Effect of Age on Immunoglobulin Content and Volume of Human Labial Gland Saliva

Abstract

Stimulated lower labial (LLGF) and parotid salivary volumes and IgG, IgA, and IgM concentrations were measured in 264 subjects whose ages ranged from 17 to 76 years. A significant (p < 0.001) age-related decline in LLGF output was observed for subjects over this age range. Sixty-three percent of the subjects in the 18-20-year-old group (n = 46) secreted at least 10 microL of labial saliva in a 7-10-minute period, while approximately 70% of the subjects in the two oldest groups (61-70 and 71-76 years old) secreted less than 1 microL of LLGF during this time period (n = 64). No significant gender-based differences occurred in the volumes of labial saliva secreted. Stimulated parotid salivary flow showed no age-related trend in these subjects. Lower labial gland salivary IgA concentrations in an older population (mean age +/- SD = 55.6 yr +/- 1.3) were significantly lower (p < 0.025) than IgA concentrations in a younger population (20.7 yr +/- 0.8), when IgA was expressed as microgram/mL LLGF collected. Immunoglobulin A concentrations in parotid saliva and IgG and IgM concentrations in labial and parotid saliva were not significantly different when the two age populations were compared. These data suggest that the physiological and immunological potential of labial gland saliva may decrease with age.

Fluoride Concentrations of Unstimulated Whole and Labial Gland Saliva in Young Adults after Fluoride Intake with Milk

“…The LGS flow rate values were also comparable with data published earlier [Smith et al, 1992;Ferguson, 1999]. During the test days the UWS and LGS flow rates did not differ signifi- Asterisks denote statistically significant differences from control (C) values: **pd0.02, ***p d0.01.…”

Secretory immunoglobulin A and cardiovascular reactions to mental arithmetic, cold pressor, and exercise: Effects of beta‐adrenergic blockade

“…Second, in contrast to the previous study that was conducted only on men, the present study included women and men. However, human epidemiological studies have failed to detect gender differences in sIgA~e.g., Smith, Joshipura, Kent, & Taubman, 1992!. Third, whereas Willemsen et al~1998!…”

Changes in Oral Microflora and Host Defences with Advanced Age

“…A decrease in salivary secretion rates with age has also been observed in stimulated parotid, 78 resting and stimulated submandibular 83 and resting 84,85 and stimulated 86,87 minor glands. On the other hand, an age-related decline was not observed in other studies of resting 87 and stimulated 88 whole salivary flow rate.…”

“…In an early study, an age-related decline in IgA levels in nasal secretions of hospitalized patients with respiratory disease was described. 162 However, many subsequent investigations, which included healthier and older subjects, reported that total salivary IgA concentrations did not decline 86 or, more commonly, increased with age. 81,163,164 Other studies have demonstrated that salivary IgA secretion rates, regarded as a more accurate measurement of mucosal function, 165 declined with increased age in whole saliva of healthy individuals.…”