Annexins I-VI in secretory ameloblasts and odontoblasts of rat incisor

Immunoblot analyses and ultrastructural immunogold studies have been conducted on annexins in the secretory ameloblasts and odontoblasts of the rat incisor. Annexins I and II were seen in the soluble and particulate fractions of the enamel-related portion but not in the dentin-related portion. These proteins were visualized in the cytosol, near to the plasma membrane of Tomes' processes and in secretory vesicles in the ameloblasts. The forming enamel was also labeled. Annexins III, VI an V were detected in both the soluble and particulate fractions of the enamel-and dentin-related portions. Annexin IV was mainly localized in the proximal and distal areas of the secretory ameloblasts and virtually absent from in the supranuclear area. Annexin V was mainly detected in the cytosol of the cells and to a lesser extent near the plasma membrane. Annexin VI was mainly detected in the particulate fraction of enamel- and dentin-related portions. It was seen in the mitochondria and in the subplasmalemmal undercoat. All these proteins may play a role in exocytosis and endocytosis. They are implied in the regulation of cell calcium, but not in the transfer of calcium through the cells in the direction of the forming enamel and dentin, except annexins I and II since they are both present in the secretory vesicles and in the forming enamel.