Comparison of the composition of oral mucosal residual saliva with whole saliva.

OBJECTIVE

Compared with whole saliva, residual saliva comprising the oral mucosal film shows a high protein concentration. The purpose of this study was to compare the composition of residual saliva with unstimulated and stimulated whole saliva in normosalivators.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The composition of oral mucosal residual saliva in 30 healthy individuals was investigated and compared with that of whole saliva. The concentrations of total protein, secretory immunoglobin A (sIgA), lactoferrin, total carbohydrate, and sialic acid were examined. The activities of peroxidase, lysozyme and alpha-amylase were determined.

RESULTS

Residual saliva had higher levels of total protein and carbohydrate than whole saliva, with a higher carbohydrate to protein ratio in the residual saliva suggesting that salivary glycoproteins are concentrated on the oral mucosal surface. sIgA, lactoferrin and sialic acid were present as highly concentrated forms in residual saliva. The enzymatic activity of peroxidase in residual saliva was higher than that of whole saliva.

CONCLUSIONS

These concentrated carbohydrate and antimicrobials on the oral mucosal surface work for mucosal defence and could be used for targeting sites for the delivery of therapeutic agents.