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Comparative Tooth Morphology and Qualitative Analysis on the Enamel Surface using Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy in the White-Toothed Shrew Crocidura lasiura and C. suaveolens and the Red-Toothed Shrew Sorex caecutiens from Korea  

Jeong, Soon-Jeong (Department of Oral Histology and Developmental Biology, School of Dentistry, Chosun University)
Publication Information
Journal of dental hygiene science / v.13, no.2, 2013 , pp. 203-212 More about this Journal
Abstract
The tooth morphology and qualitative mineral contents on enamel surface using energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, (EDX) were examined in the white-toothed shrew (genus Crocidura ) Crocidura lasiura and C. suaveolens and the red-toothed shrew (genus Sorex) Sorex caecutiens. In the case of C. lasiura and C. suaveolens, dental formula was found I 3/1 C1/1 P1/1 M3/3=28. The upper 1st and 2nd molars had an unequal W-shape formed by 5 cusps on the crown. The 3rd molar was found one-third the size of those of 1st and 2nd molars. The upper 1st incisor had two different sized hook-shapes and the lower 1st incisor was even. In the case of S. caecutiens, dental formula was found to be I3/1 C1/1 P3/1 M3/3=32. The upper 1st and 2nd molars had an equal W-shape on crown. The upper 3rd molar was half the size of those of the other molars. The upper 1st incisor possessed two similar sized hook-shapes and the lower 1st incisor had an uneven and serrated form. A comparison with the dental and cranial measurements revealed C. lasiura to be the largest of the three species (p<0.001) and C. suaveolens and S. caecutiens were similar in size (p>0.05). A qualitative analysis of mineral contents on enamel surface of the lower 1st incisor and lower 1st molar using EDX revealed C, O, P, Ca and Cu in all specimens and Pb was detected in several enamel specimens. No significant differences in the mineral contents (% weight) were observed among the three species (p>0.05). Fe was only detected on enamel surface of S. caecutiens with red pigmented teeth. Therefore, Fe is responsible for the red tip of the teeth. These results suggest that tooth morphological characteristics including the color of the tooth tip might be used as the key classifying species belonging to Crocidura and Sorex.
Keywords
Crocidura lasiura; Crocidura suaveolens; Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy; Sorex caecutiens; Tooth;
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Times Cited By KSCI : 3  (Citation Analysis)
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