Synthesis of collagen type I, type I trimer and type III by embryonic mouse dental epithelial and mesenchymal cells in vitro.

Epithelial and mesenchymal dental cells were grown in primary monolayer culture and the ability of both cell types to synthesize interstitial collagens was investigated. Pepsin-solubilized collagens were analyzed by CM-cellulose chromatography and both cell types were found to synthesize collagen type I, type III and type I trimer. The collagen phenotype of mesenchymal cells (type I: 82.4%, type III: 8.5%, type I trimer: 9.1%) was different from that of epithelial cells (type I: 71.8%, type III: 9.5%, type I trimer: 18.7%). The radioactivity incorporated into collagen molecules by mesenchymal cells was 34-times greater than the radioactivity incorporated by epithelial cells. This result agreed with previous observations obtained from tissue culture experiments (Lesot, H. and Ruch, J.V. (1979) Biol. Cell. 34, 23--37) which indicated a low synthesis of interstitial collagens by isolated dental epithelia when compared to isolated dental mesenchymes.

Production of monoclonal antibodies against mouse molar papilla cells.

To develop markers for the analysis of the molecular mechanisms of dental papilla cells differentiation, 10 monoclonal antibodies were produced against trypsin-isolated mouse molar dental papilla cells. These antibodies identify matrix components, cell membrane associated antigens and intracellular-constituents. Changes of the staining patterns were correlated with a typological hierarchy of dental papilla cells and with terminal differentiation of odontoblasts.

Polyamine depletion-mediated effects on murine odontogenesis are dependent on tooth developmental stage and culture conditions.

Polyamines are known to play a central role in processes such as growth and development. Virtually nothing is known about their importance in tooth development, an attractive and frequently used experimental model for studies of developmental processes. A polyamine-depleted state was created in tooth cells in an organ culture system. First lower molar germs from 16-and 17.5-day old mouse fetuses were used. alpha-difluoromethylornithine (DFMO) and methylglyoxal bis-(guanylhydrazone) (MGBG) were used to deplete the cells from their polyamine content. Polyamine interconversion and catabolism were prevented by aminoguanidine sulfate (AG). In day-16 germs cultured in serum-containing medium, DFMO reduced the frequency of cycling cells as shown by [3H]thymidine incorporation, and induced a delay of odontoblast differentiation of about 24 h. Under the same conditions, MGBG induced an arrest of histo-morphogenesis, correlated to a significant decrease in the rate of cell proliferation. Addition of polyamines prevented DFMO- and MGBG-induced delay of tooth differentiation. Interestingly, MGBG did not delay the terminal differentiation of odontoblasts and ameloblasts in cultured day-17.5 molars; in these, cells at the tip of the cusps are only a few hours before their withdrawal from the cell cycle. In serum-deprived medium, dental cytodifferentiations did not occur. Addition of putrescine or spermidine to serum-free media, however, allowed for tooth morphogenesis and cytodifferentiation. Tooth explants in a serum-deprived medium reacted to DFMO in a cytocidal fashion, whereas MGBG showed only a mild toxicity in some cell types. Addition of putrescine to DFMO-containing medium prevented its cytotoxic effect. Addition of spermidine to MGBG-containing medium not only prevented its mild toxicity but also allowed for predentin secretion by differentiated odontoblasts. The results are discussed with regard to the well-established developmental events of tooth germs cultured in vitro and with respect to present knowledge of polyamine metabolism and their involvement in cellular processes.

Odontoblast differentiation.

Odontoblasts are post-mitotic, neural crest-derived, cells which overtly differentiate according to tooth specific temporo-spatial patterns and secrete predentin-dentin components. Neither the timing nor the molecular mechanisms of their specification are known and the problem of their patterning in the developing jaws is far from being solved. On the other hand, some significative strides were made concerning the control of their terminal differentiation. Fibronectin interacting with a 165 kDa, non integrin, membrane protein intervenes in the cytoskeletal reorganization involved in odontoblast polarization and their terminal differentiation can be triggered in vitro by immobilized members of the TGF beta family. Histological aspects and the transcriptional phenotypes (transcripts of TGF beta s, BMPs, msxs, IGF1, fibronectin, osteonectin, bone sialoprotein genes) are very similar in vivo and in vitro. In vivo members of the TGF beta super family secreted by preameloblasts, trapped and activated by basement membrane associated components, might initiate odontoblast terminal differentiation.

