High Performance Liquid Chromatography and Proteolytic Enzyme Characterization of Peptides in Tooth Pulp Extracts

Abstract

Metabolic profiles are obtained for peptides contained in tooth pulp extracts. To determine which high performance liquid chromatographic peaks are due to peptides, a series of proteolytic enzymes (chymotrypsin, trypsin, and carboxypeptidase A) are utilized. Results from treatment of extracts with immobilized enzymes demonstrate that virtually all peaks in this reverse phase system are due to peptides. This current study is a necessary component in a larger research program focusing on quantification of enkephalin-and endorphin-related peptides in biologic extracts including brain and tooth pulp tissue.