Saliva Preparations Research Articles

Comparison of the Fluoride Ion Release from Composite and Compomer Materials under Varying pH Conditions—Preliminary In Vitro Study

Fluoride prevents the demineralization and supports remineralization of enamel. It is important to maintain a constant low level of fluoride in the oral cavity at all times. Dental restorative materials that are used for this purpose contain NaF in their composition, which is a source of fluoride ions that diffuse into body fluids and surrounding tissues. Two such materials, the flowable composite material Wave (W) (SDI, Hamilton Parkway Itasca, Australia) and compomer material Freedom (F) (SDI, Hamilton Parkway Itasca, Australia), were studied in regards to their release of fluoride ions into various solutions imitating the oral environment: artificial saliva solution with the addition of hydrated calcium chloride (CaCl2) × 2H2O in the pH range of 4.5 and 5.5; artificial saliva free of calcium chloride in the pH range of 4.5, 5.5, 6.0, 7.0, and 7.5; deionized water; and saline solution. The results were assessed over a period of 7 days, i.e., 168 h. The Freedom (F) compomer showed the highest cumulative release of fluoride ions into artificial saliva solution at pH 4.5 (31.195 ± 10.461 μg F/mm2) and the lowest into saline solution (3.694 ± 1.115 μg F/mm2). The Wave (W) composite material revealed the highest cumulative release of fluoride ions into deionized water (7.982 ± 2.011 μg F/mm2); its lowest cumulative emission was observed in artificial saliva solution at pH 7.0 (1.391 ± 0.489 μg F/mm2). The amounts of released fluoride from the Freedom (F) compomer were considerably higher compared to the Wave (W) composite material. The ability to release the largest amounts of fluoride ions in an acidic environment results from the erosion of the surface layer. Different calcium content in available experimental and commercial artificial saliva preparations may influence the obtained results. Both the flowable Wave composite and Freedom compomer released more fluoride in an acidic environment with a pH of 4.5–5.5, but with different dynamics—Wave material had its maximum on the third day while Freedom on the first day of the experiment.

Multifunctional artificial saliva preparation – challenges and needs

Saliva plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis not only within the oral cavity but also in further sections of the gastrointestinal tract. Pleiotropic properties of saliva include participation in the digestion of carbohydrates, cleansing and moisturizing the oral cavity, and maintaining the composition of the oral microbiome. The result of impaired function of the salivary gland is reduced salivation – hyposalivation, leading to dry mouth – xerostomia. It is established that numerous physiological factors (age, sex, weight change) and pathological factors (polytherapy, head and neck cancer, coexisting diseases such as diabetes, depression, cardiovascular diseases) lead to the reduction in saliva secretion, and in effect, causing a dry mouth. Treatment of salivary secretion disorders involves pharmacological therapy (including hormone therapy) or replacement therapy which based on the use of saliva substitutes. In the case of disturbances in the secretion of natural saliva, the application of the artificial saliva preparations should support the chewing processes, moisturize the oral cavity, and fulfill the biological functions of saliva. However, to date, on the pharmaceutical market, there are no saliva substitutes that meet the biological criteria and maintaining favorable physicochemical properties and rheological parameters. Taking into account the problems of the patients which are burden by impaired salivary secretion, the aim of our research was to attempt to develop an artificial saliva preparation that reflecting as much as possible the properties of natural saliva, both in terms of mechanical and biological properties. As part of the research, the chemical composition was developed and a detailed study of the physicochemical and rheological parameters of artificial saliva preparations containing mucins as well as their microbiological and biocompatibility assessment, at in vitro level were carried out.

Efficacy and safety of two artificial saliva-based polymers containing 0.1% pilocarpine for treatment of xerostomia: A randomized clinical pilot trial.

