Antibody response in the parotid fluid and serum of Irus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) after local immunization with Streptococcus mutans.

The antibody response of Macaca fascicularis in parotid saliva and serum to local immunization by two routes with Streptococcus mutans was studied and compared over 1 year. Antibodies were titrated and classified by indirect immunofluorescent staining using specific antiglobulin conjugates. Antiglucosyltransferase activity was assayed by an enzyme inhibition test. Animals were immunized first by injecting formalin-killed bacterial cells and cell products subcutaneously into the vicinity of the four major salivary glands. The monkeys were next immunized by retrograde instillation of antigen into the parotid duct. Extensive subcutaneous local immunization gave a serum response only. After parotid duct immunization, high titers of immunoglobulin A (IgA) antibody, along with traces of immunoglobulin G (IgG) immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibody, appeared in the parotid saliva, and in the serum high titers of IgG antibody were present along with lower titers of IgA and IgM. IgA antibodies in parotid fluid were shown by double immunofluorescent staining to be associated with antigenic determinants which cross-reacted with an antiserum directed to human secretory component. Titers in parotid fluids and sera fell sharply when immunization was stopped. This response pattern was reproducible. High concentrations of antibody capable of inhibiting glucosyltransferase prepared from S. mutans were found in the sera, but relatively little was detected in the parotid fluids. Extensive immunization via the parotid duct resulted in transient functional impairment of the gland, as evidenced by diminished salivary flow rates. We conclude that parotid ductal immunization can be an effective method for stimulating a salivary secretory IgA antibacterial antibody response.