• 1 January 1968
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 14  (6) , 809-+
Abstract
Protein synthesis by human salivary glands was studied in vitro by incorporation of 14c-labelled amino acids and autoradiographs of double diffusion tests and immuno-electrophoresis of culture fluids. Submandibular and parotid glands synthesized 5 serum proteins: one [alpha]1-globulin, one [beta]1-globulin and 3-immunoglobulins [Ig], IgG, IgA and IgM. IgG and IgM, synthesized in small amounts, corresponded immunologically to serum IgG and IgM. IgA, synthesized in large amounts, possessed antigenic determinants supplementary to serum IgA. There was also a synthesis of the free transport piece. Synthesis of serum IgA was never detected, alone or simultaneously with salivary IgA. These facts indicate a transport piece synthesis greater than local salivary IgA synthesis.