SCANNING ELECTRON-MICROSCOPY OF LATERAL CELL-SURFACES OF RAT INCISOR AMELOBLASTS

  • 1 January 1976
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 122  (DEC) , 603-610
Abstract
The lateral cell surfaces of rat incisor ameloblasts were studied by scanning electron microscopy. Several preparative methods were used but the illustrations are drawn from specimens which were perfusion fixed with osmic acid, critical point dried and dry dissected to expose the cell surfaces. Changes in cell surface features were traced from the secretory zone through the maturation zone and up to the erupted gingival margin. There was an increase in the intercellular space in the maturation zone and the lateral cell surface took on a complex aspect. There appeared to be several cycles of change from a microvillous type of surface with a minimal intercellular space to the formation of mainly longitudinal ridges and gutter-like depressions in the cell surface with a maximal intercellular space. There probably is cyclical change in the activity of the ameloblasts in the maturation zone of the rat incisor.