An Immunocytochemical Study of Amelogenin Proteins in the Developing Tooth Enamel of the Gar-Pike, Lepisosteus oculatus (Holostei, Actinopterygii)

• Published in: Archives of Histology and Cytology Vol. 62; no. 2; pp. 191 - 197
• Main Authors: ISHIYAMA, Mikio, INAGE, Toshihiko, SHIMOKAWA, Hitoyata
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Japan International Society of Histology and Cytology 1999; Japan Science and Technology Agency
• Subjects: Amelogenin; Animals; Cattle; Dental Enamel - metabolism; Dental Enamel - ultrastructure; Dental Enamel Proteins - metabolism; Enamel Organ - metabolism; Enamel Organ - ultrastructure; Fishes - classification; Fishes - metabolism; Immunoenzyme Techniques; Tooth Germ - metabolism; Tooth Germ - ultrastructure
• ISSN: 0914-9465; 1349-1717
• DOI: 10.1679/aohc.62.191

Previous studies have demonstrated the morphological similarity of the enamel-like layer found in the teeth of the coelacanth, lungfish and gar-pike to the enamel of tetrapods. In order to clarify the phylogenetic continuity between both structures, tooth germs of the gar-pike were immunocytochemically studied using an anti-bovine amelogenin polyclonal antibody. Intense immunoreaction was shown over the enamel-like matrix layer. Certain cell organelles associated with the secretory pathway of the ameloblasts were recognized as immunoreactive. These results indi-cate that the enamel-like layer of the gar-pike is a tissue homologous with the mammalian enamel because both possess a common, amelogenin-like substance.