The Production of Chondrosulfatase by Microorganisms Isolated from Human Gingival Crevices

A S part of an investigation of the possible functions of bacteria in the development of chronic marginal gingivitis and periodontal disease, we have reported the production of hyaluronidase and beta-glucuronidasel and phenolsulfatase2 by gingival microorganisms. In addition to hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate is among the components of gingival tissue,3 4 forming a part of the intercellular "cementing" substances. It was, therefore, pertinent to determine whether or not gingival microorganisms produce an enzyme, capable of catalyzing the breakdown of this substance, by means of which they might contribute to the structural disintegration of the gingivae. The enzyme, chondrosulfatase (chondroitin sulfatase, chondroitinase) 5, 6 catalyzes the hydrolysis of the mueopolysaccharide, chondroitin sulfate. Neuberg and Rubin7 established in 1914 that inorganic sulfate is formed from chondroitin sulfate by putrefactive bacteria. Later reports have shown that some strains of Proteus vulgaris, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and a microorganism related to Pseudomonas eisenbergii produce chondrosulfatase. An indication of the presence of chondrosulfatase in cell-free extracts of gingival accumulations has been reported previously.8 The present paper describes the production of this enzyme by bacteria isolated from gingival crevices and pockets.