Identification of a tryptase-like enzyme in extracts of inflamed human gingiva by effector and gel-filtration studies.

Inflamed gingiva contain a serine proteinase which could not previously be identified on the basis of its substrate specificity and inhibitor response. Using the substrate ZAlaArgArgAFC at alkaline pH, the enzyme was shown to be extracted more efficiently in high salt buffer. Inclusion of NaCl in assays, however, caused progressive reduction of activity. There was also inhibition by CaCl2, MgCl2 and 2 mM TosLysCH2Cl but not by 2 mM TosPheCH2Cl. Heparin produced significant activation. In gel filtrations with 1.0 M NaCl, activity appeared in fractions corresponding to a molecular weight of about 135,000. These properties are all consistent with tryptase from human mast cells. The enzyme may participate in both the connective tissue destruction and the inflammatory and immunological processes of gingivitis and periodontitis.