Protein components in saliva and plaque fluid from irradiated primates

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Abstract
Irradiation of the major salivary glands of monkeys (Macaca mulatta) fed cariogenic diets leads to caries clinically indistinguishable from radiation caries in man. The organic composition of individual samples of plaque fluid and saliva from irradiated and control monkeys receiving the same cariogenic diet is compared. Plaque and saliva were collected from fasting, tranquilized animals. Four irradiated animals were sampled repeatedly as were nonirradiated controls. Total protein, albumin, IgA, G and M and the 3rd complement component (C''3) were quantitated in plaque fluid and whole saliva. Salivary amylase and peroxidase activities were also determined. Plaque fluid and saliva samples were also subjected to polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The total viable anaerobic count and numbers of Streptococcus mutans were determined in samples of plaque. The major effect of irradiation leading to increased numbers of s. mutans and caries susceptibility is apparently in the amount and not the composition, of the saliva produced by the residual gland tissue. The scanty flow of saliva may reduce the effectiveness of cleansing, buffering and lubrication mechanisms as well as resulting in a marked reduction in the total amount of specific and nonspecific immune factors entering the mouth.