PRODUCTION OF A MONOCLONAL-ANTIBODY AGAINST HUMAN AMELOGENIN

The extracellular organic matrix of developing human enamel is compose d of two major classes of proteins, the hydrophobic amelogenins and th e acidic enamelins. In order to identify, purify, and characterize the amelogenins from this complex mixture of proteins, and to study their ultrastructural localization and their pathways of synthesis, secreti on, and degradation, specific and sensitive probes are needed. In the present paper the production of a monoclonal antibody against human am elogenin employing an intrasplenic primary immunization protocol is de scribed. The monoclonal antibody produced is IgM and recognizes major human amelogenin protein bands in Western immunoblot assays. It also r ecognizes amelogenin protein bands from other species, specifically bo vine and porcine. Indirect immunohistochemical studies showed the mono clonal antibody to react specifically with the extracellular matrix of human developing enamel. It did not react with the underlying dentin layer.