Leukocytes in the Saliva of Caries-Free and Caries-Active Subjects

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Abstract
Specimens of saliva were obtained from 11 caries-free and 16 caries-active subjects either as "spontaneous samples," in which the salivary contents of the mouth were emptied into a vessel, or as wax-stimulated samples. The stimulated saliva was collected for 5-min. periods with and without preceding periods of 2 min. duration of tooth brushing and mouth rinsing. After thorough mixing, all specimens were examined on a hemocytometer slide under the phase-contrast microscope. The leukocytes could be divided under 2 headings: those in well-preserved condition, referred to as "intact" cells, and those in varying stages of disintegration. The cells in both these groups were classed together as "total" leukocytes. Counts were made of "intact" and "total" cells, and the number of "intact" leukocytes was 4 times greater in the samples from caries-free subjects than in those from caries-actives, whereas the "total" number of leukocytes was similar in the 2 groups. A check on the paradontal condition of subjects was obtained in terms of the P.M.A. index of Massler, Schour and Chopra and a comparison showed that there was no difference in the state of gingivitis between the caries-free and the caries-active groups. Relative differences in inflammatory state of the gums does not therefore explain these observations. It is not yet known whether this higher percentage of "intact" cells in caries-free saliva is caused by increased numbers of cells entering the saliva or by a slower rate of disintegration, and the relation to any reduced bacterial activity in the caries-free mouth is also a problematical quantity.

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