[The study of the activities of salivary proteolytic enzymes in children].

OBJECTIVE

The activities of proteolytic enzymes in saliva were assayed to determine whether they were related to caries sensitivity and gender in the children.

METHODS

Fluorometric and photometric methods were applied. Three enzymes included leucine amino peptidase, dipeptidyl peptidase IV and trypsin-like proteinase.

RESULTS

1. Only dipeptidyl peptidase IV and trypsin-like proteinase were demonstrated in saliva, they were obviously lower than those in dental plaque (P < 0.05); 2. The activities of proteolytic enzymes of male and female children as well as caries-active and caries-free children showed no difference.

CONCLUSION

Proteolytic enzymes play little role in caries formation of deciduous tooth.