Target cells for 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 in developing rat incisor teeth.

The concentration of radioactivity is observed in the nuclei of pulpal cells of maxillary and mandibular incisors of 20-day-old fetal rats, following injection of [3H]-1,25 (OH)2 vitamin D3. Cells in the odontoblast and ameloblast layers are essentially free of nuclear labeling. The radioactively labeled pulpal cells exist throughout the length of the incisors with the exception of the progenitor areas. The results indicate the presence of receptors for 1,25 (OH)2 vitamin D3 in pulpal cells, and suggest the effects of the hormone on these cells.