Expression of integrin β₁ in two different development models of incisors and molars during odontogenesis in mice

Objective: To study the function of integrin β₁ in different development stages of mouse incisor tooth and molar tooth germ. Methods: Immunohistochemical method was adopted to detect the expression of integrin β₁ at developing different stages of incisor tooth and molar tooth in mice. Results: A positive expression of integrin β₁ was found in ameloblast, stratum intermedium and stellate reticulum at proliferation, differentiation, secretion, transition and maturation stages of mouse incisor. A strong expression was seen in papillary layer, preodontoblast and odontoblast pulp cell at maturation of mouse incisor. A weak expression of integrin β₁ was seen in outer enamel epithelium and stratum intermedium at all development stages of mouse molar germ. With tooth germ developing, integrin β₁ significantly increased in dental follicle, stellate reticulum, dental papilla and odontoblast. A strong expression of integrin β₁ was seen in ameloblasts at secretion stage and maturation stage. Conclusion: Integrin β₁ may play an important role in the process of ameloblast polarity. It may induce the differentiation of odontoblasts and formation of tooth root and may be involved in the development of periodontal tissues.