Regulated changes in chondroitin sulfation during embryogenesis: an immunohistochemical approach.

Chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans, which represent the main class of nonfibrous macromolecules found in the extracellular matrix of connective tissues, have been implicated in the control of a variety of cell activities during ontogenesis. The respective contributions of the chondroitin sulfate chains and of the protein moiety of the proteoglycan in morphogenesis and cytodifferentiation are not known. In this context, monoclonal antibodies identifying specific chondroitin sulfate chains are interesting new tools. A panel of well characterized monoclonal antibodies recognizing distinct epitopes present only in chondroitin sulfate chains was used in conjunction with immunohistochemical techniques for the purpose of identifying and mapping chondroitin sulfate isoforms during development in the mouse and rat fetus. Expression of chondroitin sulfate isoforms occurred in the tissues according to specific spatio-temporal patterns, suggesting that chondroitin sulfates differing in sulfation position and degree perform distinct functions in development.

Effects of retinoids on tooth morphogenesis and cytodifferentiations, in vitro.

The first embryonic lower mouse molar was used as a model system to investigate the effects of two retinoids, retinoic acid (RA) and a synthetic analogue, Ch55, on morphogenesis and cytodifferentiations in vitro. Exogenous retinoids were indispensable for morphogenesis of bud, cap and bell-stage molars in serum-free, chemically-defined, culture media. Transferrin and RA or transferrin and Ch55 acted synergistically in promoting morphogenesis from bud and cap-stage explants. Transferrin, per se, had no morphogenetic effect. Epithelial histogenesis, odontoblast functional differentiation and ameloblast polarization always occurred in RA-depleted explants. Comparison of the distributions of bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation between explants cultured in the absence or presence of RA revealed that RA could modify the patterns of cell proliferation in the inner dental epithelium and dental mesenchyme. Inner dental epithelium cell proliferation is regulated by the dental mesenchyme through basement membrane-mediated interactions, and tooth morphogenesis is controlled by the dental mesenchyme. Laminin is a target molecule of retinoid action. Using a monospecific antibody, we immunolocalized laminin and/or structurally-related molecules sharing the laminin B chain in the embryonic dental mesenchyme and in the dental basement membrane and showed that RA could promote the synthesis or secretion of these molecules. Based on previous in situ hybridization data, it was speculated that CRABPs might regulate the effects of RA on embryonic dental cell proliferation. The fact that Ch55, a retinoid which does not bind to CRABPs, is 100 times more potent than RA in promoting tooth morphogenesis in vitro seems to rule out this hypothesis. On the other hand, the stage-specific inhibition of tooth morphogenesis by excess RA is consistent with the hypothesis that CRABPs might protect embryonic tissues against potentially teratogenic concentrations of free retinoids.

Multiple developmental origin of the upper incisor in mouse: histological and computer assisted 3-D-reconstruction studies.

Heads of 11-15-day-old mouse embryos were cut in frontal serial sections. Early development of the maxillary incisor was analyzed using series of thick (5 and 7 microns) and semi-thin (1 micron) frontal sections and computer assisted 3-D-reconstructions of the epithelial component. The enamel organ of the mouse maxillary incisor was found to be a complex structure of multiple origin, involving several epithelial anlagen--primary dental laminae--, which could hypothetically correspond to the 5 upper incisors of early mammals. The transitory existence of at once distinct and then fusing dental primordia could reflect heterochronic changes in ontogeny which might be related to phyletic trends.

Effects of hepatocyte growth factor anti-sense oligodeoxynucleotides or met D/D genotype on mouse molar crown morphogenesis.

