Salivary effects on polymorphonuclear leukocyte functions

Abstract

Respiratory burst, enzymatic degranulation and bacterial killing were investigated on peripheral blood polymorphonuclear leukocytes (polymorphonuclear leukocytes) incubated with a pool of salivary fluids elicited from healthy donors. Low saliva concentrations primed polymorphonuclear leukocytes for enhancement of O2 consumption, O2- and beta-glucuronidase release and Staphylococcus aureus killing. Whole saliva, on the contrary, depressed all tested phagocytic activities.

Phagocytic functions of salivary neutrophils in oral mucous membrane diseases

“…It is believed that salivary polymorphonuclear neutrophils (sPMNs) are part of the local immunological mechanisms in oral cavity involved in the defence against periodontal and oral diseases, but their function in healthy oral cavity as well as in various oral mucosal diseases, has not been comprehensively studied. Most articles related to the role of PMNs in oral mucosal diseases are based on findings in peripheral circulation (1–6), which may not necessarily reflect their function in oral cavity. In this report, results are presented concerning functional differences between salivary and peripheral blood PMNs in healthy individuals, as well as phagocytic functions of salivary PMN in patients with recurrent aphthous ulceration (RAU) and oral lichen planus (OLP), since it was indicated that neutrophils may play an important role in the protection against diseases such as OLP, (7) and since OLP and RAU, although manifesting disparate clinical appearances and natural history, share immunopathological features that involve cell‐mediated immunity (8).…”

Colostral proteins from cows immunised with Streptococcus mutans/S. sobrinus support the phagocytosis and killing of mutans streptococci by human leucocytes

“…Gingival crevicular polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMNLs) retain their viability and phagocytic [14] and chemotactic properties [15]. Saliva can increase the activity of crevicular PMNLs in vitro which may enhance the defence role of PMNLs in vivo as they enter the oral cavity [16]. Especially high numbers of leucocytes can be expected to be present around teeth during their eruption, which is the time when the cariogenic bacteria are established in the oral cavity [17].…”

Assessment and comparison of phagocytic function and viability of polymorphonuclear leukocytes in saliva of smokers and non-smokers

“…Similar findings were reported by Fumarulo et al who quoted that smoking habit was most prevalent in the younger ages. 13 A gap of 5 min was given after rinsing and before collection of the sample. This was because the PMNs would be washed off while rinsing and it takes time before these cells again enter the oral cavity through gingival crevice.…”