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Cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cAMP) concentrations and cellular distribution were studied in dental and periodontal tissues during tooth eruption in kittens. Although the mean levels of cAMP around developing teeth were similar in all the tissue samples, there were marked differences in cAMP stainability of tissues apical and occlusal to the erupting teeth.

The localization of alkaline phosphatases in dentinogenically active rat incisor odontoblasts was studied by means of subcellular fractionation and electron microscopical histochemistry. Subcellular fractionation revealed the predominant phosphatase activity to be present in the microsome fraction and to a lesser extent in the mitochondrial fraction. Adenosine triphosphate degrading enzyme activity was determined in the presence or absence of (+/-)-6(m-bromophenyl)-5, 6-dihydroimidazo(le) (2,1-b) thiazole oxalate (R 8231). Before the histochemical study, the effects on phosphatase activities by aldehyde fixation were studied by biochemical assay. A method of fixation for optimal preservation of phosphatase activity is presented. Phosphatase electron microscopic histochemistry was performed by using ATP as a substrate and with or without addition of the inhibitor R 82319 Precipitates were seen in the membranes of vesicles present in the odontoblast process and the Golgi region. When there were signs of insufficient fixation, precipitates were also seen in the outer membranes of mitochondria. No phosphatase activity was seen in the cell membrane. ATP degrading enzyme activities mediated by nonspecific alkaline phosphatase (APase) and Ca2+ -adenosine triphosphatase thus have the same morphological localization. This close association is consistent with earlier biochemical studies.

An homogenate of rat incisor odontoblasts had Ca2+ and Mg2+ ATPase activity and suitable storage conditions kept it stable for several days. Over 90 per cent of the activity was retained in a vesicle-rich microsomal fraction that removed about 85 per cent of the total material from the homogenate. This fraction was further characterized: the resolved Ca2+-activated ATPase activity, above the basal MgATPase activity, was 0.30 mumol Pi/min-mg total protein, and 50 per cent activated at free [Ca2+] equal 0.8 microM. This calcium dependency is consistent with an intracellular Ca2+-regulated enzymatic activity. The calcium ionophore, A23187, had no measurable effect on the CaATPase activity, which suggests that the odontoblast vesicles do not concentrate Ca2+ in a lipid bilayer compartment. Direct measurement of the uptake of 45Ca2+ by the filtration method and parallel measurements of CaATPase activity on the same preparations under identical conditions indicated that the odontoblast-derived vesicles have a coupling ratio of 0.024 Ca2+/ATP. This low coupling ratio and the lack of detectable compartmentalization of calcium indicate that the CaATPase activity of the odontoblast microsomes is not associated with a calcium pump. The [Ca2+] dependence of the activity suggests the CaATPase is under intracellular Ca2+ control, but its function is unknown.

The cytochemical method of HOWELL and WHITFIELD (1972) and the revised cytochemical medium of KEMPEN et al. (1978) has been used to investigate the localization of adenylate-cyclase activity in 18, 19 and 20 day old first embryonic mandibular molars. Membrane associated precipitate granules were observed in preameloblasts and odontoblasts localized in the area where preodontoblasts become post-mitotic. Heat inactived teeth and the samples incubated in media without substrate were negative for membrane bound lead deposits. A correlation may exist between high adenylate-cyclase activity and the terminal differentiation of odontoblasts.

This layer had lysyl-oxidase (EC 1.4.3.13) activity, 4-11 times higher than either the sub-odontoblast layer or central pulp tissue, and similar to that in chick aorta, one of the tissues richest in such activity. This finding relates to the potential for rapid cross-link formation following synthesis of the predentine collagenous matrix.