BackgroundTopical agents are the mainstay in the treatment of xerostomia, a common complaint most frequently associated with salivary dysfunction. This study aimed to compared the efficacy and safety for xerostomia treatment of 2 artificial saliva preparations containing 0.1% pilocarpine, and, either sodium carboxymethylcellulose (SCMC), or, sodium polyacrylate (SPA). Material and MethodsThirty-one xerostomia patients were randomly allocated into either a SCMC-treated group (15 patients), or, a SPA-treated group (16 patients). The formulations were taken 0.5 ml, 4 times daily for 6 weeks and double-blinded assessed before and after treatments using Xerostomia Inventory (XI) and Clinical Oral Dryness Score (CODs). Unstimulated and stimulated whole salivary flow rates were measured. ResultsAfter treatment, the SCMC-treated group had significantly lower CODs and higher unstimulated and stimulated whole salivary flow rates (p<0.001, p=0.035, and p=0.013, respectively), while the SPA-treated group showed significantly lower CODs only (p=0.004). In contrast, SCMC-treated and SPA-treated groups at the 6th week after treatments showed non-significant differences in all assessments (p>0.05, all). Some adverse events (AEs) were reported, e.g., burning tongue, dizziness and watery eyes, but no severe AEs. ConclusionsThis randomized controlled pilot trial demonstrated superior efficacy of SCMC-formula over a SPA-formula after 6 weeks of xerostomia treatment. These formulations with topical pilocarpine proved safe in clinical use with minimal reported AE. Key words:Xerostomia, artificial saliva, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, sodium polyacrylate, pilocarpine.

Endogenous salivary citrate is associated with enhanced rheological properties following oral capsaicin stimulation.

New Findings What is the central question of this study? What are the relationships between physical properties of saliva, protein composition and metabolite composition? What is the main finding and its importance? Salivary citrate, one of the major endogenous metabolites in saliva, increased upon capsaicin stimulation and was associated with improved physical properties measured by extensional rheology. This suggests salivary gland citrate transporters might be a valuable area of future study. Saliva displays viscoelastic properties which enable coating, lubrication and protection of the oral mucosa and hard tissues. Individuals lacking saliva or perceiving oral dryness can manage their symptoms using artificial saliva preparations, but these often fail to mimic the sensation and functionality of natural saliva. It is widely acknowledged that mucins (MUC7 and MUC5B) confer saliva's rheological properties, but artificial saliva containing purified mucins is still often an inadequate substitute. This work aimed to explore salivary components that influence salivary extensional rheology to better understand how natural saliva could be replicated. Saliva was stimulated via control and capsaicin solutions in healthy volunteers. Extensional rheology was analysed using a CaBER‐1 (capillary breakup) extensional rheometer. Protein composition, including mucins, was measured by gel‐electrophoresis band densitometry and metabolites were measured by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Capsaicin stimulation significantly increased capillary breakup time, extensional viscosity and the abundance of most major salivary proteins. Stimulation also increased salivary citrate and choline concentrations. Significant correlations were found between capillary breakup time and amylase (r = 0.67, P < 0.05), statherin (ρ = 0.66, P < 0.05) and citrate (ρ = 0.81, P < 0.01). The relationship between citrate and salivary rheology was subsequently investigated in vitro. These results suggest that citrate and non‐mucin proteins are stronger predictors of salivary rheology than the more often studied mucin glycoproteins. Potential mechanisms are discussed and future work in this area could help formulate more effective saliva substitutes, more closely resembling natural saliva.

Artificial Saliva: Challenges and Future Perspectives for the Treatment of Xerostomia.

The chronic sensation of a dry mouth is a disease condition called xerostomia and affects a large part of the population. Xerostomia is associated with decreased secretion, or more often, qualitative changes in saliva proteins and immunoglobulin concentrations that develop as a result of salivary gland dysfunction. Several reasons causing dry mouth were described, and usually, they include taking medications, diseases or radiotherapy. In some situations, when it is difficult to use salivary stimulants or salivary gland damage is irreversible, the only option might seem to be saliva substitutes. The paper presents the most important aspects considering saliva preparations. The rheological and lubricating properties and the reconstruction of the complex saliva structure has been the main purpose of research. The biological properties of saliva preparations were also widely discussed. As part of the work, the antimicrobial effect of three commercial saliva preparations was tested. Finally, inadequate antimicrobial properties against the strains isolated from the oral cavity were demonstrated. The development of salivary substitutes, in particular, the improvement of antimicrobial properties, can be achieved using nanotechnology, including drug delivery systems containing nanocarriers.

Effect of Saliva and Mucin-Based Saliva Substitutes on Fretting Processes of 316 Austenitic Stainless Steel

The paper presents the results of research of the fretting process of 316 austenitic stainless steel in the environment of natural saliva and mucin-based saliva preparations. The aim of the work was the evaluation of synthetic saliva preparations on biomaterial wear during fretting and fretting-corrosion. The fretting process, in the oscillatory micro-movements conditions, occurs in the joints of removable dentures, especially during the chewing phase. Fretting usually leads to the intensification of fatigue damage processes of materials. Experimental research, through rheological, fretting, fretting-corrosion, and microscopic analysis were performed. Tests indicate that natural saliva and saliva preparations are similar in terms of viscoelastic properties. The statistically significant proposed saliva solutions reduced the material wear in comparison to dry sliding, which is important in the case of people with saliva secretion problem. The addition of xanthan gum to the artificial saliva composition improved rheological characteristics, but on the other hand, led to an increase of secondary wear. It was confirmed by the volumetric wear of the samples and evaluation of energy dissipated during friction. Fretting-corrosion processes were explained by a mechanism related to crevice corrosion supported by friction.