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is considered to be one of the mediators of epithelio-mesenchymal interactions during early organogenesis and to be also involved in the development of murine molars. In the developing tooth, HGF is expressed in the cells of the dental papillae, and c-Met, its receptor, in the cells of dental epithelia. In order to study the functional role played by HGF in tooth development, we tested the effects of HGF translation arrest by anti-sense phosphorothioate oligodeoxynucleotides on E-14 molars cultured in vitro. We also analyzed the histo-morphogenesis and crown cytodifferentiation of transgenic met E-14 molars cultured in vitro. 3D reconstructions revealed perturbations of the cusp pattern. However, histo-morphogenesis and crown cytodifferentiation were normal at the histological level.

Contribution of 3-D computer-assisted reconstructions to the study of the initial steps of mouse odontogenesis.

The specific arrangement of mouse dentition in each dental quadrant (1-0-0-3) is supposed to result from the initiation of two independent dental laminae--one for the incisor and one for the three molars. In order to verify whether the adult mouse dental pattern really corresponds to the initial patterning, an analysis of development of the mouse antemolar part of the upper dental quadrant was performed in 10-13 day embryos using histological sections and computer-assisted 3-D reconstructions. Six primary dental laminae contributed to the formation of the upper incisor anlage, which is, therefore, a structure of multiple origin. In contrast to the lower diastema, where only a low epithelial band extended mesially from the first lower molar in 12-13 day embryos, in the upper diastema a dental lamina existed interconnecting transiently the incisor and molar anlagen and giving rise to 3 distinct epithelial rudiments. The rudiments exhibited growth retardation and regressed after reaching a maximum at the bud stage. Our results showed a discrepancy between the embryonic and adult dental patterns in the mouse upper jaw. The specific arrangement of the mouse dentition implied a reduction of the embryonic dental anlagen, which was achieved either by their integration into the one incisor primordium or regression in the prospective diastema. Odontogenesis in the mouse upper jaw provides a model of hypodontia of evolutionary origin, which can be employed in molecular studies of the control mechanisms of initiation, spatial organization and specific morphogenesis of teeth.

Mouse odontogenesis in vitro: the cap-stage mesenchyme controls individual molar crown morphogenesis.

Day 14 ICR mouse first lower (M1) and upper molars (M1) as well as heterotopic recombinations of M1 epithelium/M1 mesenchyme and M1 epithelium/M1 mesenchyme were cultured for 6, 8 and 10 days on semi-solid medium. Computer-assisted 3D reconstructions were performed to follow the in vitro development of these explants. In vitro culture of cap-stage molars allowed for the emergence of unequivocal morphological features distinctive for M1 versus M1 including the cusp pattern, cusp inclination and tooth specific chronology for odontoblast and ameloblast terminal differentiations. Both M1 epithelium/M1 mesenchyme and M1 epithelium/M1 mesenchyme recombinations developed according to the known developmental fate of the mesenchyme. Our data demonstrate that the cap-stage dental ecto-mesenchyme not only directs tooth class specific morphogenesis, but also individual molar crown features. Furthermore, the mesenchyme apparently also controls the typical mirror symmetry of right and left handed teeth.

Immunolocalization of acidic and basic fibroblast growth factors during mouse odontogenesis.

