Hertwig's epithelial root sheath, enamel matrix proteins, and initiation of cementogenesis in porcine teeth.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to analyze the association between Hertwig's epithelial root sheath (HERS) cells, enamel matrix proteins (EMPs), and cementogenesis.


METHODS
Porcine teeth were examined at the beginning of root formation by light and transmission electron microscopy. Colloidal gold immunocytochemistry was used to analyze the protein expression of amelogenin and ameloblastin.


RESULTS
Before and during disintegration of HERS, its cells displayed the cytologic features of protein synthesis and secretion. While some cells assumed an ameloblast-like phenotype, others extended their territory away from the root surface. A collagenous matrix filled the widening intercellular spaces, and tonofilaments and desmosomes were still present in cells featuring the morphologic characteristics of cementoblasts. Labeling for amelogenin was observed but ameloblastin was not immunodetected. Labeling was associated with organic matrix deposits that were sporadically and randomly distributed both along the root surface and away from it among the dissipated epithelial cells.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings suggest that HERS' cells occasionally assume a lingering ameloblastic activity at the beginning of root formation in the pig. While the results do not support the hypothesis of a causal relationship between EMPs and cementogenesis, they lend support to the concept of an epithelial origin of cementoblasts.
Bosshardt
Dieter D
DD
Department of Periodontology and Fixed Prosthodontics, School of Dental Medicine, University of Berne, Berne, Switzerland. dieter.bosshardt@zmk.unibe.ch
Nanci
Antonio
A
D000565:Ameloblasts / Q000648:ultrastructure; D053523:Amelogenin; D000818:Animals; D025021:Cementogenesis / Q000502:physiology*; D003094:Collagen / Q000648:ultrastructure; D003739:Dental Cementum / Q000502:physiology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D003746:Dental Enamel Proteins / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism*; D003896:Desmosomes / Q000648:ultrastructure; D004658:Enamel Organ / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D004848:Epithelium / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure; D005110:Extracellular Space / Q000378:metabolism; D007382:Intermediate Filaments / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D009805:Odontogenesis / Q000502:physiology; D013552:Swine; D014092:Tooth Root / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000648:ultrastructure
D053523:Amelogenin; D003746:Dental Enamel Proteins; C490891:ameloblastin protein, Sus scrofa; C109069:enamel matrix proteins; D003094:Collagen