Bacterial Enzymes and Periodontal Disease

Carbohydrate components of the gingival exudate

“…Some glucose may also derive from break-down products of high molecular components of the gingival tissues and cells. The liberation and activation of hydrolyzing enzymes (Schultz-Haudt and Scherp 1955, 1956, Dewar 1958, Hampp, Mergenhagen and Omata 1959, Gibbons and MacDonald 1961 during the inflammatory process are likely to cause splitting of the gingival connective tissue intercellular matrix, which would result in the release of hexose and other small molecular substances like hexoronic acid and hexosamine. A similar enzyme activity may cause degradation of the polysaccharides found in the walls of the microorganisms in the area (Salton 1961).…”

Immune Reactions in the Gingiva of the Pregnant and Nonpregnant Human Female

“…However, in filtered material the enzymes were detected only infrequently. Dewar (1958) was also able to…”

“…They were also able to show hyaluronidase activity from filtrates of seven individuals with chronic generalized marginal gi ngi vi tis, while activity against condroiti n sulfate was shown in only one of five filtrates, and against histamine in none of the filtrates. Dewar (1958) has collected gingival debris from 38 individuals with varying degrees of periodontal disease, and found that hyaluronidase, condroitin sulfate hydrolase, and collagenase were always present in unfiltered material. However, in filtered material the enzymes were detected only infrequently.…”

Oral Aggregations of Microbes

“…35 Metabolic activity.-Studies on the metabolic activity of microbial aggregations from the gingival crevice has, during the last years, been focused upon tissue-destroying enzymes. Both from unfiltered and filtered gingival debris, agents capable of attacking hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate, and collagen have been demonstrated.32 36 Of the various bacteria isolated from gingival pocket staphylococci, streptococci and diphtheroids seem to produce hyaluronidase, chondroitinase, and proteinase,37 while fusiforms and spirochetes in pure cultures show only slight enzyme activity.36…”