Phosphoglucomutase isoenzymes in human teeth.

Powdered dentine samples were prepared from fresh teeth and teeth allowed to putrefy for up to 90 days. In some samples dentine only was included, whereas in others dentine plus pulp remnants were used. Extracts of the powders were tested for phosphoglucomutase activity by starch gel electrophoresis and PGM typing was carried out. Fresh teeth showed activity in at least 50% of cases as did putrefied dentine plus pulp remnants. Putrefied dentine alone showed minimal activity. The method may be useful for identification procedures using fragments of teeth.