Artificial Mucin-based Saliva Preparations - Physicochemical and Tribological Properties.

To create and investigate artificial mucin-based saliva substitutes with properties similar to natural saliva. Natural saliva and six saliva preparations were tested. Saliva substitutes were made using phosphate buffered saline (PBS) prepared in deionised water or plasma-treated water (PBSPT) with addition of porcine gastric mucin and guar gum or poloxamer 407. A wide range of properties were characterised: physicochemical (changes of pH, conductivity and surface tension over time: 1, 24, 96, 168 h after mixing ingredients), rheological (viscosity and viscoelasticity), tribological (coefficient of friction for titanium alloy Ti-6Al-7Nb kinematic couple) and corrosive (open circuit potential, corrosion potential, polarisation resistance). Saliva preparations based only on mucin had pH, viscosity, coefficient of friction and corrosion parameters similar to those of natural saliva. Guar gum increased the values of viscosity, viscoelasticity and the coefficient of friction. Similar results were obtained for poloxamer 407, whereas it decreased the surface tension of tested preparations. Plasma-treated PBS enhanced the corrosion resistance of saliva substitutes with guar gum and poloxamer 407. Among the tested compositions, saliva substitutes based only on mucin were found to have parameters similar to human whole saliva. Mucin saliva preparations may have wide applicability for patients with e.g. xerostomia or patients using a metal prosthesis.

Effect of preparation method and storage period on the stability of saliva DNA

Saliva is an attractive source for oral microbial detection and quantification since sampling is non-invasive and rapid. ObjectivesTo determine whether different saliva preparation methods or preservation time periods affect DNA stability. MethodsSaliva samples from 4 healthy adult volunteers were processed to obtain 3 different preparations: whole saliva, and after centrifugation pellet and supernatant. Purified DNA (MasterPure™) from each sample was divided into 4 aliquots, one for immediate analysis and 3 (stored at −80°C) for later analyses after 1 week and 2 and 6 months. DNA concentrations and qPCR based quantities of Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, Parvimonas micra, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Filifactor alocis and Streptococcus mutans were determined. ResultsDNA concentration did not decrease (P>0.05) during the 6-month period in any sample. Mean (SE) DNA concentrations (ng/μl) in whole saliva were 152.2 (51.2) and 147.8 (50) at day 0 and 6 months, respectively. Similarly, the values for pellet were 134.9 (42.5) and 133.6 (42.9), and for supernatant, 11 (1.9) and 8.9 (2.3), the difference being significant (P<0.001) between supernatant and whole saliva or pellet. The quantities of most bacterial species found at day 0 remained stable over the 6-month period in all saliva preparations. In supernatant, species quantities were lower (P<0.05) than in whole saliva or pellet. ConclusionsDNA concentrations were comparable between whole saliva and pellet, suggesting that either of them can be used for DNA-based analyses. Our results also demonstrated that DNA extracted from saliva can be preserved at −80°C for at least 6 months without decrease in DNA concentration.

Automated saliva processing for LC-MS/MS: Improving laboratory efficiency in cortisol and cortisone testing

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to implement in our routine practice an automated saliva preparation protocol for quantification of cortisol (F) and cortisone (E) by LC-MS/MS using a liquid handling platform, maintaining the previously defined reference intervals with the manual preparation. Design and methodsAddition of internal standard solution to saliva samples and calibrators and SPE on μ-elution 96-well plate were performed by liquid handling platform. After extraction, the eluates were submitted to LC-MS/MS analysis. The manual steps within the entire process were to transfer saliva samples in suitable tubes, to put the cap mat and transfer of the collection plate to the LC auto sampler. Transference of the reference intervals from the manual to the automated procedure was established by Passing Bablok regression on 120 saliva samples analyzed simultaneously with the two procedures. ResultsCalibration curves were linear throughout the selected ranges. The imprecision ranged from 2 to 10%, with recoveries from 95 to 116%. Passing Bablok regression demonstrated no significant bias. ConclusionsThe liquid handling platform translates the manual steps into automated operations allowing for saving hands-on time, while maintaining assay reproducibility and ensuring reliability of results, making it implementable in our routine with the previous established reference intervals.

