[The change of salivary beta 2-microglobulin concentration in normal adults].

OBJECTIVE

To understand the influence of various physiological factors on the concentration of beta 2-microglobulin in saliva.

METHODS

We measured salivary beta 2-microglobulin concentration in 200 normal adults, from 21 year-old to 70 year-old, by means of radioactive immunoassay method.

RESULTS

We found, that there was no significant difference between males and females in salivary beta 2-m concentration, and salivary beta 2-m concentration was more significantly elevated in the adults above 50 year-old, compared with the adults from 21 year-old to 50 year-old. We also found, that there was no significant correlation between salivary beta 2-m concentration and serum beta 2-m concentration.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggested, that beta 2-m in saliva may be produced in oral cavity and salivary glands, and measurement of salivary beta 2-m concentration may offer a valuable method to diagnose lymphocytic infiltration disease in oral cavity or salivary glands.