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A study of the odontoblast process with transmission electron microscopy
Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, and Oral Pathology
|November 1, 1986
Summary
Researchers used transmission electron microscopy to examine human third molars. The study found no evidence of odontoblast processes in the cemental third of dentin using this specific technique.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Microscopy
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Odontoblast processes are extensions of odontoblasts, the cells responsible for dentin formation.
- Their presence in the dentin-cementum interface is crucial for understanding dentin structure and vitality.
- Previous research has explored their morphology using various microscopic techniques.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and morphology of odontoblast processes at the cemental third of human dentin.
- To evaluate the efficacy of a specific preparation and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) technique for visualizing these structures.
Main Methods:
- Human third molars were sectioned and fixed.
- Specimens underwent decalcification using ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) for 91 days.
- Further processing involved collagenase digestion, fixation (osmium tetroxide or ruthenium red/osmium tetroxide), embedding in Spurr's plastic, and ultrathin sectioning.
- Sections were stained with uranyl acetate and lead citrate for TEM analysis.
Main Results:
- Transmission electron microscopy revealed no identifiable odontoblast processes in the cemental third of the dentin.
- The applied methodology did not detect these cellular extensions in the specified region.
Conclusions:
- The utilized TEM technique, including decalcification and collagenase digestion, was insufficient to identify odontoblast processes at the cemental third of human dentin.
- Further methodological refinement may be necessary to visualize these structures in this region.