Physicochemical properties and biological activities of Thai plant mucilages for artificial saliva preparation

Context: Plant mucilages can be found in various parts of several Thai plants, which can be used as thickening, moisturizing, and lubricating agents in artificial saliva formulations.Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the physicochemical properties, biological activity, and cytotoxicity of Thai plant mucilages.Materials and methods: The mucilages from Thai plants were extracted by various processes (temperature and pH variation, microwave oven, steam, and Tris-HCl buffer extraction). The viscosity and the rheology were evaluated using viscometer. Antioxidative activities including DPPH radical scavenging and metal chelating activities were investigated. The mucilages were determined for cytotoxicity on normal human gingival fibroblasts and anti-adherent activity of Streptococcus mutans.Results: Mucilages from Ocimum citriodorum Vis. (Lamiaceae), Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam. (Moraceae), Abelmoschus esculentus (Linn.) Moench. (Malvaceae), and Basella alba Linn. (Basellaceae) exhibited pseudoplastic non-Newtonian rheology. The highest DPPH radical-scavenging and metal-chelating activities were observed in the mucilages from B. alba (microwave, 3 min) and A. esculentus (microwave, 1 min) with the SC50 and MC50 values (50% of scavenging activity and 50% of metal chelating activity, respectively) of 0.71 ± 0.32 and 1.11 ± 0.52 mg/ml, respectively. Most mucilages exhibited no cytotoxicity to normal human gingival fibroblasts. The mucilage from A. esculentus (microwave, 5 min) gave the shortest wetting time of 2.75 ± 0.51 min. The highest S. mutans adhesion inhibition was observed in A. esculentus (pH 11) of 5.39 ± 9.70%.Discussion and conclusion: This study has indicated the suitable physicochemical and biological properties and the potential application of mucilages from Thai plants for artificial saliva preparation.

Physicochemical and Rheological Properties of Potential Additives for Synthetic Saliva Preparation

The present paper describes the results of the physicochemical and rheological characterisation of the selected self-made solutions of synthetic saliva. The substitutes of the used saliva were prepared on the basis of gums (xanthan, guar, arabic and carob bean) dissolved in saline buffer. Additionally, one of preparations were composed of xanthan gum and sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS). The analysis of the viscosity, pH, surface tension and conductivity of the tested solutions was performed. The tests were carried out following one, three and seven days. The obtained results of the conducted studies showed differences between the tested preparations in the scope of the above evaluated quantities. The preparations based on the tested gums have similar properties in terms of pH, surface tension and conductivity. Only the substitute with the addition of xanthan gum and SDS exhibited different characteristics: the highest value of pH and the lowest values of conductivity and surface tension. In the case of viscosity, some preparations exhibited Newtonian rheological characteristics while others exhibited non-Newtonian characteristics.

Investigation of saliva as an alternative matrix to blood for the biological monitoring of inorganic lead

IntroductionWhole blood is the established matrix for biological monitoring of inorganic lead; however blood sampling is an invasive procedure. Saliva offers a potential non-invasive alternative. This study determines lead in whole blood and saliva. A novel method for saliva sampling and preparation is presented. MethodsPaired blood and saliva samples were obtained from 105 occupationally exposed UK workers. Saliva was collected using a StatSure sampling device, and a nitric acid digestion step was incorporated. The utility of the device for this application was evaluated. Whole blood was obtained by venepuncture. Analyses were carried out by ICP-MS. ResultsThe limit of detection for lead in saliva was 0.011μg/L. Mean blank-corrected recovery from 10μg/L spiked saliva was 65.9%. The mean result from blank saliva extracted through the StatSure device was 2.86μg/L, compared to 0.38μg/L by direct analysis. For the paired samples, median blood lead was 6.00μg/dL and median saliva lead was 17.1μg/L. Pearson’s correlation coefficient for saliva lead versus blood lead was 0.457 (95% C.I. 0.291–0.596). ConclusionsICP-MS analysis allows sensitive determination of lead in saliva with low limits of detection. The StatSure device is effective for high occupational exposures, but contamination from the device could confound lower-level measurements. Saliva would only be effective as a surrogate for whole blood for highly-exposed populations, although with further work it may have applications as a biomarker of recent exposure.

