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Micro-dissection of Enamel Organ from Mandibular Incisor of Rats Exposed to Environmental Toxicants
Published on: March 29, 2018
Comparative stereologic study between secretory and maturation ameloblasts in rat incisors
Gerson Francisco de Assis1, Daniel Araki Ribeiro, Patrícia Danieli Campos
1Faculdade de Odontologia, Faculdade de Odontologia, USP.
Journal of Applied Oral Science : Revista FOB
|March 17, 2011
Summary
During amelogenesis, ameloblasts undergo significant changes in organelles, with decreased rough endoplasmic reticulum and increased mitochondria, while cytoplasm volume remains stable. These findings reveal key cellular adaptations during enamel formation.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Histology
Background:
- Amelogenesis involves complex cellular processes in ameloblasts.
- Understanding ameloblast morphology changes is crucial for enamel development research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantitatively analyze stereological changes in ameloblasts during secretion and maturation phases.
- To investigate the volume and surface area alterations of key organelles within ameloblasts.
Main Methods:
- Stereologic methods were employed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM).
- Quantitative analysis of nucleus, cytoplasm, rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER), and mitochondria was performed.
Main Results:
- Nucleus volume decreased by 23%; cytoplasm volume remained unchanged.
- RER volume and surface decreased by 74% and 90%, respectively.
- Mitochondrial volume and surface increased significantly (742% and 384%), with altered surface-to-volume ratios.
Conclusions:
- Ameloblasts exhibit substantial organelle remodeling from secretion to maturation.
- Despite significant morphologic shifts, ameloblast cytoplasm volume is conserved.
- These changes reflect the cell's adaptation to its functional demands during enamel matrix formation and maturation.
