salivary proteins

Question 1

function of amylase

Answer 1

enzyme activated by chloride ions, requires calcium ions as well

hydrolyses 1-4 alpha starch glycosidic links on maltose, maltriose and alpha limit dextrins

defence role

present in most mucosal gland secretions

Question 2

describe lysozyme

Answer 2

also known as muramidase

• non specific defence
• present in saliva, tears, vaginal mucous
• attacks bonds in the bacterial cell walls to cause lysis

Question 3

lactoperoxidase

Answer 3

also known as sialoperoxidase
enzyme from the salivary glands and some bacteria, catalyses the reaction where hydrogen peroxide bceomes water and oxygen

antibacterial action by producing hypothiocyanate

Question 4

describe cystatins

Answer 4

inhibit cysteine proteases, especially in bacteria

antimicrobial function

Question 5

describe gustin

Answer 5

carbonic anhydrase 6

zinc containing protein, reported to facilitate taste function by activating taste buds

mechanism is uncertain

potent PDE5 activator - cause vasoconstriction?

Question 6

describe histatins

Answer 6

histidine rich proteins, inhibit the precipitation of calcium phosphate

antimicrobial

inhibits candida albicans and step mutans

Question 7

describe immunoglobins

Answer 7

produced from the plasma cells in the salivary glands

secretory IgA is the main one

confers specific immunity against bacteria and forms the basis of vaccination vs strep mutans

Question 8

describe lactoferrin

Answer 8

iron binding protein
binds iron ions
antibacterial
especially important in fighting bacteria that require iron ions

Question 9

describe lipase

Answer 9

produced from von ebner glands on the tongue

lingual lipase

hydrolyses triglycerides

also can assit in the digestion of milk

Question 10

describe mucoproteins

Answer 10

this is mucin

carbohydrate protein macromolecule

binds to the tooth and epithelial surface, has a protective role, lubricates and is the component of the primary pelllicle

affects bacterial adhesion

promotes bacterial aggregation to aid clearance in the mouth

Question 11

describe proline rich proteins

Answer 11

these inhibit the growth of calcium phosphate crystals

adsorb onto hydroxyapatite to act as a diffusion barrier, decrease mineral loss, resist acid attack, allow for remineralisation.

regulates bacterial attachment.

Question 12

describe statherins

Answer 12

prevent precipitation of calcium phosphate from saliva
saliva is supersaturated with calcium and phosphate so this has an anticalculus action

Question 13

describe plasma derived substances

Answer 13

plasma spill over products in the saliva

proteins like albumins
blood group substances
immunoglobins like IgG and IgA
hormones
drugs

Question 14

describe the unconditioned salivary stimuli

Answer 14

mechanical is pressure on the PDL and oral mucosa

chemical is gustation, olfaction and common chemical sense