Journal of Dental Research, Vol 56, 1173-1178, Copyright © 1977 by International & American Associations for Dental Research Online Journals
The effects of inorganic ions situated at the enamel surface on the adsorption and activity of acid phosphatase
A. R. Johnson
This study has demonstrated, first, that the affinity of the enamel surface
for a biologically active protein-in this case, acid phosphatase-may be
modified by first impregnating the mineral with particular inorganic ions.
Second, enzymic activity is altered as a function of the inorganic ion
incorporated into the enamel surface. Third, strong inhibition of acid
phosphatase is demonstrated by ions expected to be released during the
carious process which contradicts the postulation that phosphatases are
actively hydrolyzing enamel matrix-bound phosphate during the carious
attack. Fourth, these results suggest that by incorporating a particular
ion into the enamel mineral, a surface with assigned properties may be
created which offers some degree of control over subsequent adsorption of
organic matter. Thus, it is apparent that by proper selection of inorganic
ions and organic macromolecules, both structural properties and biological
activities at the enamel-oral fluid interface may be predictably modified.
