Title: Studies on Collagenase Activity in Gingival Tissue
Abstract: The present investigations were undertaken to determine whether human gingival homogenate from patients with periodontal disease reveals collagenase activity with the use of reconstituted radioactive collagen.The results were as follows:1) Human gingival collagenase was isolated from human gingival homogenate. Specific activity of human gingival collagenase, distinct from that of bacterial collagenase, has been demonstrated by the use of paper chromatography, gel filtration and some other techniques.2) The enzyme was maximally active at neutral pH, required Ca++, and was inhibited by EDTA but not by cystein.3) In the course of experimental gingivitis in dog, gingival collagenase activity was significantly increased.