Evaluation of different extraction procedures for salivary peptide analysis

Sample preparation is a critical step for all kind of biological fluids analysis with serious implications in data retrieved. In this sense, efforts have been made to standardize biofluids’ management procedures for diagnosis and research purposes. However, no agreement exists regarding saliva preparation. Aiming the delineation of an ideal preparation procedure for salivary peptidome analysis, the commonly used extraction methods such as selective precipitation with organic solvents, acid and addition of chaotropic agents in combination with filtration, were evaluated in the present study. Data concerning protein/peptide content, Tricine-gel electrophoresis and MALDI-TOF/TOF identification suggest that centrifugation, a generally used sample cleanup step, should be critically reconsidered based on the hydrophobic peptides that can be loss by aggregation with high molecular weight (MW) components. Although no individual method per se resulted in the identification of all MS identified peptides, the extraction method with bicarbonate/acetonitrile (ACN) followed by filtration resulted in the higher number of identified peptides.

Characteristics of Biofilm Formation byStreptococcus mutansin the Presence of Saliva

Interactions between salivary agglutinin and the adhesin P1 of Streptococcus mutans contribute to bacterial aggregation and mediate sucrose-independent adherence to tooth surfaces. We have examined biofilm formation by S. mutans UA159, and derivative strains carrying mutations affecting the localization or expression of P1, in the presence of fluid-phase or adsorbed saliva or salivary agglutinin preparations. Whole saliva- and salivary agglutinin-induced aggregation of S. mutans was adversely affected by the loss of P1 and sortase (SrtA) but not by the loss of trigger factor (RopA). Fluid-phase salivary agglutinin and, to a lesser extent, immobilized agglutinin inhibited biofilm development by S. mutans in the absence of sucrose, and whole saliva was more effective at decreasing biofilm formation than salivary agglutinin. Inhibition of biofilm development by salivary agglutinin was differently influenced by particular mutations, with the P1-deficient strain displaying a greater inhibition of biofilm development than the SrtA- or RopA-deficient strains. As expected, biofilm-forming capacities of all strains in the presence of salivary preparations were markedly enhanced in the presence of sucrose, although biofilm formation by the mutants was less efficient than that by the parental strain. Aeration strongly inhibited biofilm development, and the presence of salivary components did not restore biofilm formation in aerated conditions. The results disclose a potent ability of salivary constituents to moderate biofilm formation by S. mutans through P1-dependent and P1-independent pathways.

How much pilocarpine contaminates pilocarpine-induced tick saliva?

Pilocarpine is often applied or injected into ticks to induce salivation, and the resulting saliva used to test for various pharmacological, biochemical and immunological activities. To measure the amount of pilocarpine in pilocarpine-induced tick saliva, an HPLC-MS/MS method, based on capillary strong cation exchange chromatography online with an ion trap mass spectrometer, was used to measure pilocarpine in the pg to ng range. Results indicate large concentrations of pilocarpine in Ixodes scapularis Say and Amblyomma americanum (Linnaeus) (Acari: Ixodidae) saliva, ranging from 3 to 50 mm. Due to the known effects of pilocarpine on smooth muscle and immune cells, appropriate controls are proposed and discussed for proper interpretation of results using this saliva preparation.

Augmentation of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans invasion of human oral epithelial cells and up-regulation of interleukin-8 production by saliva CD14.

It has recently been shown that human salivary glands constitutively express CD14, an important molecule in innate immunity, and that a soluble form of CD14 is secreted in saliva. The concentration of CD14 in parotid (a serous gland) saliva was comparable to that in normal serum and 10-fold the amount in whole saliva, although the physiological function of saliva CD14 remained unclear. Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans is a periodontopathic bacterium and is able to invade oral epithelial cells. The present study showed that upon exposure to live A. actinomycetemcomitans Y4 for 2 h, human oral epithelial HSC-2 cells produced interleukin-8 (IL-8) for a further 24 h and whole saliva augmented the production induced by A. actinomycetemcomitans Y4. Parotid saliva showed a more pronounced effect on the production of IL-8 than whole saliva. Neither saliva preparation itself had IL-8-inducing activity. Parotid saliva exhibited antibacterial activity against a low concentration of A. actinomycetemcomitans Y4, but recombinant CD14 did not show the activity. The internalization of A. actinomycetemcomitans Y4 into HSC-2 cells was inhibited by cytochalasin B, indicating that the process was actin dependent, and depletion of CD14 from parotid saliva inhibited the invasion and, as a consequence, inhibited production of IL-8. Furthermore, human recombinant CD14 augmented invasion and IL-8 production. These results suggest that saliva CD14 promoted the invasion of oral epithelial cells by A. actinomycetemcomitans and consequently augmented the production of IL-8, playing an important role in innate immunity in the oral cavity.

