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Updated: May 10, 2026

Micro-dissection of Enamel Organ from Mandibular Incisor of Rats Exposed to Environmental Toxicants
Published on: March 29, 2018
Stress response pathways in ameloblasts: implications for amelogenesis and dental fluorosis
Megan L Sierant1, John D Bartlett
1Department of Cytokine Biology, Forsyth Institute; 245 First St., Cambridge, MA, 02142 & Harvard School of Dental Medicine, 188 Longwood Ave, Boston, MA, 02115.
Abstract:
Human enamel development of the permanent teeth takes place during childhood and stresses encountered during this period can have lasting effects on the appearance and structural integrity of the enamel. One of the most common examples of this is the development of dental fluorosis after childhood exposure to excess fluoride, an elemental agent used to increase enamel hardness and prevent dental caries. Currently the molecular mechanism responsible for dental fluorosis remains unknown; however, recent work suggests dental fluorosis may be the result of activated stress response pathways in ameloblasts during the development of permanent teeth. Using fluorosis as an example, the role of stress response pathways during enamel maturation is discussed.
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