Mouse Cellular Cementum is Highly Dependent on Growth Hormone Status

• Published in: Journal of dental research Vol. 83; no. 1; pp. 35 - 39
• Main Authors: Smid, J.R., Rowland, J.E., Young, W.G., Daley, T.J., Coschigano, K.T., Kopchick, J.J., Waters, M.J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States SAGE Publications 01.01.2004; SAGE PUBLICATIONS, INC
• Subjects: Animals; Cementogenesis - physiology; Dental Cementum - pathology; Dentistry; Dwarfism - genetics; Dwarfism - physiopathology; Female; Gigantism - genetics; Gigantism - physiopathology; Growth Hormone - physiology; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Mice, Inbred Strains; Mice, Knockout; Mice, Transgenic; Molar - pathology; Odontometry; Phenotype; Receptors, Somatotropin - genetics; Receptors, Somatotropin - physiology; Tooth Root - pathology; GH receptor knockout mice; growth hormone; cementum; GH transgenic mice
• ISSN: 0022-0345; 1544-0591
• DOI: 10.1177/154405910408300107

Cementum is known to be growth-hormone (GH)-responsive, but to what extent is unclear. This study examines the effects of extremes of GH status on cementogenesis in three lines of genetically modified mice; GH excess (giant), GH antagonist excess (dwarf), and GH receptor-deleted (GHR-KO) (dwarf). Age-matched mandibular molar tissues were processed for light microscope histology. Digital images of sections of first molar teeth were captured for morphometric analysis of lingual root cementum. Cross-sectional area of the cellular cementum was a sensitive guide to GH status, being reduced nearly 10-fold in GHR-KO mice, three-fold in GH antagonist mice, and increased almost two-fold in giant mice (p < 0.001). Cellular cementum length was similarly influenced by GH status, but to a lesser extent. Acellular cementum was generally unaffected. This study reveals cellular cementum to be a highly responsive GH target tissue, which may have therapeutic applications in assisting regeneration of the periodontium.