Figure 3: Delayed differentiation, widened predentin and irregular mineralization front in the Mmp9−/− molars.
From: Dentin Sialoprotein is a Novel Substrate of Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 in vitro and in vivo
(A,A’,B,B’) At D1, the predentin matrix was deposited by well-differentiated odontoblasts (arrow) at the cusp tip of wild-type first mandibular molar. The polarization and elongation of odontoblasts (arrow) were delayed, and the thickness of predentin at the cusp area was reduced in the Mmp9−/− first mandibular molar cusp. (C,C’,D,D’) Compared to the control tooth, irregular mineralization front (dashed line) and enlarged predentin layer were observed in the Mmp9−/− molar at D19. (A–D) are higher magnifications of the rectangles in A’–D’, respectively. *predentin; D, mineralized dentin; Od, odontoblasts. Scale bars: (A–F) 50 μm, (G,H) 25 μm; (A’–H’) 500 μm.
