Kirkham J, Brookes S J, Shore R C, Bonass W A, Smith D A, Wallwork M L, Robinson C
Division of Oral Biology, Leeds Dental Institute, UK.
Connect Tissue Res. 1998;38(1-4):91-100; discussion 139-45. doi: 10.3109/03008209809017025.
During the secretory stage of enamel development, the hydroxyapatite crystals appear as thin ribbons which grow substantially in width and thickness during the later maturation stage. In this study, the atomic force microscope (AFM) was used to investigate developmentally-related changes in deproteinized enamel crystal surface topography in normal animals and in those receiving daily doses of fluoride. The AFM revealed previously undescribed surfaces features, some of which may represent growth sites or different crystalline phases. Secretory stage crystals had greater surface rugosity and were more irregular, with spherical sub-structures of 20-30 nm diameter arranged along the "c"-axis. Maturation stage crystals were smoother and larger but revealed both subnanometer steps and lateral grooves running parallel to the "c"-axis. Crystals from fluorotic tissue showed similar features but were more irregular with a higher degree of surface roughness, suggesting abnormal growth. The AFM may prove an important adjunct in determination of the mechanisms controlling crystal size and morphology in skeletal tissues.
在釉质发育的分泌期，羟基磷灰石晶体呈现为细带状，在随后的成熟期其宽度和厚度会大幅增加。在本研究中，原子力显微镜（AFM）被用于研究正常动物以及每日接受氟化物剂量的动物中脱蛋白釉质晶体表面形貌与发育相关的变化。AFM揭示了以前未描述过的表面特征，其中一些可能代表生长位点或不同的晶相。分泌期晶体具有更大的表面粗糙度且更不规则，沿“c”轴排列着直径为20 - 30纳米的球形亚结构。成熟期晶体更光滑且更大，但显示出亚纳米级的台阶以及平行于“c”轴的横向凹槽。来自氟斑牙组织的晶体表现出类似特征，但更不规则且表面粗糙度更高，表明生长异常。AFM可能被证明是确定控制骨骼组织中晶体大小和形态机制的重要辅助手段。
