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Morphological characteristics of mouse incisor enamel
C B Møinichen1, S P Lyngstadaas, S Risnes
1Department of Oral Biology, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Oslo, Norway.
Journal of Anatomy
|October 1, 1996
Summary
Mouse incisor enamel structure resembles rat incisor enamel, featuring distinct inner and outer prism patterns. Iron content in the outer enamel contributes to its acid resistance, influencing enamel development and eruption rates.
Area of Science:
- Dental Anatomy
- Comparative Odontology
- Scanning Electron Microscopy
Background:
- Mouse incisor enamel shares structural similarities with rat incisor enamel.
- Understanding enamel microstructure is crucial for dental research and comparative studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the microstructure of mouse maxillary and mandibular incisor enamel.
- To compare mouse incisor enamel structure with that of rats.
- To investigate the role of iron in mouse incisor enamel properties.
Main Methods:
- Sectioning and grinding of mouse incisors.
- Acid-etching and observation using scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
- Analysis of enamel prism patterns, thickness, angles, and elemental composition (iron and calcium).
Main Results:
- Mouse incisor enamel exhibits a uniserial lamellar pattern in the inner enamel and parallel prisms in the outer enamel.
- Significant differences in enamel thickness and prism angles were observed between maxillary and mandibular incisors.
- The outer enamel contains iron, enhancing acid resistance, with a superficial prismless layer.
- Ameloblast enamel secretion rate in mouse mandibular incisors is approximately 6 microns/day, slower than in rats.
Conclusions:
- Mouse incisor enamel structure is comparable to rat incisors but with unique quantitative differences.
- Iron content and prismless outer enamel contribute to enamel's protective properties.
- Slower eruption rates in mouse mandibular incisors result in a relatively thick enamel layer despite lower daily secretion rates.