively in rat adenohypophyseal cell homogenates incorporated in polyacrylamide gel films using cytochemical conditions which were applied for the ultrastructural localization of this enzyme (El-sherif and Bácsy, 1988, 1989). Polyacrylamide gel films including cell homogenates were fixed in the presence or absence of calcium chloride, incubated for Ca2(+)-ATPase activity, and the mean integrated absorbance was determined. Omission of Ca2+ or levamisole from the incubation medium, as well as substitution of ATP by beta-glycerophosphate resulted in significantly decreased activity. Incubations with media containing AMP or ADP instead of ATP resulted in absorbance values not significantly different from background values obtained with substrate-free media. Maximum absorbance was obtained when 1% CaCl2 was added to the fixative. Absorbance values increased with incubation time up to 45 min. Most of these data correlated well with our previous findings for the ultrastructural localization of Ca2(+)-ATPase activity in rat adenohypophysis and it can be concluded that the method is valid and specific.

Calcium transport during mineralization

The translocation of calcium from the extracellular fluid compartment into the mineralizing matrix during hard tissue formation is not well understood. There are two general means by which such calcium movement may occur: 1) diffusion through the pericellular space, or 2) transcellular transport. Cementum and bone are difficult tissues in which to study the system and little is known about the mechanisms involved. Dentin offers certain advantages for study and it appears that calcium movement into the mineralizing matrix is by transcellular transport. Information concerning the transport mechanism is meager. Enamel is more easily explored. The apparent existence of intercellular junctions tight to calcium in the ameloblast layer at all stages of enamel formation indicates that calcium movement occurs by transcellular transport. Based on published findings, a hypothesis concerning mechanisms of transcellular transport may be advanced. It is proposed that the relatively low level of calcium transport through secretory ameloblasts occurs without direct involvement of a calcium binding protein. During the maturation stage, when calcium influx to the matrix is greatly increased, a calcium binding protein (9 kd) appears and facilitates transport while preventing unphysiologic increases in the cytosolic free calcium ion concentration. Differences in the calcium ion concentrations of extracellular fluid and enamel matrix fluid appear to be critical to the influx of calcium across the proximal cell membrane and the efflux of calcium across the distal cell membrane.

Ultracytochemical demonstration of ATP-dependent calcium pump in ameloblasts of rat incisor enamel organ

The enamel organ of the growing rat incisor was fixed with a mixture of formaldehyde and glutaraldehyde and processed for ultracytochemical demonstration of Ca- and Mg-activated membrane ATPase by a one-step lead technique at alkaline pH. To inhibit nonspecific alkaline phosphatase, 5 mM levamisole was added to the incubation media. Intense Ca- and Mg-ATPase activity was demonstrated in the cell surfaces of the secretory ameloblasts, except at the proximal and distal junctional complexes and the gap junctions in the lateral and basal cell surfaces. Deep plasma membrane invaginations at the proximal and distal parts of Tomes processes facing interrod- and rod-enamel growth regions exhibited the strongest enzymatic reaction. Mg-ATPase activity was also shown to be present in the plasma membranes of secretory ameloblasts but it was less intense than Ca-ATPase. Except for a slight reaction in the Golgi membranes, all other cell organelles of the secretory ameloblasts and the adjacent enamel matrix were free of enzymatic reaction. However, when the tissues were incubated in media lacking levamisole, a prominent enzymatic reaction was observed in the newly secreted enamel matrix of the rod and interrod growth regions as well as on the plasma membranes of the cells. In maturation ameloblasts of both ruffle-ended and smooth-ended types, a weak reaction for Ca- and Mg-ATPase was restricted to basal cell surfaces facing the papillary cell layer. In tissues incubated in media lacking levamisole, a variable deposition of reaction products was observed in the Golgi membranes, mitochondrial membranes, tubular elements of smooth endoplasmic reticulum in the ruffled border zone, and along the plasma membranes of the ruffled border. Throughout the secretory and maturation stages, a moderate and/or weak enzymatic reaction for both Ca- and Mg-ATPase was seen in the plasma membranes of the cells of the stratum intermedium and the papillary layer when incubated in media with levamisole. Omission of substrate ATP and/or the enzyme activator CaCl2 from the incubation media for Ca-ATPase produced a negative reaction in the tissues examined. When the calmodulin blocker trifluoperazine was administered to the rats intravenously, Ca-ATPase activity was almost completely abolished from the plasma membranes of secretory ameloblasts, but not of other cell types.

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

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