It is well known that African-Americans (AA) are less likely to develop reflux esophagitis (RE) and its complications than Caucasians (C). Since salivary protective components play a key role in the maintenance of the integrity of the esophageal mucosa, we hypothesized that AA may benefit from their higher protective quality of saliva. Aims: 1. To assess content of salivary glycoconjugate (mucin), protein, bicarbonate, non-bicarbonate, TGFa, and PGE 2 in AA. 2. To compare these results with corresponding values in a C population, comparable in terms of age and gender. Subjects & Methods: The study was approved by IRB and conducted in 27 AA (12F and 15M, mean age of 41, range 29-52) and in 39 C (16F and 23M, mean age of 39, range 26-56) asymptomatic volunteers. Salivary secretions were collected under basal conditions, during mastication, and during intraesophageal mechanical and chemical stimulation, mimicking the gastroesophageal reflux scenario by using an esophageal perfusion catheter (Wilson-Cook Med. Inc., NC). Salivary glycoconjugate (mucin) and protein in salivary secretion were quantitated using PAS and Lowry methods, respectively. Salivary bicarbonate and non-bicarbonate were measured using Titra-Lab (Radiometer America, IL), whereas TGFa, and PGE 2 by RIA (Amersham, IL) and analyzed statistically by E-Stat (Jandel Sci. CA). Results: African-Americans secreted significantly more of salivary glycoconjugate (P < 0.01), protein (P < 0.05), and non-bicarbonate buffers (P < 0.01) in basal conditions; glycoconjugate (P < 0.05), protein (P < 0.05), and non-bicarbonate (P < 0.05) during mastication; glycoconjugate (P < 0.05), protein (P < 0.01), bicarbonate (0.05), non-bicarbonate (P < 0.01), and TGFa (P < 0.001) during intraesophageal mechanical stimulation; protein (P < 0.0001), bicarbonate (P < 0.05), non-bicarbonate (P < 0.05), and TGFa (P < 0.001) during intraesophageal chemical stimulation than Caucasians. Conc_!usion: • These data indicate that a significantly enhanced secretion of salivary protective factors in AA may prevent the development of esophageal mucosal pathology and subsequent complications during episodes of GER.