Post-confluent cultures of cloned rabbit odontoblast-like cells (RP: Rabbit Pulp cells) produced latent collagenase, which was isolated from serum-containing culture media by heparin-Sepharose affinity chromatography. RP collagenase was purified 4,420-fold from serum-containing medium to a specific activity of 1,313 units/mg with a yield of 14% by heparin-Sepharose affinity chromatography, carboxymethyl-cellulose ion-exchange chromatography, and by immunoadsorption chromatography. The RP cell culture appears to be a suitable model to use for studying collagenase synthesis in mineralized tissue-forming cells and for elucidating the mechanism of collagen degradation in pulp tissue and dentin matrix.

gamma-Glutamyl transferase activity was studied with an enzyme histochemical technique in rat molar teeth at different stages of development. The odontoblasts showed an increasing activity during formation of the crown. The secretory ameloblasts did not show any activity, while activity was intense in the postsecretory ameloblasts. This activity was confined to the apical part of the cell. In the reduced ameloblasts at the enamel free cusp tips a similar activity was noted. Since gamma-glutamyl transferase has been shown to be involved in endocytosis and transport of amino acids, the localization of the enzyme in developing teeth suggests an active uptake of amino acids from the enamel matrix of the ameloblasts during enamel maturation.

In examination of ground sections of human third maxillary molar teeth, the granular layer of Tomes was shown to consist of expansion of dentinal tubules. The microradiographic density was decreased well inside the layer. It was postulated that the findings were expressions of dentin resorption. The theory was tested experimentally in rats fed a cariogenic diet with low calcium and phosphorus. The morphology of mandibular molar teeth was studied by electron probe microanalysis and by microradiography. It was concluded that the primary event in cariogenesis was an expansion of peripheral dentinal tubules with formation of confluent microcavities and, thus, an unmasking of the granular layer of Tomes, which normally is only potential. A subsequent loss of mineral density in the outer enamel eventually caused breakdown of the outer enamel with caries visible from the surface. The loss of density within the enamel was postulated to result from interruption of the normal flux of nutrients, metabolites and ions between the dentin and enamel. Whereas an increase in dietary calcium and phosphorus delayed and reduced significantly, but did not prevent cariogenesis, it supported the theory that experimental caries in rats is a metabolic disease with the peripheral dentin the primary target.

Localization of thiamine pyrophosphatase activity has been evaluated in the developing first molar of the neonatal hairless mouse. Postnatal animals from parturition to five days of age were decapitated and the severed heads frozen and sectioned in a frontal plane on a cryostat. 14 micron thick sections were fixed and subsequently incubated for thiamine pyrophosphatase activity according to the method of GOLDFISCHER et al. (1971). The tissue was visualized, dehydrated, cleared and mounted. Light microscopy was utilized in evaluating thiamine pyrophosphatase activity. Thiamine pyrophosphatase activity in the first molar of the hairless mouse is presented in tabular form and compared to similar data for the Swiss albino mouse. Enzyme activity increased as the metabolic activities of various cell layers increased. Thus, thiamine pyrophosphatase activity appeared to be related to the degree of differentiation and functional completency of the odontogenic tissues in the hairless mouse.

Activity of acid phosphatase and beta-glucuronidase was shown in bovine preodontoblasts and preameloblasts prior to the onset of secretion. In the preameloblasts the rather weak reaction consisted of small discrete granules dispersed in the cytoplasm apical, lateral, and proximal to the nucleus. After initiation of enamel formation, a change in localization and intensity of the colored reaction product was observed in the ameloblasts. The activity appeared stronger and was restricted to a narrow zone just apical to the nucleus. It is proposed that the acid hydrolases in the tooth forming cells are located to the Golgi complex. The differences in activity of acid hydrolases between bone and tooth forming cells are expounded.

