Cathepsin D: ultra-immunohistochemical localization in dentinogenesis.

Cathepsin D was purified from rat liver using a new affinity chromatographic method, based on the coupling to the specific inhibitor pepstatin. This preparation was used for the production of specific antibodies from rabbit. The purified IgG fraction was conjugated to horseradish peroxidase in a two-step coupling procedure and used for electron microscopic immunohistochemistry of the odontoblast-predentine region of the rat incisor. Precipitates, indicating the presence of cathepsin D, were seen in the odontoblast, odontoblast process, and in the extracellular unmineralized matrix, the predentine. The observations are discussed in relation to proteoglycan degradation at the mineralization front simultaneous with crystal formation, and in relation to the function of lysosomal enzymes in the turnover of connective tissue.