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Figure 1. Morphology of enamel and dentin matrices after lactational TCDD exposure. Hematoxylin-eosin staining of Pn22 rat upper first (M1) and second (M2) molars. (A–C) Control. No enamel matrix is visible after 6 mos of demineralization with EDTA. The predentin layer (asterisks) is thin in comparison with the mineralized dentin. Dam exposed to 50 µg/kg TCDD (D–F) and 1000 µg/kg TCDD (G–K). A considerable amount of enamel matrix is left after 6 mos of demineralization (arrows). Matrix is more abundant after exposure to the higher dose and is also present in the erupted part of the first molar (J,K). In the exposed rats, the predentin layer (asterisks) is thicker in proportion to mineralized dentin than in control rats. The mineralization front is globular, and interglobular dentin is visible. Cleft between ameloblasts and enamel matrix is artefactual. a, ameloblasts; d, dentin; o, odontoblasts; oe, odontogenic epithelium. Scale bar shown in A represents 500 µm in A, D, and G; bar shown in B is 100 µm in B, C, E, F, H, and I; and bar shown in J is 100 µm in J and K.

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