Expression and distribution of transforming growth factor β3 in the mouse tooth germ during development after advanced bell stage / 中南大学学报(医学版)

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the expression and distribution of transforming growth factor β3 (TGF-β3) in the mouse tooth germ after advanced bell stage, and to discuss the role of TGF-β3 during the development of tooth germs.@*METHODS@#BALB/C's mouse tooth germs at 4, 11, and 18 days postnatal (4dpn,11dpn,and 18dpn) were collected and processed for routine fixation, decalcification, embedding, and slicing. The expression of TGF-β3 was detected by immunohistochemisty.@*RESULTS@#As to 4dpn tooth germ Positive expression of TGF-β3 was found in enameloblasts, odontoblasts, ambitus of dental pupilla, with weak positive expression in the intermedial of dental papilla. As to 11dpn tooth germ Positive expression was seen in enameloblasts, with negative expression in odontoblasts and dental papilla. As to 18dpn tooth, positive expression of TGF-β3 was showed in the vessel wall and its surrounding, with negative expression in other areas.@*CONCLUSION@#The distribution of TGF-β3 expression showed a time-space characteristic during the mouse tooth germ development after advanced bell stage, which may exert a regulatory effect on tooth development and this effect is gradually getting weak with the development of tooth germs.