An improved procedure for isoelectric focusing of human salivary proteins

Abstract

Isoelectric focusing in thin layers of polyacrylamide gel is a powerful technique for the separation of human salivary proteins. The method described involves prior de-salting and concentration, followed by isoelectric focusing, in a pH gradient of 4–8, of sample volumes up to 0.1 ml. With whole saliva, 30–40 protein bands were clearly evident on staining with Coomassie Brilliant Blue; and α-amylase zymogram procedure revealed 9 or 10 isozymes. Within 8 individuals, a number of reproducible protein variants were apparent.