Abstract
Pure enamel was prepared using an original microdissection technic. Protein concentration was 375 μg per gram of enamel. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis showed a single fast-migrating zone containing a thin double band. Ultracentrifugation studies suggested that the proteins were of low molecular weight or of weak density. Absorption spectra showed a strong absorbance at 260nm. Amino acid analyses yielded a composition of 25% Gly, 13.5% Glu, 11% Ser, 11% Pro, 2% Cys and 2% Hyp. A glucidic content of 15% was estimated and glucose, galactose, mannose and fucose were identified. The organic matrix of enamel seemed to be constituted of two major glycoproteins probably fibrous but different from keratin.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.