Simple and rapid procedure for the selective removal of lysozyme from human saliva

Abstract

A simple and rapid method is described for the removal of lysozyme from human whole salivary supernatant. Saliva specimens were adsorbed with Micrococcus lysodeikticus. The saliva so treated was depleted of 95% of the lysozyme activity. Changes in total protein, lactoperoxidase, lactoferrin, immunoglobulin A, and the proportions of several anionic proteins were less than 10%. It is concluded that adsorption of saliva with M. lysodeikticus is a suitable procedure for the preparation of saliva that is selectively deficient in lysozyme.

Adsorption of Lysozyme from Human Whole Saliva by Streptococcus sanguis 903 and Other Oral Microorganisms

“…2). In this experiment, whole-saliva supematant was first depleted of lysozyme by preadsorption with M. lysodeikticus (9). Next, the depleted saliva was supplemented with HUL at the indicated levels.…”

“…Most of the above investigations of oral microbe-lysozyme interactions were performed in the absence of saliva and with nonhuman lysozyme. Since lysozyme is suspected of interacting with other saliva constituents (9,34), it is possible that the degree and mechanism of lysozyme inter.iction with the oral flora in situ may not be accurately reflected by studies conducted in the absence of human saliva. Furthermore, oral bacteria are known to adsorb saliva substances (33).…”

“…Saliva. Unstimulated whole saliva was collected from at least four healthy adult donors, pooled, and clarified by centrifugation as described (9). All saliva used in this study was freshly collected, except for certain experiments in which saliva supernatant was dialyzed.…”

“…For pH adjustments of saliva, samples were titrated with either 1 N HCI or 1 N NaOH. In some cases, salivary lysozyme was depleted by adsorption with Micrococcus lysodeikticus as described previously (9). Additional treatments and supplements of the saliva supernatant are described in the figure legends.…”

Relationships between levels of lysozyme, lactoferrin, salivary peroxidase, and secretory immunoglobulin A in stimulated parotid saliva

“…However, specific sIgA may also enhance the bacteriostatic (iron-binding) effect of Lf (28, 32). Interactions between Lz and Spx, and Lz and sIgA have also been hypothesized, but have not yet been demonstrated (11,27).…”