The aim of this study was to investigate the nature of a factor present in human whole saliva which causes the aggregation of certain oral bacteria. It seemed possible that the factor causing aggregation could play a part in plaque formation in that it could promote adhesion of organisms to the teeth and contribute to the mutual adhesion of the organisms in the plaque. Agarose column chromatography of human whole saliva gave a void volume peak which contained the aggregating activity. Investigation of this material showed it to contain 33% protein, 19% anthrone positive carbohydrate, 2.9% N-acetyl neuraminic acid and substantial amounts of hexosamine. Data from ultracentrifugal analysis, agarose column chromatography, amino acid analysis, isoelectric focusing and cetyl trimethylammonium bromide fractionation indicated that the active material was a high molecular weight glycoprotein which exists in solution in a random coil configuration. It was further found that the active material was selectively adsorbed on to the hydroxy-apatite surface and also that a component with properties similar to those described above could be isolated from dental plaque. It seems, therefore, that there is, in whole saliva, a high molecular weight glycoprotein, which selectively adsorbs on to the apatite surface and which causes aggregation of certain oral organisms. It seems possible that this component plays a significant role in the initial selective adhesion of certain oral organisms to the tooth surface, as well as being involved in the mutual adhesion of the organisms in the developing plaque.

Keywords:
Bacterial aggregation, Plaque, Saliva
This content is only available via PDF.
© 1971 S. Karger AG, Basel
1971
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.