Immunohistochemical demonstration of bcl-2 protein in human tooth germs.

This study sought to detect patterns of bcl-2 protein expression that could provide more insight into the cellular dynamics of tooth development. As bcl-2 serves to prevent cell death, its occurrence in odontogenic tissues might be helpful in identifying cell populations from which odontogenic tumours may arise. The bcl-2 protein was found only in the epithelial part of the tooth germ and was present in all parts of the enamel organ except the ameloblast. This suggests that bcl-2 protein plays a part in maintaining the viability of the enamel organ. The presence of bcl-2 in the fully matured tooth germ and adjacent dental lamina might indicate that epithelial odontogenic tumours may originate from various parts of the enamel organ.