Characterization of Collagen Biosynthesis in Rabbit Dental PulpIn Vitro

Abstract

Collagen biosynthesis in the dental pulp was studied by measuring the rate of ¹⁴C-hydroxyproline formation in vitro and assaying the activity of protocollagen proline hydroxylase (PPH). The maximal formation of ¹⁴C-hydroxyproline from ¹⁴C-proline in an incubation medium occurred between the pH values 7.4 and 8.2. No significant differences in the rate of collagen biosynthesis could be demonstrated between the molar and incisor pulps. The methods of the present study seem to be useful for further investigation on collagen metabolism in the dental pulp.