Solubilization of dentin matrix collagen in situ

The effects of the oral environment on dentin matrix collagen were studied. In the partial prostheses of 12 participants, two completely demineralized dentin specimens were mounted covered by a Dacron gauze. After an experimental period of seven weeks, the specimens were transferred to a trypsin-containing buffer for determination of the amount of denatured collagen. Subsequently, the specimens were incubated with a bacterial collagenase for assessment of the amount of collagen. After the intra-oral exposure, there was a collagen loss varying between 1 and 47 wt%. This variation might be due to differences in proteolytic activity of the colonizing microflora. After exposure to the oral environment, only about 0.5 wt% of the available collagen was trypsin-degradable. This indicates a rapid solubilization of the denatured collagen from the specimens into the oral cavity. A separate group of specimens was examined by light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Various degrees of breakdown could be discerned. Some experimental specimens showed loss of surface integrity and tubules heavily infected with different types of micro-organisms. The lumens of the tubules were enlarged, sometimes creating caverns as a result of the loss of the intertubular collagenous matrix.