Abstract
The basic structure of rat incisors and the process of enamel formation are reviewed, and the drug-induced lesions of rat incisors are discribed.
The rodent incisors grow, calcify and erupt continuously throughout the life of the animal, and show in one longitudinal section the complete life cycle of tooth development from inception to maturity. Therefore it is a valuable biologic indicator which reflects and records, during its development, the metabolic status of the animal. Drug-induced lesions in developing enamel of incisors are white discoloration of enamel surface, degeneration, necrosis, and atrophy of ameloblasts and/or papillary cells, disturbance of pigmentation, and hypocalcification of enamel. These changes correlate with the stage of enamel formation. The advantage of using rat incisors for toxicity studies is stressed.
