Vol 65, No 4 (2006)
Original article
Published online: 2006-09-18
Fluoride alters type I collagen expression in the early stages of odontogenesis
Folia Morphol 2006;65(4):359-366.
Abstract
Fluoride alters the expression and post-translational modifications of extracellular
matrix proteins in dentin. The aim of our study was to determine the effects
of fluoride on type I collagen expression during the early stages of tooth germ
development in rats. Pregnant dams were divided into three groups and fed
a standard diet. From the fifth day of pregnancy the three groups received tap
water with, respectively, trace amounts of fluoride (C), a low fluoride concentration
(FL) or and a high fluoride concentration (FH). Changes in type I collagen
expression and distribution were evaluated. The expression of type I collagen
was restricted to the extracellular spaces of cells of mesenchymal origin. In the
youngest animals the most intense immunoreactivity for type I collagen was
detected in predentin of the FL group. Although the intensity of immunostaining
increased in proportion to the age of the animals, the largest increase in the
groups investigated was detected in the FL group. We concluded that a low
concentration of fluoride can act as a stimulator of type I collagen deposition in
the extracellular matrix of dentin, while high concentrations of fluoride have an
opposite effect, acting as an inhibitor of type I collagen formation in dentin.
Keywords: dentintooth germ developmentrat