Blocking VEGF signaling delays development of replacement teeth in zebrafish

The dentition in zebrafish is extremely and richly vascularized,but the function of the vasculature,in view of the continuous replacement of the teeth,remains elusive. through application of su5416,a vascular endothelial growth factor receptor inhibitor,we studied the role of the blood vessels in the dentition of the zebrafish. we were unable to show an effect on the development of first-generation teeth as well as first tooth replacement. however,in juvenile fish,a delay was observed in the developmental state of the replacement tooth compared with what was expected based on the maturation state of the functional tooth. furthermore,we observed a difference between treated and nontreated fish in the distance between blood vessels and developing replacement teeth. in conclusion,our results provide support for a nutritive,rather than an inductive,function of the vasculature in the process of tooth development and replacement. © international & american associations for dental research 2014.