In vitro utilization of exogenous procollagen by embryonic tooth germs

Embryonic mouse tooth germs treated with L‐azetidine‐2‐carboxylic acid cease their development, undergo a regression of the enamel organ, and do not maintain the histological characteristics of the explanted dental organ. On the other hand if procollagen is added exogenously to explants continuously treated with Lazetidine, the effects of the inhibitor are not seen and the tissue is maintained. Thus, exogenously supplied procollagen supports morphogesis in tooth rudiments that are unable to synthesize procollagen.