An analytical ultrastructural study of the iron-rich surface layer in rat-incisor enamel.
Electron-dense particles, approximately 4 nm (40 A) in diameter were present. Evidence is offered that these particles represent iron probably in the form of amorphous hydrous ferric hydroxide. From X-ray probe analytical data, it is suggested that this iron component is accommodated through the process of adsorption rather than by direct substitution of calcium and phosphorus. The iron-rich surface layer was more resistant to acid etching than subsurface enamel. Reported areas of reduced mineral density of enamel at the enamel-dentine junction appear to be preparation artifacts.
D000818:Animals; D002118:Calcium / Q000032:analysis; D003743:Dental Enamel / Q000032:analysis* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D004577:Electron Probe Microanalysis; D005290:Ferric Compounds / Q000032:analysis; D007180:Incisor / Q000032:analysis / Q000648:ultrastructure; D007501:Iron / Q000032:analysis*; D008297:Male; D008334:Mandible; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D010758:Phosphorus / Q000032:analysis; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains
D005290:Ferric Compounds; D010758:Phosphorus; C021024:ferric hydroxide; D007501:Iron; D002118:Calcium