Molecular characteristics of IgA in infant saliva.

Saliva was collected from 57 infants aged 6 weeks to 2.5 years and the molecular form of IgA was studied by centrifugation on sucrose density gradients. Two distinct populations were identified. Seventy-two per cent of the children had secretory IgA in their salivary secretions, while 28% had a molecular form corresponding to monomeric IgA. No samples with concurrent monomeric and secretory forms were detected. Monomeric IgA was not detected in any infant over 12 months of age. Secretory component was detected in all samples but was not associated with monomeric IgA. Forty-seven per cent of the samples contained IgA fragments of approximately 40,600 molecular weight. The presence of fragments dominated in the group of children with monomeric IgA. The presence of monomeric IgA in infant saliva did not result from degradation due to storage or proteolysis. The study demonstrated an apparent maturation sequence in the molecular form of IgA present in the salivary secretions of infants.