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Electron microscopy of abnormal secretory products of rat incisor ameloblasts in tetracycline‐induced lesions
Author(s) -
Kallenbach E.
Publication year - 1987
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.1600-0714.1987.tb00706.x
Subject(s) - ameloblast , enamel paint , enamel organ , amelogenesis , basal lamina , electron microscope , anatomy , tooth enamel , incisor , chemistry , ultrastructure , pathology , dentistry , biology , medicine , optics , physics
Lesions were created in the incisor enamel organs of adult rats by a single dose of tetracycline, and the secretory products in these lesions were examined with the transmission electron microscope. The following abnormal products were found: 1) circumscribed areas of a mottled uncalcified material within the enamel; 2) an uncalcified material consisting of tubules with dimensions similar to the crystal coat of normal enamel, 3) spherical calcified masses which at their periphery resemble normal enamel; 4) layers of a basal lamina‐like material in the extracellular spaces between Tomes' processes, and an attachment site‐like modification of the cell borders next to this material. It is suggested a) that the enamel tubule is a primary secretory product of the ameloblast; in normal enamel it would support the growth of the crystal; b) that, in the lesion, enamel can grow by diffusion of precursors from distant ameloblasts, while rat enamel normally grows only in direct contact with the ameloblast cell membrane.