Microscopy of the neonatal line in developing human enamel

The neonatal line in developing human primary teeth was examined by means of phase contrast microscopy, microradiography and transmission electron microscopy. When thin sections were observed by light microscopy, the lateral dimensions of the line were not as extensive as had been previously reported. The line had a “staircase” configuration and appeared to be identical to published light micrographs of the stria of Retzius. On radiograms, the lateral extent of the hypomineralization was also decreased. The ultrastructural basis for the neonatal line appeared to be a localized change in configuration of enamel prisms along with a possible reduction in crystal concentration. The possibility that some rods actually end at the line could not be excluded, however.