Acta Odontologica Scandinavica 1990-10-01

Non-specific esterases in partly mineralized bovine enamel.

D Moe, S Kirkeby

Index: Acta Odontol. Scand. 48(5) , 327-32, (1990)

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Abstract

Activity for non-specific esterase was demonstrated in the matrix of developing bovine enamel with alpha-naphthyl acetate and 5-bromoindoxyl acetate as the esterase substrates. By use of high-performance liquid chromatography gel filtration, ion-exchange chromatography, and electrophoresis three esterases were shown to be present in the enamel matrix. The enzymes showed highest activity at pH 6.5-7.5. In sections a strong reaction was observed in the secretory ameloblasts. The esterases may be proteolytic enzymes that participate in the degradation of the matrix proteins.