Development of the distal end and Tomes' processes of

ameloblasts observed by freeze-fracture and ultrathin section

electron microscopy.
D L Franklin, N J Severs, and E Katchburian

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Abstract
A freeze-fracture examination of distal portions of differentiating and secretory ameloblasts was
carried out using upper molar tooth germs from one to four days old rats. Ultrathin sections were
prepared for comparison. Freeze-fracture provides a unique opportunity to observe plasma
membrane events in distal portions of ameloblasts during differentiation and development. Our
results suggest that the distal plasma membrane and Tomes' processes of differentiating and
secretory ameloblasts are highly active in endocytosis. In differentiating ameloblasts, endocytic
activity is likely to be associated with removal of the basal lamina. During matrix secretion and
maturation, ameloblasts are probably removing material from the maturing matrix; in particular
amelogenins and water. The present study provides morphological evidence that an endosomal
system is present in differentiating and secretory ameloblasts during periods of endocytic
activity. This would provide a system whereby ligands, fluid components, membrane receptors
and plasma membrane, which enter the cells during endocytosis, may be separated from each
other and sorted out for despatch to different destinations.

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