Regeneration of halved embryonic lower first mouse molars: correlation with the distribution pattern of non dividing IDE cells, the putative organizers of morphogenetic units, the cusps
R. Coin et al., Regeneration of halved embryonic lower first mouse molars: correlation with the distribution pattern of non dividing IDE cells, the putative organizers of morphogenetic units, the cusps, INT J DEV B, 44(3), 2000, pp. 289-295
Recently we demonstrated that non-cycling, cap-stage, mouse molar inner den
tal epithelial (IDE) cells corresponding to the primary enamel knot (EK) ar
ea underwent a coordinated temporo-spatial patterning leading to their patc
hy irregular segregation at the tips of the forming cusps. These non-cyclin
g cells were suggested to perhaps represent the organizers of the morphogen
etic units (OMU), the cusps. The present study has analyzed the regenerativ
e capacity of halved cap-stage first lower mouse molars through three dimen
sional (3D) reconstructions. Partial regeneration of the anterior half and
possible complete regeneration of the posterior half were documented. Using
BrdU (5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine) labeling and 3D reconstructions of the IDE,
we have correlated the patterns of cusp regeneration with the distribution
of BrdU negative IDE cells, These data support a morphogenetic role for th
e non-cycling IDE cells.