Characterization of Dentin Formed in Transplanted Rat Molars by Electron Probe Microanalysis

Abstract

The present study was designed to characterize dentin formed in transplanted rat molars by investigating calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), and magnesium (Mg) concentrations using electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) as well as examining the rate of dentin matrix formation by vital staining. The unerupted immature lower right second molar in 2-week-old rats was transplanted into the upper right first molar socket. Rats were injected with oxytetracycline, calcein, and alizarin intraperitoneally at 1 day before and 1 and 2 weeks after transplantation, respectively, for vital staining. The maxillae and mandibles were fixed 3 weeks after transplantation, resected, and embedded in resin. Undemineralized sections were cut and examined by fluorescent microscopy and EPMA. The thickness of dentin formed in the first week after transplantation was significantly less than that of dentin formed in any other 1-week period in the transplanted tooth and was about one-fifth the thickness of dentin formed in control teeth. Formation of dentin recovered in the third week after transplantation. In the first week after transplantation, EPMA demonstrated a sharp increase in Mg concentration with a slight decrease in Ca concentration. Thereafter, no significant difference was identified among Ca, P, or Mg concentrations or the Ca/P ratio between transplanted and control teeth. These results suggest that disruption of the circulation and innervation by transplantation cause a temporary change in the matrix formation rate and elemental distribution of dentin, which is subsequently restored within 2 weeks after transplantation.