Localization of activated caspase-3-positive and apoptotic cells in the developing tooth germ of the mouse lower first molar

Citation
N. Shigemura et al., Localization of activated caspase-3-positive and apoptotic cells in the developing tooth germ of the mouse lower first molar, HISTOCHEM J, 33(5), 2001, pp. 253-258
Citations number
33
Language
INGLESE
art.tipo
Article
Categorie Soggetti
Medical Research Diagnosis & Treatment
Journal title
HISTOCHEMICAL JOURNAL
ISSN journal
0018-2214 → ACNP
Volume
33
Issue
5
Year of publication
2001
Pages
253 - 258
Database
ISI
SICI code
0018-2214(200105)33:5<253:LOACAA>2.0.ZU;2-B
Abstract
This study examined the immunohistochemical detection of activated caspase- 3, and its association with apoptosis, during tooth morphogenesis of the mo use lower first molar. The distribution of cells positive for caspase-3 clo sely corresponded with the localization of the terminal deoxynucleotidyl tr ansferase-mediated deoxyuridine-5'-triphosphate-biotin nick end labelling ( TUNEL)-positive apoptotic cells through the developmental course of tooth g erms from embryo day 12 (E12) to E19, thus showing that the apoptosis occur ring in the developing odontogenic tissue was induced by the activation of the caspase family. The specific distribution pattern of apoptotic cells in the developing odontogenic epithelial tissue from the initiation (E12) of tooth germ to the completion of tooth crown morphology (E19) also suggests that apoptotic events are related not only to a deletion of functionally su spended cells, but also participate in initiation and the completion of too th morphogenesis. Electron microscopic examination revealed that apoptotic cells were present in the primary enamel knot, and these apoptotic cells we re phagocytized by neighbouring odontogenic epithelial cells, thus indicati ng the prompt disposal of any dead cells by epithelial cells.