唾石の走査ならびに透過型電子顕微鏡的研究

抄録

The present study was undertaken to investigate the fine structure of salivary calculus. Fifteen cases of salivary calculus developing in the human submandibular gland duct were examined on the scanning and the transmission electron microscope (SEM and TEM) and an X-ray microanalyzer (EDX). The results were as follows : 1. The structure of salivary calculus was composed of alternate layers of a homogeneous and compact structure and a globular structure. The whole structure contained the core of salivary calculus in the center. 2. The layer of the homogeneous and compact structure showed marked calcification. It showed a tendency toward greater calcification than the layer of the globular structure. 3. Two types of microbe-like structure, rod-shaped and globe-shaped, were found in salivary calculus. These structures were presumed to be microorganisms because of their double membranes and nucleoid found in the TEM study. 4. The microorganism showing intramicroorganism calcification was presumed to be Bacterionema matruchotii from its form and ability for intra-and extra-microorganism calcification. 5. Although the crystals showing initial calcification in the low region of the low electron density presented various structural forms depending on different conditions, no microorganism was apparently involved in such calcification. 6. The main constituents of inorganic matters in salivary calculus were mainly Ca and P, and those of organic matters were K, Mg, Fe, Cr, Cl and Co.