Ca2+-ATPase activity was solubilized, partly purified, and separated from nonspecific alkaline phosphatase activity (APase1) of dentinogenically active rat incisor odontoblasts. Attempts were made to extract the enzymes by various agents, such as Triton X-100, deoxycholate, butanol, EDTA, and buffers of decreasing ionic strength. Solubilization by butanol followed by extraction with low concentrations of EDTA proved to be most effective. Purification and separation were done by molecular sieve chromatography. Ca2+-ATPase showed no activity against p-nitrophenyl phosphate (p-NPP) or inorganic pyrophosphate (PPi) and was unaffected by R 8231 [+/-)-6(m-bromophenyl)-5,6-dihydroimidazo(2,1-b)thiazole oxalate]. It was activated by Ca2+ and Mg2+ ions in equimolar concentrations with the substrate. The enzyme was rapidly inactivated in the solubilized state. An apparent molecular weight of about 18,000 was obtained from molecular sieve data. APase, showing activity against ATP, PPi, and p-NPP, was virtually totally inhibited by R 8231. It was activated by Mg2+ ions but slightly reduced in activity by Ca2+ ions. It had an apparent mol. wt. of 79,000. The results provide direct evidence for earlier suggestions of the existence in hard tissue forming cells of two phosphatases active at alkaline pH.

In the microsomal fraction isolated from rat incisor odontoblasts, the influence of several inhibitors on p-nitrophenyl phosphatase activity (p-NPPase) was demonstrated at pH 10.3 and compared with the influence at pH 8.8. The inhibiting effect of EDTA on the p-NPPase activity was reversed by equimolar concentrations of Zn2+. The inhibitory effect of three diphosphonates, ethane-1-hydroxydiphosphonate (EHDP), methanediphosphonate (MDP), and dichloromethanediphosphonate (Cl2MDP) was equal to that of a chelating agent. Tetramisole and levamisole exerted an inhibitory effect that was different from the complexing type. L-Cystein, but not L-ascorbic acid, inhibited p-NPPase activity with a maximum inhibitory effect at pH 10.5.

The effects of the alkaline phosphatase inhibitors levamisole and R 8231 on p-nitro-phenylphosphatase, inorganic pyrophosphatase and adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) activities in dentingenically active odontoblasts were studied. The p-nitrophenylphosphatase and inorganic pyrophosphatase activities were inhibited, while 40% of the ATP-splitting enzyme activity remained under the assay condition used. This finding, togeather with earlier studies, indicates that at least two different phosphatase are active at alkaline pH in hard tissue-forming cells; on nonspecific alkaline phosphatase and one specific ATPase. The ATPase activity is uninfluenced by ouabain and ruthenium red and is activated by Ca-2+ ions.

The same isoenzyme of nonspecific alkaline phosphatase (APase), assayed with p-nitrophenylphosphate (p-NPP), was shown be present in different calcifying tissues, bone, calcifying cartilage, odontoblasts and enamel organ. Indications were also found that the enzymatic degradation of inorganic pyrophosphate (PPi) in calcifying tissues is mediated by APase. By using specific APase inhibitors, it was shown that two enzymes capable of degrading ATP exist. These were characterized in dentinogenically active odontoblasts, and it was concluded that one is the classical APase, the other is a Ca2+ and Mg2+ activated ATPase, named Ca2+-ATPase. The two phosphatases were solubilized from odontoblasts and separated. The localization of APase and Ca2+-ATPase in odontoblasts was investigated by subcellular fractionation and EM histochemistry. Routine methods for fixation were found to almost completely inactivate the enzymes. By using a mild fixation technique that preserved 80% of the enzyme activity, the main localization for both APase and Ca2+-ATPase was found to be in the membranes of intercellular vesicles located in the cell body and odontoblasts process. No activity was found in the cell membranes. It is concluded that there are at least two enzymes able to degrade phosphate compounds at alkaline pH in hard tissue forming cells. One is the nonspecific alkaline phosphatase (APase; EC 3. 1. 3. 1), which is active against p-NPP, PPi, glycerophosphates and ATP among other substrates. The other is a more specific Ca2+-ATPase (EC 3. 6. 1. 3). There seems to be an intimate relation between these two enzymes in the tissue. The function of APase in biological calcification is still obscure. In contrast, the finding of an ATP dependent, intravesicularly directed, transmembranous Ca2+-transport in vesicles derived from the microsomal fraction of odontoblasts may explain the role of Ca2+-ATPase.

