Journal of Dental Research, Vol 61, 953-956, Copyright © 1982 by International & American Associations for Dental Research Online Journals
In vitro hydrolysis of monofluorophosphate by dental plaque microorganisms
L. R. Jackson
Enzymic hydrolysis of sodium monofluorophosphate by suspensions of dental
microorganisms has been demonstrated at pH 5.1, pH 7.0, and pH 8.4, using a
fluoride-selective electrode. The extracellular medium from viable
Streptococcus mutans K1R cells contained low MFPase and paranitrophenyl
phosphatase activity. It is hypothesized that the enzymes responsible for
MFP hydrolysis by S. mutans K1R are intracellular, and that cell disruption
is necessary for hydrolysis to be manifested; this question requires
further study. In vitro MFPase activity was of a magnitude consistent with
the hypothesis that it may significantly raise the fluoride ion
concentration of plaque within the several minutes MFP would be in the
mouth during toothbrushing.