[Secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) in parotid saliva of patients with cystic fibrosis].

Investigations of immunoglobulin concentrations--especially of secretory IgA (sIgA)--were performed in isolated parotid saliva samples by means of a modified Mancini technique considering the structural specialties of sIgA. The measurement of flow rates under continuous stimulation of parotid gland secretion by citric acid allowed calculations of glandular output. Cystic fibrosis patients showed decreased secretion rates of sIgA during gland secretion stimulation. Because parotid glands and bronchial glands are parts of BALT, we can conclude, that a functional sIgA deficiency is a pathogenetic factor under others in chronic bronchopulmonary infections of cystic fibrosis patients.