Summary
The fine structure of differentiating odontoblasts and predentin in the rat was investigated. The cells gradually acquired a prominent endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi complex, indicative of a synthesizing capacity. Specific cytoplasmic bodies abounded within the Golgi area and the apical cell body regions of maturing odontoblasts. The possibility that such structures may be an expression of a transport and discharge mechanism for cellular products, e.g. collagen precursors is discussed.
In initial stages of dentin formation, “dentinal glubles” were observed in the predentin. Furthermore, needle-like crystallites appeared within these globules before apatite crystals were observed in the predentin matrix. It is proposed that these globules are intimately related to initial predentin mineralization. In calcification at later stages of dentinogenesis no such globular elements are involved.
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Larsson, Å., Bloom, G.D. Studies on dentinogenesis in the rat. Z. Anat. Entwickl. Gesch. 139, 227–246 (1973). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00519966
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00519966