Quantification of Granulocyte Elastase Inhibitors in Human Mixed Saliva and in Pure Parotid Secretion

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Abstract
The predominant inhibitors of granulocyte elastase in plasma (.alpha.1-proteinase inhibitor and .alpha.2-macroglobulin) together with antileukoproteinase were quantified in parotid secretion and mixed saliva. Antileukoproteinase was the only inhibitor found in parotid saliva and was present in a concentration .apprx. 30 times the serum level, suggesting a local production. In mixed saliva, antileukoproteinase accounted for > 70% of the molar concentration of the granulocyte elastase inhibitors studied. .alpha.1-Proteinase inhibitor was measurable in .apprx. 1/3 of the specimens of mixed saliva. In parotid secretion, antileukoproteinase was present only as a free, active inhibitor. In mixed saliva .apprx. 15% of antileukoproteinase was in complex with granulocyte elastase, while the remaining amount of 85% was inhibitorily active. Antileukoproteinase probably has a biological function in a local defense mechanism directed towards the effects of granulocyte elastase in the oral cavity and salivary glands.

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