Acidic and basic fibroblast growth factors (aFGF and bFGF), are both known to bind to extracellular matrix components, particularly proteoheparin sulfates, and to regulate in vitro proliferation, differentiation and morphology of cells of neuroectodermal and mesodermal origins. Their patterns of distribution were studied during mouse odontogenesis by means of indirect immunofluorescence and immunoperoxidase histochemistry on frozen fixed sections and after Bouin's fixative and paraffin embedding. Localization of aFGF on frozen fixed sections was observed in the oral epithelium, dental lamina and oral mesenchyme (day-12 of gestation), the stellate reticulum and oral epithelium (day-14), the stratum intermedium and at the basal and apical poles of preameloblasts at bell stage. After birth aFGF epitopes were localized within the predentin-dentin area, the stratum intermedium and at the secretory pole of ameloblasts. There was no staining with anti-aFGF antibodies after Bouin's fixative and paraffin embedding. In contrast, using this protocol, intense stainings were found with anti-bFGF antibodies predominantly within dental and peridental basement membranes and mesenchyme: staining of the dental basement membranes was transient (bud and cap stage) and discontinuous; a preferential concentration of bFGF epitopes in the condensed dental mesenchyme of incisors (cap stage) and the dental papillae mesenchymal cells of molars (bell stage) was observed in the posterior and the cervical part of tooth germs. An intense immunostaining of the stellate reticulum with anti-bFGF antibodies was also found on paraffin sections from bud to bell stage.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Comparative analysis of TGF beta s, BMPs, IGF1, msxs, fibronectin, osteonectin and bone sialoprotein gene expression during normal and in vitro-induced odontoblast differentiation.

Immobilized TGF beta 1 and BMP2 are able to promote the differentiation of odontoblast-like cells in isolated mouse dental papillae cultured in vitro. These cells polarize and accumulate predentin-like matrix at their apical pole. Immobilized IGF1 mainly promoted polarization with disturbed matrix accumulation. In situ hybridization demonstrated that TGF beta 1 combined with heparin mirrored the physiological processes of odontoblast differentiation. Normal odontoblast and in vitro induced odontoblast-like cells expressed transcripts encoding for TGF beta 1 and 3, BMP2 and 4, bone sialoprotein and osteonectin whereas either ubiquitous expression or no expression could be detected for TGF beta 2, IGF1 or fibronectin mRNAs. Odontoblast-like cells obtained in the presence of IGF-1 combined with heparin did not express TGF beta 1 transcripts and expressed weakly TGF beta 3 transcripts. Our results suggest that in vivo an epithelial-derived member of the TGF beta family trapped by basement membrane-associated components interacts with competent preodontoblasts and promotes the polarization by triggering the transcription of growth factor gene(s) like TGF beta itself and/or selector gene(s) like msx2.

The presence of rudimentary odontogenic structures in the mouse embryonic mandible requires reinterpretation of developmental control of first lower molar histomorphogenesis.

In the mouse embryonic maxilla, rudimentary tooth primordia have been identified, which can be mistaken for the first upper molar. In order to determine whether such a situation might exist in the lower jaw as well, tooth development was investigated in the mouse mandibular cheek region during ED 12.5-15.0. A combination of histology, morphometry and computer-aided 3D reconstructions demonstrated the existence of rudimentary dental structures, whose gradual appearance and regression was associated with the segmental progress of odontogenesis along the mesio-distal axis of the jaw: 1) At ED 12.5, the mesial segment (MS) was the most prominent part of the dental epithelial invagination. It included an asymmetrically budding dental lamina. The MS, although generally mistaken for the lower first molar (M1, primordium, regressed and did not finally participate in M1 cap formation. 2) At ED 13.5, a wide dental bud (called segment R2) appeared distally to the MS. Although the R2 segment transiently represented the predominant part of the dental epithelium at ED13.5, it participated only in the formation of the mesial end of the M1 cap. 3) The top of the R2 segment at ED13.5 was not the precursor of the enamel knot (EK), contrary to what has been assumed. 4) The central segment of the M1 cap as well as the EK developed later and distally to the R2 segment. 5) Time-space specific apoptosis correlated with the retardation in growth of the R2 segment as well as with strong regressive changes in the epithelium situated mesially to it. These highlight the need to reinterpret current molecular data on early M1 development in the mouse in order to correlate the expression of signalling molecules with specific morphogenetic events in the appropriate antemolar or molar segments of the embryonic mandible.

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.

Recently we demonstrated that non-cycling, cap-stage, mouse molar inner dental epithelial (IDE) cells corresponding to the primary enamel knot (EK) area underwent a coordinated temporo-spatial patterning leading to their patchy irregular segregation at the tips of the forming cusps. These non-cycling cells were suggested to perhaps represent the organizers of the morphogenetic units (OMU), the cusps. The present study has analyzed the regenerative capacity of halved cap-stage first lower mouse molars through three dimensional (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 the non-cycling IDE cells.

