In situ localization and characterization of active proteases in chronically inflamed and healthy human gingival tissues

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1999

Abstract

Background: Studies have indicated an important role for host-derived proteases in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease. The objectives of this study were: 1) to develop an assay measuring protease activity in situ and 2) to localize and characterize the enzymatic activity in intact inflamed and healthy gingiva. Methods: Gingival specimens were prepared and overlaid with a quenched fluorescent substrate. Protease activity was visualized by fluorescence microscopy and correlated with histologic features. Results: In inflamed tissues, enzymatic activity was detected mainly in the connective tissue (predominantly matrix metalloproteases) and, to some extent, in the epithelium (predominantly serine proteases). In contrast, clinically healthy tissues failed to exhibit significant amounts of protease activity. Quantitative and qualitative characteristics of protease activity in intact tissues were found to be pH dependent. Conclusions: The method described here enabled assessment of active proteases in intact tissues where cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions had been maintained. Our results indicate that there are substantial differences in the distribution of specific proteases between clinically healthy and inflamed periodontal tissues.

Publication Title

Journal of periodontology

Volume

70

Issue

11

First Page

1303

Last Page

1312

Comments

This article was published in Journal of periodontology, Volume 70, Issue 11, Pages 1303-1312.

The published version is available at http://dx.doi.org/10.1902/jop.1999.70.11.1303.

Copyright © 1999 AAP.

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