Disturbances of mineral metabolism in teeth of rats receiving corticosteroids for 3 generations.

Distribution of calcium and phosphorus was investigated with quantitative and qualitative methods in teeth of rats chronically treated with low doses of corticosteroids for 3 generations. In animals from 2nd and 3rd generation, scanning electron microscopy revealed focal lesions in enamel and dentin. The disturbances of the mineral metabolism in teeth of corticosteroid-treated rats were also reflected by abnormal calcium and phosphorus content in enamel and dentin, as assessed by X-ray microanalysis.