THE MINERALIZATION OF RAT ENAMEL IN THE LIGHT OF CA⁴⁵ AUTORADIOGRAPHY AND MICROINCINERATION

¹ Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada

The mineralization of enamel appears different in the incisors and molars of young rats when viewed in the light of Ca⁴⁵ autoradiography and also by microincineration.

In the incisor, the process is regular and progressive.

In the molar, the initial slow process is followed by massive mineralization of young enamel when the organic matrix stops being secreted. This is followed by progressive general mineralization of the completed organic structure.

The various phases in the life of the enamel organ are often morphologically indicated by the presence of successive semicircular gaps.

Before eruption, the enamel receives its minerals via the enamel organ.