Fifty two children who had had cancer and been treated with chemotherapy, and who were long term event free, were examined for caries prevalence, gingival health, and oral hygiene and compared with a control group. A higher dental caries prevalence for the 14-17 year age group was noted. The restorative index was significantly lower in the age group 10-13. There were no significant differences in gingival index, plaque index, or toothbrushing frequency. It is concluded that these patients should be considered as at high risk for caries after cancer treatment. Professional dental follow up should be integrated in the medical follow up. (Arch Dis Child 1995; 72: 129-132)

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Osteocalcin was purified by gel chromatography from a crude extract obtained after decalcification of rat incisors. The apparent molecular weight, as determined by 5-15% SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, was 18,000, and amino acid analysis revealed 60 gamma-carboxyglutamic acid residues per 1000. Antisera against osteocalcin, raised in rabbits, reacted specifically with osteocalcin when investigated by immuno-electroblotting of dentin crude extract. 4-micron cryosections of formaldehyde-fixed tooth germs showed positive immunocytochemical staining for osteocalcin in dentin and odontoblasts. The staining of the mantle dentin at the coronal sides of the tooth germs was more intense than that of the adjacent circumpulpal dentin, while the odontoblasts involved in the formation of mantle dentin showed stronger immunoreactivity than did odontoblasts involved in circumpulpal dentin formation. This marked difference was not observed on the root sides of the tooth germs. In 1-micron cryosections, osteocalcin immunoreactivity was found evenly distributed throughout the entire cell body, with the exception of the Golgi region, which was less intensely stained, while the nucleus and the cell process were negative. The positive staining reaction with anti-osteocalcin antiserum was found in dentin from the very onset of its formation in the fetus. In conclusion, our results demonstrate the presence of osteocalcin in odontoblasts and dentin. Its immunocytochemical localization may be compatible with a distinct role in early dentinogenesis.

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