Cox S D, Lassiter M O, Taylor K G, Doyle R J
Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Louisville, KY 40292.
FEMS Microbiol Lett. 1994 Nov 1;123(3):331-4. doi: 10.1111/j.1574-6968.1994.tb07244.x.
The glucan-binding lectins of Streptococcus cricetus AHT and Streptococcus sobrinus 6715 were reversibly inhibited by sodium fluoride. Fluoride was superior to chloride, bromide, iodide and thiocyanate in preventing glucan-mediated aggregation of the bacteria. Fluoride was also an effective inhibitor of the sucrose-dependent adhesion of S. sobrinus to glass surfaces. The inhibition of glucan-binding lectin activities may be one of the mechanisms of action of fluoride in preventing dental disease.