Specialized Basement Membrane of Monkey Maturation Stage Ameloblasts Mediates Firm Ameloblast-Enamel Association by Its Partial Calcification

Abstract.

A basement membrane-like structure associated with the maturation stage ameloblasts of the monkey (Macaca fuscata) tooth germ was examined with high resolution electron microscopy. The tissue was prepared either with or without demineralization. This structure was composed of a lamina lucida-like (lamina lucida) and lamina densa-like (lamina densa) structure. The latter was made up of a fine ``cord'' network, the major constituent of the basement membrane. It was closely associated with the third layer of a 200 nm wide looser cord network. In specimens without demineralization the third layer and a part of the lamina densa were calcified, and it formed the edge of the enamel. This particular area had a higher electron density, and the size, shape, and arrangement of mineral crystals were different from those of the rest of the enamel. Also, mineralization appeared to be proceeding along the cords. These observations indicate that this dense layer is a highly specialized basement membrane which mediates the firm association of maturation stage ameloblasts with the enamel by means of the mineralization of a part of this basement membrane itself which becomes integrated as a part of the enamel. Also, this highly specialized manner of association is favorable with the reported control of the loss of organic substances in the maturing enamel by maturation stage ameloblasts.