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Gap junctions between odontoblasts revealed by transjunctional flux of fluorescent tracers

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Summary

Cell communication between odontoblasts was investigated with the use of fluorescent-dye tracers; Lucifer Yellow CH (molecular weight = 457.3), and dextran-Lucifer Yellow CH (average molecular weight = 10000). Dyes were injected into cell bodies of individual odontoblasts via an intracellular microelectrode or into a group of cells through their processes, and passage to adjacent cells was examined with a fluorescence microscope. Lucifer Yellow CH appeared to diffuse very easily among odontoblasts, while dextran-Lucifer Yellow remained within the injected cell or cells. This efficient migration of Lucifer Yellow CH can be considered a functional manifestation of gap junctions between odontoblasts.

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  1. General Research Institute, The Nippon Dental University, School of Dentistry at Niigata, Niigata, Japan

    Junji Ushiyama

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  1. Junji Ushiyama
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Ushiyama, J. Gap junctions between odontoblasts revealed by transjunctional flux of fluorescent tracers. Cell Tissue Res. 258, 611–616 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00218874

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