An immunocytochemical study of amelogenin proteins in the developing tooth enamel of the gar-pike, Lepisosteus oculatus (Holostei, Actinopterygii).
Previous studies have demonstrated the morphological similarity of the enamel-like layer found in the teeth of the coelacanth, lungfish and gar-pike to the enamel of tetrapods. In order to clarify the phylogenetic continuity between both structures, tooth germs of the gar-pike were immunocytochemically studied using an anti-bovine amelogenin polyclonal antibody. Intense immunoreaction was shown over the enamel-like matrix layer. Certain cell organelles associated with the secretory pathway of the ameloblasts were recognized as immunoreactive. These results indicate that the enamel-like layer of the gar-pike is a tissue homologous with the mammalian enamel because both possess a common, amelogenin-like substance.
Department of Histology, Nippon Dental University School of Dentistry, Niigata, Japan. ishiyama@ngt.ndu.ac.jp
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Ishiyama
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Inage
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Shimokawa
D053523:Amelogenin; D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle; D003743:Dental Enamel / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D003746:Dental Enamel Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D004658:Enamel Organ / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure; D005399:Fishes / Q000145:classification / Q000378:metabolism*; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D014083:Tooth Germ / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000648:ultrastructure
D053523:Amelogenin; D003746:Dental Enamel Proteins