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Calcification of non‐collagenous matrix in human gingiva: a light and electron microscopic study
Author(s) -
Bab I.,
Lustmann J.,
Azaz B.,
Gazit D.,
Garfunkel A.
Publication year - 1985
Publication title -
journal of oral pathology and medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.887
H-Index - 83
eISSN - 1600-0714
pISSN - 0904-2512
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0714.1985.tb00531.x
Subject(s) - calcification , transmission electron microscopy , matrix (chemical analysis) , electron microscope , ectopic calcification , anatomy , vesicle , microanalysis , chemistry , pathology , materials science , biology , membrane , optics , medicine , composite material , physics , nanotechnology , biochemistry , organic chemistry
Tissue samples obtained from human gingiva with soft tissue calcification were processed for light and transmission electron microscopy. The stroma in these specimens revealed numerous foci of calcification in a matrix that consisted of closely packed branching microfibrils, 12 nm in diameter and a maximum of 2.5 μm in length. Calcospherites, 0.25–1.11 μm in diameter, were present within the matrix. They were constructed of needle‐like units shown by high resolution electron microscopy and energy dispersive X‐ray microanalysis to be apatite. Larger calcified masses were composed of calcospherites which were fused together. Matrix vesicles or other forms of membranous material could not be found. The relationship between the mineral and non‐collagenous microfibrils may suggest a role for the latter in the onset of calcification in this ectopic site.