Early Influence of Methylcholanthrene on Transplanted Tooth Germs : a Histopathogenic Study

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Abstract
Tooth germs of dba mice were transplanted synchronously with several crystals of methylcholanthrene to the axillae of dba mice. Guinea pig tooth germs were transplanted in this same manner, but to the brains of these animals. 250 mice in groups of 50, and 72 guinea pigs in groups of 12-16 received transfers as indicated above. With each group, additional animals received transplants without methylcholanthrene and served as controls. Animals were sacrificed at intervals between the 7th and 90th postoperative day. The recovered transplants were fixed, sectioned and stained. Growth and differentiation of tooth germs were retarded in the presence of methylcholanthrene with the greatest effect appearing to be on the epithelial cells of the enamel organ. Keratin formation from the outer and inner layers of the epithelial cells of the enamel organ was observed and it was observed and it was found that ameloblasts at certain stages of their life cycle will always form keratin whether or not the preenamel matrix is formed. Keratinization of the cuticular walls of the ameloblasts took place so rapidly in the presence of methylcholanthrene that enamel formation did not usually take place. The peripheral cells of the outer enamel epithelium, in the presence of this chemical agent, showed aggressive characteristics by invading adjacent structures. The potentiality or fate of some of these cells associated with amelo-genesis seemed to be altered when the development of ameloblasts was interfered with.