Salivary IgA in minor-gland saliva of children, adolescents, and young adults

• Immunoglobulin A (IgA) is the principal immunoglobulin in human saliva and minor salivary glands contribute with approximately 30-35 % of the total salivary IgA in whole saliva. Salivary IgA is considered to be a vital component of the defence of the oral tissues and the concentration seems to increase with age. However, data on the salivary IgA-concentration in minor gland saliva of children, compared to adults, is not available. Objectives: To study the salivary IgA-concentration in minor gland saliva in defined mucosal areas, and in un-stimulated whole saliva, in children in different ages and young adults. Methods: 90 individuals were recruited: 3-year-old children (n = 30), 14-year-old children (n = 30), and young adults (n = 30). Minor gland saliva was collected on labial and buccal mucosa with filter papers and the volume was determined using a Periotron 8000. The whole saliva was collected by draining into a tube. Assessment of the salivary IgA-concentration was carried out in a sandwich ELISA. One-way ANOVA was used testing the differences between the age-groups (at the 0.05 level of significance). Results: The salivary IgA-concentration in labial gland saliva was significantly lower (p<0.05) in the 3-year-olds (3.7 mg/100 ml +/- 3.5) compared with the 14-year-olds (12.6 mg/100ml +/- 12.8) and the adults (12.8 mg/100ml +/- 13.4). In the un-stimulated whole saliva, a significantly lower salivary IgA-concentration was noted for the youngest group (9.0 mg/100ml +/-9.1) compared with the 14-year-olds (17.9 mg/100ml +/-14.9) and the adults (17.0 mg/100ml +/-9.9). Conclusion: The salivary IgA-concentration in labial and un-stimulated whole saliva seems to increase with age. This may reflect a developing specific immune response in saliva of young children. Approved by the ethical committee, Lund University. Funded by The Crafoord foundation (20090733), Swedish Patent Revenue Foundation and Faculty of Odontology, Malmö University (OD27-2009/275).

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Odontologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Dentistry (hsv//eng)

Keyword

age

IgA

minor gland

saliva

Publication and Content Type

vet (subject category)

art (subject category)