Tryptase-like activity in crevicular fluid from gingivitis and periodontitis patients.

Crevicular fluid was collected from gingivitis and periodontitis patients on filter paper strips and then eluted into buffer. The eluates hydrolyzed ZAlaArgArgAFC at alkaline pH and the effector response at pH 8.5 indicated serine proteinase activity. The results, particularly the substantial increase in activity produced by heparin, were suggestive of mast cell tryptase. They were also consistent with the properties of the tryptase-like enzyme identified in extracts of inflamed human gingiva (Cox and Eley, Arch Oral Biol, in press). Partial inhibition of crevicular fluid eluate activity by soybean trypsin inhibitor suggested the additional presence of a second trypsin-like enzyme which might be of host or bacterial origin.