Journal of Dental Research, Vol 61, 982-985, Copyright © 1982 by International & American Associations for Dental Research Online Journals

ARTICLES

Peroxidase antimicrobial system of human saliva: hypothiocyanite levels in resting and stimulated saliva

J. Tenovuo, K. M. Pruitt and E. L. Thomas

The antimicrobial oxidizing agent hypothiocyanite ion (OSCN-) was measured in resting (drooling) and stimulated (expectorated) whole saliva. Stimulation of the saliva flow rate resulted in a rapid decrease in OSCN- concentration, whereas the thiocyanate ion (SCN-) concentration and peroxidase activity were increased. The decrease in OSCN- levels was greater than could be accounted for by dilution of the whole saliva volume. Assuming that the antimicrobial activity of the salivary peroxidase system is proportional to OSCN- concentration, this system may be more effective in resting saliva than in stimulated saliva.

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