Inhibition of apoptosis in the primary enamel knot does not affect specific tooth crown morphogenesis in the mouse.

The enamel knot (EK), located in the center of cap-stage tooth germs, is a transitory cluster of non-dividing epithelial cells, eventually linked to the outer dental epithelium by the enamel septum (ES). It might act as a signaling center providing positional information for tooth morphogenesis and could regulate the growth of tooth cusps through the induction of secondary signaling EKs. The EK undergoes apoptosis, which could constitute a mechanism whereby the signaling functions of this structure are terminated. Recently, we demonstrated the segregation of 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) negative inner dental epithelial (IDE) cells of the EK into as many individual groups of cells as cusps will form and suggested a morphogenetic role for these particular IDE cells. Using Z-VAD-fmk, a specific caspase inhibitor, apoptosis in the primary EK of first mouse lower cap-staged molars and lower incisors cultured in vitro was abrogated. No obvious histological alterations were observed in the incisors, whereas a prominent EK and an ES connecting the outer dental epithelium (ODE) and the BrdU negative IDE cells capping cusp L2 were observed in the molars. EK specific transcription (Shh, Msx-2, Bmp-2, Bmp-4) was down-regulated in the body of these structures with the exception of the associated IDE cells. In these experimental conditions, segregation of non-dividing transcriptionally active IDE cells occurred and a normal cusp pattern was expressed.

Apoptosis is involved in the disappearance of the diastemal dental primordia in mouse embryo.

Three transient dental primordia (D1, D2 and D3) exist in the upper diastema in mouse embryos and their regression is associated with the presence of cell death. In order to specify the type of cell death and its temporo-spatial distribution, staining with hematoxylin, supravital staining with Nile Blue, TUNEL method, electron microscopic analysis and computer assisted 3-D reconstructions were performed. These data demonstrated that apoptosis is involved in the disappearance of the diastemal dental rudiments. Apoptosis occurred first with prevalence in the buccal part of the epithelium of the diastemal dental primordia and extended later to the whole epithelium of the dental rudiments and the dental lamina interconnecting them with the incisor and molar epithelia. Cell death occurred only sporadically in the adjacent mesenchyme. The prospective upper diastema in mouse embryos may provide a model for studies of developmental determination of toothless areas in the jaw as well as a tool for analyses of regulatory mechanisms of programmed cell death in morphogenesis.

Mouse molar morphogenesis revisited by three dimensional reconstruction. I. Analysis of initial stages of the first upper molar development revealed two transient buds.

Early stages of tooth development in the maxillary cheek region in the mouse were investigated by combined analysis of histological sections, computer assisted 3D reconstructions and morphometry. In ED 12.5 embryos, 3D reconstructions revealed an accessory epithelial bud (R1) and a large bud (R2), which appeared as a single bud-shaped epithelium in frontal sections. This developmentally most advanced dental epithelium in the mouse embryonic maxilla until ED 13.5, generally considered as the bud of the first molar, regressed during later development. Meanwhile the bud and cap of the first upper molar originated more posteriorly, from ED 13.5. The regression of R1 and R2 was associated with epithelial apoptosis. Apoptotic cells and bodies were apparent on sections in the R1 epithelium from ED 12.5. The R2 epithelium maintained the large bud-shaped appearance on sections, representing the largest part of the dental epithelium in the maxillary cheek region until ED 14.0; apoptoses were detected there as late as from ED 13.5. During regression, the R2 rudiment was transformed into the medial and lateral epithelial ridges, posteriorly in continuity with the arising cap of the first molar. The reduced R1 epithelium seemed to contribute to the medial ridge. These results should be taken into consideration in the interpretation of early odontogenesis in the upper jaw in the mouse. The interesting problem of the identification of tooth homology of the rudiments should be elucidated by further comparative morphological and paleontological investigations.