Detachment activity of human saliva in vitro for Candida albicans cells attached to a plastic plate.

The effects of human saliva on Candida albicans attached to plastic plates were investigated. C. albicans cells were cultured for attachment to the bottoms of the wells of a 96-well plate, and saliva preparations collected from healthy adults were then added to each well. After various periods of incubation, the number of Candida cells attached to the bottom of each well was measured by the crystal violet staining method. The results showed that, when incubated with human saliva (final concentration, 10% or higher) for 3 h, Candida cells that were attached to the plates became detached from the wells. For characterization of the detachment factor(s), the saliva was divided into three fractions by ultrafiltration. The detachment activity recovered in fractions with molecular weights of 50 K or higher. When the saliva was heated at 100 degrees C for 20 min, its ability to detach Candida cells completely disappeared. When the saliva was treated with 0.025% trypsin, the detachment activity decreased by 57%. These findings suggested that human saliva contains factors for detachment of Candida cells, which are considered to be proteins with molecular weights of 50 K or higher.

Isolation and characterization of Actinomyces viscosus mutants defective in binding salivary proline-rich proteins.

Recent studies have provided evidence for human salivary proline-rich proteins (PRPs) serving as potential receptors in the acquired pellicle for Actinomyces viscosus type 1 fimbriae. We report here the isolation of mutants derived from A. viscosus T14V-J1 which are defective in binding to PRPs partially purified from parotid gland saliva. Mutagenesis with ethyl methanesulfonate preceded enrichment for cells nonreactive with PRPs by successive adsorptions with PRP-treated latex beads. Screening was accomplished by random selection of 250 isolated colonies from each of four enrichment cycles and reaction with PRP-treated latex beads in microtiter plates. Two mutants of independent origin were examined for adherence to hydroxyapatite treated with either PRPs, proline-rich glycoproteins, deglycosylated proline-rich glycoproteins, or whole saliva. Additional surface properties that were examined included agglutination with polyclonal antisera to type 1 and type 2 fimbriae, agglutination by a monoclonal antibody to type 1 fimbriae that inhibits adherence of the parent strain to saliva-treated hydroxyapatite, the ability to bind monoclonal antibody to the type 1 fimbrial subunit, and lactose-reversible coaggregation with Streptococcus sanguis 34. Both mutants exhibited reduced binding to hydroxyapatite treated with whole saliva or salivary protein preparations but were still capable of reaction with antiserum to type 1 and type 2 fimbriae. In addition, these mutants possessed the ability to bind monoclonal antibody to the type 1 fimbrial subunit in amounts comparable to the amount bound by the parent strain but were not agglutinated by the adherence-inhibiting monoclonal antibody. When considered with previously published data, these results suggest that an adhesive molecule is probably associated with type 1 fimbriae and allows for the interaction of A. viscosus with constituents in the salivary pellicle.

A comparative study of the allergens of cat urine, serum, saliva, and pelt

In direct RAST analyses of sera from 43 individuals with a history of cat allergy, 39.5% were positive to cat pelt, 37.5% to cat saliva, and 12% each to cat urine and serum. The cat pelt and saliva extracts contained allergen 1, but cat serum and cat urine collected by bladder puncture had no detectable levels of this allergen. A crossed immunoelectrophoresis/crossed radioimmunoelectrophoresis analysis failed to reveal any allergen in urine or serum that was not also present in the saliva or pelt preparations, although urine had two allergens not present in serum. When serum from a patient who was direct RAST positive to cat pelt, serum, saliva, and urine was tested by crossed radioimmunoelectrophoresis, it was determined that a total of six allergens were detectable in cat pelt, three in cat urine, and six in cat serum. Since cat serum contains no detectable cat allergen 1, it may be concluded that at least seven allergens derived from the cat are capable of binding to IgE antibody in humans.

Changes in Protein Composition of Saliva from Radiation-induced Xerostomia Patients and Its Effect on Growth of Oral Streptococci

Clarified and dialyzed mixed saliva-water rinses, obtained from patients receiving radiation treatment of the major salivary glands, exhibited quantitative reductions in total protein content and qualitative changes in protein composition. Radiation or post-radiation saliva preparations supported enhanced growth of Streptococcus mutans, but reduced growth of Streptococcus sanguis relative to growth on pretreatment saliva.