Effect of various aliphatic amines on the permeability of bovine dental enamel

Aliphatic amines with chain lengths from C2 to C18 were investigated for their effect on the diffusion of [3H]-sorbitol, [14C]-glycerol, 36Cl- and 86Rb+. Before amine application, enamel was pretreated with a phytate solution. C12-C18 amines reduced the rate of diffusion to values of about 20-30 per cent of the values found before treatment. Amines with chain lengths below C12 were less effective. The presence of an unsaturated carbon-carbon bond (C18:1) seems to promote the absorbance of the amine to enamel.