Mouse molar morphogenesis revisited by three-dimensional reconstruction. II. Spatial distribution of mitoses and apoptosis in cap to bell staged first and second upper molar teeth.

Tooth morphogenesis is a complex multifactorial process in which differential mitotic activities and cell death play important roles. Upper first (m1) and second (m2) molars from mouse embryos were investigated from early cap to bell stage. m2 differed from m1 by delayed origin of the enamel grooves delimiting the protrusion of the cap bottom towards the dental papilla, and retardation of the enamel knot formation. The width of the m2 enamel organ was conspicuously smaller during cap formation and length remained smaller throughout the period of observation. Formation of the cap depression was comparable in m1 and m2, however margins delimiting the enamel organ cavity arose in m1 and m2 as mirror images. Attempts were made to correlate changes in the distribution of apoptotic cells and bodies and/or mitoses with morphogenesis. These cellular activities were recorded from histological sections and represented in space using computer-assisted three-dimensional reconstructions. Mitoses in the epithelial compartment were associated with the development of the cervical loop. In the mesenchyme of m1 at early bell stage, a postero-anterior increasing gradient of mitoses was observed which might be correlated with the anterior growth of the molar. Cells in the enamel knot demonstrated a high level of apoptosis, retarded in m2, but absolutely no division. Apoptotic processes were also involved in the anterior delimitation of the m1 epithelium. Apoptosis might correspond to the programmed destruction of cells whose function had to be suppressed or whose potential activity had to be avoided.

Reactionary dentinogenesis.

Reactionary dentinogenesis is the secretion of a tertiary dentine matrix by surviving odontoblast cells in response to an appropriate stimulus. Whilst this stimulus may be exogenous in nature, it may also be from endogenous tissue components released from the matrix during pathological processes. Implantation of isolated dentine extracellular matrix components in unexposed cavities of ferret teeth led to stimulation of underlying odontoblasts and a response of reactionary dentinogenesis. Affinity chromatography of the active components prior to implantation and assay for growth factors indicated that this material contained significant amounts of TGF-beta 1, a growth factor previously shown to influence odontoblast differentiation and secretory behavior. Reactionary dentinogenesis during dental caries probably results from solubilization of growth factors, TGF-beta in particular, from the dentine matrix which then are responsible for initiating the stimulatory effect on the odontoblasts. Compositional differences in tertiary dentine matrices beneath carious lesions in human teeth have also been shown indicating modulation of odontoblast secretion during reactionary and reparative dentinogenesis.

Mouse molar morphogenesis revisited by three-dimensional reconstruction. III. Spatial distribution of mitoses and apoptoses up to bell-staged first lower molar teeth.

Computer-assisted 3D reconstructions were used to follow the development of the embryonic mouse first lower molar (M1). At ED 12.5, the thickening of the oral epithelium, which was thought to correspond to the molar dental lamina, regressed in its anterior part as a result of apoptosis. Only the posterior part later gave rise to molars. The transition to the cap stage entailed medial and lateral extensions of the dental epithelium. The growth and histo-morphogenesis of the enamel organ as well as cervical loop formation proceeded more rapidly in the anterior part of the M1 during the cap and early bell stages producing significant morphological differences along the antero-posterior axis. Apoptosis was temporarily intensive in the anterior part of the bud- and cap-shaped epithelium and thus pointed domains which do not participate in the formation of the final M1 enamel organ. In the well-formed cap, apoptoses displayed maximum concentration in the enamel knot (EK). No increase in the number of metaphases could be detected in the vicinity of the EK. Mitoses were distributed throughout the epithelial compartment until cap stage and then mainly concentrated in the inner dental epithelium at the early bell stage. At this later stage, either lateral views or thick virtual sections performed in the reconstruction demonstrated a clear cut distribution of mitoses and apoptoses in the enamel organ. At the early bell stage, mitoses in the mesenchyme demonstrated an increasing postero-anterior gradient.