Adsorption of glucosyltransferase to saliva coated hydroxyapatite. Possible mechanism for sucrose dependent bacterial colonization of teeth.

Glucosyltransferase (GTF) adsorbed to hydroxyapatite and to saliva coated hydroxyapatite in vitro. Several proteins which are known to be present in the "pellicle" which forms on hydroxyapatite when this mineral is exposed to whole saliva were shown to stimulate or inhibit GTF. It is suggested that these proteins may interact with GTF and cause binding of the enzyme to saliva coated hydroxyapatite. A model is suggested where GTF adsorbed to tooth surfaces may induce binding of microorganisms to tooth surfaces.