Journal of Dental Research, Vol 55, 66-73, Copyright © 1976 by International & American Associations for Dental Research Online Journals
Characteristics of an in vitro dental pellicle
D. J. Stiefel
Procedures developed for in vitro pellicle formation in intact enamel
proved useful for relating qualitiative characteristics of dental pellicle
to a number of factors. Coronal surfaces of extracted human molars from
experimental and control groups were pumiced, sterilized, and incubated for
two hours at 37 C in parotid saliva and distilled water, respectively.
Pellicle proteins were desorbed sequentially with water and 0.2 M sodium
phosphate, with a pH of 7.0. Polyacrylamide disc electrophoresis of the
desorbates yielded distinct patterns, indicating selective adsorption of
proteins from saliva, varying affinity to enamel, and the presence of
proteins not acquired in vitro from saliva. Certain pellicle components,
including amylase and IgA, showed a relatively weak affinity for enamel and
were eluted in part by water; other proteins were desorbed only by
phosphate buffer. Anionic electropherograms of the phosphate desorbates
showed an increase in the two most anodic proteins relative to
corresponding salivary bands. An intense anodic protein and two minor bands
were eluted by water or buffer from the surface of control as well as
experimental teeth but not from teeth coated with sealants. Serum albumin
and alkaline phosphatase were identified as components of the
extra-salivary material. Further investigation of the sources and functions
of the constituents of the protein layer generally considered as "acquired"
dental pellicle appears warranted.
