The Effect of the Reimposition of Rickets After Healing Upon Dentin Calcification

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Abstract
Rachitic rats were subjected to a short period of healing, and were then returned to the rachitic state. The rate of dentin matrix fromation appeared to be unchanged, but calcification of the dentin ceased completely about 1 day after the reimposition of rickets. The rate of matrix formation was slow and was most probably due to the slow growth rate of the animals, since it has been found in rats growing slowly, but otherwise normally, that the incremental rate of dentin matrix formation is reduced. Apparently, the rachitic state, temporarily abolished by the healing procedure, is rapidly returned to in these animals. This is seen in the blood Ca values, which fall during the healing period, but immediately rise to the rachitic level when the rachitogenic regime is reimposed. It is probable that the calcification of the dentin stops completely in the later stages of uninterrupted rickets, unless spontaneous healing supervenes. This procedure appears to be a convenient and easily controlled way of suddenly stopping dentin calcification within a comparatively short period.