Each ameloblast is a columnar cell approximately 4 micrometers in diameter, 40 micrometers in length and is hexagonal in cross section. The secretory end of the ameloblast ends in a six-sided pyramid-like projection known as the Tomes' process. The angulation of the Tomes' process is significant in the orientation of enamel rods, the basic unit of tooth enamel. Distal terminal bars are junctional complexes that separate the Tomes' processes from ameloblast proper.
Development
Ameloblasts are derived from oral epithelium tissue of ectodermal origin. Their differentiation from preameloblasts is a result of signaling from the ectomesenchymal cells of the dental papilla. Initially the preameloblasts will differentiate into presecretory ameloblasts and then into secretory ameloblasts which lay down the tooth enamel. The differentiation from preameloblasts to ameloblasts occurs during the first stage of amelogenesis, called the pre-secretory phase. The ameloblasts will only become fully functional after the first layer of dentin has been formed by odontoblasts. The cells are part of the reduced enamel epithelium after enamel maturation and then subsequently undergo apoptosis before or after tooth eruption. These stages occur during the third and final stage of amelogenesis, called the maturation phase. There are various factors which can affect the differentiation and development of ameloblasts, causing abnormalities to form within the tooth structure. One example is the BMP which has an important role in ameloblast differentiation. When Follistatin, a BMP inhibitor, is over expressed in the epithelium of developing teeth, the ameloblasts do not differentiate and no enamel forms. Another example includes the conditional deletion of 'Dicer-1' in the epithelium of developing teeth may cause impaired differentiation of ameloblasts which results in deficient enamel formation.
Ameloblasts are cells which secrete the enamel proteinsenamelin and amelogenin which will later mineralize to form enamel, the hardest substance in the human body. Ameloblasts control ionic and organic compositions of enamel. It is theorized that a circadian clock probably regulates enamel production on a daily cycle by the ameloblasts. Ameloblasts adjust their secretory and resorptive activities to maintain favorable conditions for biomineralization.
Clinical significance
These cells are sensitive to their environment. One common example is illustrated by the neonatal line, a pronounced incremental line of Retzius found in the primary teeth and in the larger cusps of the permanent first molars, showing a disruption in enamel production when the person is born. High fevers in childhood are also an example of bodily stressors causing interruptions in enamel production. Another possible example of this sensitivity may be the development of dental fluorosis after childhood exposure to excess consumption of fluoride, an elemental agent used to increase enamel hardness and as a result, prevent dental caries.
