Fine structure of extracted rat incisor enamel

Pieces of fresh rat incisor enamel were extracted with various buffer solutions and prepared for electron microscopy. I observed partial or complete removal of organic constituents, shrinkage of rods and interrods, separation of stippled material from the enamel, and partial decalcification. The results modify the conclusions of earlier biochemical work and point out the need for a closer correlation of biochemical and morphological approaches.