Evidence in favor of an anti-invasion factor in cementum or periodontal membrane of human teeth.
A casein-agar method for the detection of protease inhibitors has been used on human teeth. Periodontal membranes or cementum have been shown to contain a potent collagenase inhibitor. This inhibitor might explain why the roots of teeth are normally protected against resorption. A similar protease inhibitor has recently been demonstrated in cartilage and there it was called an anti-invasion factor.
D003739:Dental Cementum / Q000378:metabolism*; D003804:Dentin / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D003012:Microbial Collagenase / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D010513:Periodontal Ligament / Q000378:metabolism*; D011480:Protease Inhibitors / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism*
D011480:Protease Inhibitors; D003012:Microbial Collagenase