title: Structural and ultra-structural features of the first mandibular molars of young rats submitted to pre and postnatal protein deficiencies.
abstract: The effects of protein malnutrition, both in utero and prior to weaning, on formation of the first mandibular molars were evaluated by phase-contrast and electron microscopy in rats. The nourished group (GI) received a diet that included 20% casein, while the malnourished group (GII) received 5% casein. The first mandibular molars from GII exhibited low density of cells and odontoblasts, which lacked regular organization compared with molars from GI. In addition, a difference in collagen type was observed between the groups, with a prevalence of Type III collagen fibers detected in the dentin, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone of GII, and a prevalence of Type I collagen fibers in GI. Finally, examination of surface area in molar sagittal sections indicated 30% less dentin in GII, compared with GI. Our results suggest that structural and ultra-structural features of the dentin-pulp complex and periodontal components of rat molars are affected by protein deficiency.
authors: Department of Anatomy, Biomedical Sciences Institute, University of Sao Paulo, Brazil.
authors: L A
authors: LA
authors: Gonçalves
authors: S C
authors: SC
authors: Boldrini
authors: T S O
authors: TS
authors: Capote
authors: C B
authors: CB
authors: Binotti
authors: R A
authors: RA
authors: Azeredo
authors: D T
authors: DT
authors: Martini
authors: B
authors: B
authors: Rosenberg
authors: W G
authors: WG
authors: Bautz
authors: E A
authors: EA
authors: Liberti