Electron probe study of coronal dentin in red deer

Area of Science:

• Biomineralization research
• Dental anatomy and histology
• Comparative odontology

Background:

• Understanding the elemental composition of dentin is crucial for insights into tooth structure and function.
• Red deer (Cervus elaphus) dentin presents unique histological features, including frequent giant tubules.
• Previous studies have not comprehensively mapped the topographic distribution of multiple elements in red deer coronal dentin.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a semiquantitative topographic description of elemental concentration profiles in red deer coronal dentin.
• To investigate variations in the distribution of calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn), fluorine (F), sulfur (S), and potassium (K).
• To correlate elemental distribution with specific anatomical regions and histological features, such as giant tubules and worn incisal edges.

Main Methods:

• Topographic analysis of elemental concentration profiles.
• Semiquantitative assessment of Ca, P, Mg, Zn, F, S, and K.
• Examination of coronal dentin across the mesiodistal axis and towards the pulpal cavity.
• Investigation of elemental distribution within giant tubules and near worn incisal edges.

Main Results:

• Lower Ca and P concentrations and higher Mg concentrations were observed along the mesiodistal axis compared to bulk dentin.
• Inner dentin showed decreasing Ca, P, and Mg profiles towards the pulpal cavity, with increasing Zn, F, and S profiles.
• Elevated S and K profiles were incidentally found near worn incisal edges.
• Giant tubule walls exhibited modest elevations in Ca, P, Mg, and Zn, while lumina occasionally showed elevated S.

Conclusions:

• Red deer coronal dentin exhibits complex, spatially variable elemental distribution patterns.
• Specific anatomical locations and histological features, like giant tubules, are associated with distinct elemental profiles.
• These findings contribute to understanding the biomineralization processes and structural adaptations in cervid dentition.