The ATP-splitting enzyme activity in odontoblasts isolated from rat incisors has been studied by means of a radiochemical and a colorimetric micromethod. The results with the two methods were virtually identical. The reaction was linear with time for at least 45 min. The pH optimum was found to be 9.8 independently of the ATP concentration. Maximal substrate saturation occurred at a total ATP concentration of 3 mM. Ca2+ and Mg2+ ions activated ATP degradation. F-ions did not affect the activity at low concentrations, whereas higher concentrations were inhibitory. Na+ and ions were slightly inhibitory. Urea inhibited the enzyme activity at concentrations above 1.5 M, while EDTA and EGTA were strong inhibitors at very low concentrations. When incubating in the presence of low concentrations of specific inhibitors for nonspecific alkaline phosphatase, levamisole and R8231, about 20% ATP degrading enzyme activity remained. In conclusion it is suggested that there are at least two ATP degrading phosphatases active at alkaline pH.

Cathepsin D was purified from rat liver using a new affinity chromatographic method, based on the coupling to the specific inhibitor pepstatin. This preparation was used for the production of specific antibodies from rabbit. The purified IgG fraction was conjugated to horseradish peroxidase in a two-step coupling procedure and used for electron microscopic immunohistochemistry of the odontoblast-predentine region of the rat incisor. Precipitates, indicating the presence of cathepsin D, were seen in the odontoblast, odontoblast process, and in the extracellular unmineralized matrix, the predentine. The observations are discussed in relation to proteoglycan degradation at the mineralization front simultaneous with crystal formation, and in relation to the function of lysosomal enzymes in the turnover of connective tissue.

The inorganic pyrophosphatase (PPiase) activity was determined by a colorimetric method in the odontoblasts and the parts of the enamel organ related to enamel matrix formation and enamel maturation. The effects on PPi hydrolysis by EDTA, R 8231, urea and heat treatment were found to be almost identical to those reported for nonspecific alkaline phosphatase (APase) in the same tissues. The Mg2+ activation curve for PPiase was also similar. Like those of APase, these characteristics of PPiase activity were identical in the three locations studied. It is suggested that the close similarity in the properties of PPiase and APase is due to activity of the same enzyme, a concept which is in agreement with recent biochemical and histochemical studies of calcification.

Coronal odontoblast-predentin tissue was taken from intact teeth and from teeth with carious lesions of varying depths, and the samples (20, 200 x g, saline-soluble fractions) were studied for their ability to hydrolyze adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and phosphoserine. A significantly higher rate of ATP hydrolysis at pH 9.8 was detected in enamel caries and a significantly lower rate in advanced caries than in intact teeth. The rates of the hydrolysis of phosphoserine at pH 9.8 did not differ between the various tooth groups, and the only clear trend indicating elevated enzyme activity was seen in the group of initial dentin caries. The ATP and phosphoserine hydrolysis at pH 9.8 were considered to have been due to the nonspecific alkaline phosphatase (EC 3.1.3.1) activity. In the presence of both levamisole and ouabain, maximal enzyme-dependent ATP hydrolysis was observed at pH 7.9. The remaining ATP-cleaving activity was thought to have been due to the Ca2+Mg2+-dependent ATPase (EC 3.6.1.3). The Ca2+Mg2+-dependent ATPase activities at pH 7.9 remained at constant levels in both the intact and carious groups. The parameters studied in vitro were thought to reflect changes in the mineralization rate of reparative dentin as a response to caries in vivo.

We examined electron-microscopically and histochemically the ultrastructural features of the intraodontoblastic collagen fibrils of the mouse. These collagen fibrils were most common in secreting odontoblasts (pre-odontoblasts) of the maturating stages. In such cells they were most numerous at the peripheral zone of the Golgi apparatus, and were sometimes seen in odontoblastic processes. Intraodontoblastic collagen fibrils also had morphological variations including a banded structure enclosed by limiting membranes of vacuoles, fusion with primary lysosomes, and an electron-dense material covering with a structure that was not banded. Study of acid phosphatase activity showed that these structural changes were caused by the degradation of intraodontoblastic collagen fibrils by lysosomes. The results of studies of the permeation of lanthanum nitrate and the alkaline phosphatase reaction showed that these collagen fibrils were separate from the extracellular matrix and that there was no phagocytosis of the odontoblasts.

