Abstract:

Objective:The purpose of this paperwas to investigate the distributions of bone morphogenic protein (BMP)-2, 4 in the de- veloping molars of mice during the bud stage and, the functional relationship between BMP-2 and BMP-4.Methods:The distribu- tion of BMP-2, 4 were examined in developing mouse molars on the 14th (the 14th embryonic day), using monoclonal antibodies and immunohistochemistry methods.Results:BMP-2, 4 were detected both in the epithelial cells and dental mesenchyme cells. Conclusion:There is a similar distribution pattern between BMP-2 and BMP-4. Therefore, there may be a functional relationship between BMP-2 and BMP-4 during the development of mouse embryonic teeth in the bud stage.

Key words: tooth germ, bone morphogenetic protein_2, bone morphogenetic protein_4, budstage, immunohistochemistry