In this study the differentiation of the rat embryonic mandibular tooth germs under the influence of the DNA demethylating drug 5-azacytidine (5azaC) was investigated. 13- and 14-days-old Fisher rat embryonic mandibles were microsurgically isolated under the dissecting microscope. Adult male rats of the same strain were anesthesized and mandibles were transferred by the braking pipette to the subcapsular kidney space. 5azaC (5mg/kg) was applied intraperitoneally during three days to the experimental group of animals while controls were treated by PBS. After two weeks, transplants were fixed for routine histology, embedded in parafin and sectioned. In both experimental and control group of animals, transplants were surviving well. Dental germs have developed to the bell stage of tooth development and, apparently, no differences were found in odontogenesis of the experimental and control group of transplants. Because it is known that 5azaC can cause changes in gene expression and disturb development, further studies are to be done to investigate whether odontogenesis in this system is really less susceptible to this DNA demethylating agent.

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