Some properties of inorganic pyrophosphatase (PPiase EC 3.6.1.1.) and para-nitrophenylphosphatase (p-NPPase EC 3.1.3.1) in the microsomal fraction of odontoblasts were investigated. The ratio of Mg2+:p-NPP and Mg2+:PPi for optimal enzyme activities was 1:1. A mutual substrate competition for PPiase and p-NPPase was described. In the presence of 0.1 mM EDTA, Mg2+ alone was not able to reactivate p-NPPase or PPiase. Instead, Zn2+ and Co2+ reactivated the PPiase, indicating they might act as cofactors for the enzyme. Mg2+ increased the PPiase activity, probably because Mg PP2-i was the true substrate for the enzyme. The diphosphonates ethane-1-hydroxy 1,1 diphosphonate (EHDP), methane diphosphonate (MDP) and dichloromethane diphosphonate (Cl2MDP) inhibited the PPiase activity.

Different rat diets, deficient in calcium and/or vitamin D, were tested for varying experimental periods to obtain changes in serum calcium values, body weight gain and odontoblast-predentine morphology. One diet, R 25, used during a 14-day period, was found to induce lowered serum calcium values and an increased predentin width in incisor teeth. Rats fed this diet demonstrated an increase in alkaline phosphatase and ATP-splitting enzyme activity in dentinogenically active incisor odontoblasts. No other metabolic changes in these cells were demonstrated by the histochemical methods employed.

In active odontoblasts from the rat incisor, used as a model system for biologic calcification, two distinguishable enzyme activities capable of degrading adenosine monophosphate (ATP) exist. Once can be inhibited ny 1-tetramisole, (+/-)-2,3,5,6,-tetrahydro-6-phenylimidazo (2.1B) THIAZOLE HYDROCHLORIDE (Levamisol) and (+/-)-6(m-bromophenyl)-5.6-dehydroimidazo (2.1-b) thiazole oxalate (R823) and is probably identical with nonspecific alkaline phosphatase (EC 3.1.3.1). The activity of the other enzyme, named Ca2+-ATPase, is dependent on the presence of Ca2+ or Mg2+ and is activated by these ions. The pH optimum of Ca2+-ATPase is 9.8. The Ca2+-ATPase is unaffected by Levamisole, R 8231, ouabain, ruthenium red, Na+ and K+ ions. Maximal activity was found against ATP, whereas adenosine diphosphate, guanosine triphosphate, inosine triphosphate and adensoine monophosphate were hydrolysed at lower rate. It may be speculated that the Ca2+-ATPase is concerned with the transmembranous transport of Ca2+ ions to the mineralization front.

The presence of an acid proteinase with a high activity has been demonstrated in isolated odontoblast-predentine material from dentinogenically active rat incisors. The enzyme was identified as cathepsin D (EC 3.4.23.5). The possible significance of the enzymatic degradation of proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans in the course of the calcification process is discussed.

Odontoblasts of incisor and premolar teeth showed high prolyl-hydroxylase (EC 1.14.11.2; proline, 2-oxoglutarate dioxygenase) activity, but the activities in other regions of these dental pulps were low. These results suggest that these odontoblasts are concerned with the biosynthesis and processing of dentine collagen.

