The signs of odontogenesis externally to the prospective functional dentition in the experimental model

6 Abstract The development of the mouse tooth primordium is an important model for studying odontogenesis, as well as general organogenesis. The development of the mouse lower incisor is of remarkable interest. The epithelial anlage of the mouse lower incisor is interconnected with the vestibular anlage via the epithelial bridges. According to some authors, the epithelial bridges represent an area, where the transient rudimentary incisor germ appears. From a morphological point of view, the first sign of ongoing epithelial-mesenchymal interactions during early odontogenesis is the thickening of oral epithelium. From a molecular point of view, it is the expression of the Shh, Eda, Edar, Pitx2, Bmp2, Bmp4 and Dlx2 genes. Except for the transcription domain, representing the proper signalling centre of a developing prospective incisor, a transient transcription domain, localized anteriorly and superficially, appears in the odontogenic zone of the epithelium during early development. The anterior transcription domain originates in the area of epithelial bridges, and according to some authors, from an evolutionary point of view, it corresponds with the signalling centre of the rudimentary incisor germ. The aim of this diploma thesis was to compare the temporospatial dynamics of SHH and EDA protein expression in..