The Prevalence, Distribution, and Morphologic Changes of the Epithelial Remnants in the Molar Region of the Rat

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Abstract
This investigation was based on the histologic study of the supporting tissue of the molars of 105 normal male and female albino and gray Norway rats varying in age from 75 to 1088 days. In approx. 50% of the animals, epithelial remnants were found, the incidence decreasing with age. 3 morphologic types were noted A small resting type, which decreased in number with increasing age; a proliferating type, which comprised the majority of epithelial remnants; and a differentiating type, which increased in number with increasing age and was correlated to resorption of the interdental alveolar septum. The majority of the epithelial remnants were found in the interdental area above the normal alveolar crest. It is assumed that the 3 morph. types represented successive stages in the life history of the epithelial remnants. The small resting type, upon proliferation, became transformed into the proliferating type. The latter, particularly when stimulated by traumatic factors, may differentiate to the 3d type. While the great majority of epithelial remnants are derived from Hertwig''s epithelial sheath, some might originate from the epithelium of the gingiva or from the epithelial attachment.
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