Abstract
Summary
1. Phosphatase activity and localization in developing tooth germs of rats (1 and 4 days old) is correlated with the degree of cellular differentiation and the status of the calcification process. 2. The enzyme is shown to be localized (a) in the stratum intermedium, (b) in the outer enamel epithelium of the incisors, (c) to a lesser extent in the stellate reticulum about the first molar in the more advanced stages (4 days old), and (d) in the pulp contiguous to those odontoblasts in the regions of dentin calcification. 3. No phosphatase activity was demonstrated in the ameloblasts or odontoblasts. 4. The connective tissue surrounding the crypt bone showed extensive phosphatase activity.
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