Spatio-temporal expression of cadherins during odontogenesis in mice

Objective: To study the expression of cadherins in different development stages of mouse tooth germ. Methods: We performed immunohistochemical staining after preparing specimens of different stages of the first molar developing tooth germ in mice. Results: The expression of cadherins was prominent in the inner enamel epithelium in bud, cap and bell stages. When the enamel and dentine matrices started developing, a strong staining reaction was evident in the ameloblasts and odontoblasts in mid time of bell stage. Conclusion: Cadherins may play a role in tooth morphogenesis. The results suggest that cadherins may contribute to the development of enamel and dentine matrices and mineralization process.