EXPRESSION AND REGULATION OF INSULIN-LIKE GROWTH FACTOR-I IN THE RAT INCISOR

Growth factors play an important role in the regulation of cell growth, division and differentiation. In this study the distribution and regulation of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-1) in the continuously erupting rat incisor was determined by immunohistochemistry. Results were evaluated both visually and with a computer-based image analysis system. The distribution and intensity of IGF-I immunoreactivity varied with developmental stage of the rat incisor. Strong IGF-I immunoreactivity was observed in differentiating odontoblasts and ameloblasts. The most intense immunoreactivity was observed in secretory ameloblasts, secretory odontoblasts and in maturation ameloblasts. Staining was weak or absent in post-secretory ameloblasts but persisted in post-secretory odontoblasts. Weak to moderate immunoreactivity was also seen in cells of the stratum intermedium and in the reduced enamel epithelium. Surrounding alveolar bone showed strong IGF-I immunoreactivity in osteoblasts and in the stratum basale and stratum spinosum of the adjacent labial gingival epithelium. In order to assess the role of GH in IGF-I expression, GH (65 mug/100 g bw) was administered for six days to dwarf GH deficient rats, producing a significant increase in body weight (P<0.01). Measurements at different stages of odontogenesis showed that the staining intensity of secretory ameloblasts (P<0.01) and maturation ameloblasts (P<0.001) was significantly different between untreated and treated animals. These results indicate that IGF-I is present in cell populations of the enamel organ of the rat incisor found previously to exhibit growth hormone receptors, and that expression of IGF is GH dependent. These findings support the concept that paracrine or autocrine synthesis of IGF-I mediates the effects of growth hormone on the growth and secretory function of cells forming the rat mandibular incisor.