Alkaline phosphatase (EC 3.1.3.1.) in developing teeth and in bone has been studied. Prior to hard tissue function a rather high enzyme activity was noted in differentiating odontoblasts, stratum intermedium, and outer enamel epithelium. A lower activity was observed in the cells of the dental papilla and stellate reticulum. After the onset of hard tissue formation the alkaline phosphatase activity was generally increased. Enzyme activity was also found in the proximal part of tall, secretory ameloblasts. In the short postsecretory ameloblasts a high enzyme activity was noted. At the onset of dentin mineralization there was an increase in enzyme activity in the cells of the subodontoblastic layer. In bone the highest alkaline phosphatase activity was found in osteoblasts. A difference was noted between the alkaline phosphatase of hard and soft tissues by means of the addition of inhibitors to the incubation media. Within the hard tissues it was possible to distinguish between two alkaline phosphatases after pretreatment with heat (56 degrees C) or the addition of specific inhibitors (sodium metavandate, ortho-and pyrophosphate). An isoenzyme which was sensitive to these procedures was demonstrated in odontoblasts and in the pulpal connective tissue. Another alkaline phosphatase isoenzyme, which was resistant to pretreatment with heat or the addition of vanadate or phosphate, was demonstrated in the subodontoblastic cell layer, stratum intermedium and the outer cells of the reduced enamel epithelium.

Aldehyde-fixed, EDTA-demineralized frozen sections of the rat maxillary incisor were histochemically stained for carbonic anhydrase activity, by use of Hansson's method. Intense staining was observed in the odontoblasts, all types of epithelial cells of enamel organ in the maturation zone, cementoblasts, and the cells of the lingual dental sac. Less intense but consistent staining was observed in all types of epithelial cells of odontogenic origin directly facing the pulp and pulp cells adjacent to the odontoblast cell layer in the apical part of the pulp, and was considered due to the carbonic anhydrase-catalyzed reaction. Staining of these cells was completely inhibited by heat pretreatment (120 degrees C, 30 min), 10(-6) mol/L acetazolamide in the incubation medium, incubation by continuous immersion under the liquid surface, and omission of the substrate, NaHCO3. The dentin also exhibited heavy staining which was inhibited by the heat pre-treatment. However, this dentinal staining resisted the inhibition by 10(-3) mol/L acetazolamide and was not inhibited by incubation by continuous immersion or incubation without the substrate NaHCO3. The dentinal staining was thus judged to have been due to non-enzymatic cobalt precipitation.

The presence of hyaluronoglucosidase (EC 3.2.1.35; hyaluronidase), beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase (EC 3.2.1.30), exo-1,4-beta-xylosidase (EC 3.2.1.37), and arylsulfatase (EC 3.1.6.1) in dentinogenically active odontoblasts isolated from the rat incisor has been demonstrated by means of biochemical methods. The possible function of these enzymes in relation to the calcification process is discussed.

The enzyme alkaline phosphatase (AP) (EC 3.1.3.1) in three different calcification areas was studied by means of a spectrophotometric micro method using p-nitrophenylphosphate as a substrate. Rat maxillary incisor odontoblasts and enamel organ from the zones of matrix formation and maturation and tissue from rabbit metatarsal cartilage were allowed to react with the substrate in glycine-NaOH buffer at room temperature. The reaction was found to be linear for a minimum of 20 min. The pH optima for AP from these tissues were in the pH range of 10.0-10.3. In order to compare AP from the four calcification areas different parameters were studied. Heating at 56 degrees C or 60 degrees C for varying times revealed that the enzymes were almost completely inactivated after 10 min. Mg2+ ions activated the enzymes by about 25% at concentrations of 2.5 mM (enamel organ 1.25 mM); while only higher concentrations of Mg2+ had an inactivating effect, Ca2+ and PO3-4 ions were inactivating at varying concentrations. F- ions showed no effect on AP activity at concentrations below 250 mM (enamel organ 125 mM) but caused inactivation of the enzymes at about 50% at 1 M. EDTA was found to be a very effective AP inactivator at concentrations above 0.06 mM, whereas urea did not noticeably affect the enzyme reactions at concentrations below 1 M. At higher concentrations, inactivation was observed. In order to determine AP localization in the epiphyseal plate successive 40-mum-thick, freeze-sectioned slices were analyzed. The activity was highest nearest the zone of cartilage calcification and decreased towards the reserve cell zone. It was concluded that the same AP isoenzyme is present in these quite different calcification loci.