Glycoprotein 340 and sialic acid in minor-gland and whole saliva of children, adolescents, and adults.

Glycoprotein 340 (gp-340) is a bacterial-binding glycoprotein found in major-gland and minor-gland saliva. Sialic acid, a common terminal structure of salivary glycoproteins, interacts with microorganisms and host ligands, as well as with free radicals. This study investigated the contents of gp-340 and sialic acid in minor-gland saliva and whole saliva of children (3 yr of age), adolescents (14 yr of age), and adults (20-25 yr of age). Labial-gland saliva and buccal-gland saliva were collected on filter paper, and unstimulated whole saliva was collected by draining into a tube. The relative amount of gp-340 and sialic acid was determined by ELISA and by enzyme-linked lectin assay (ELLA), respectively. In minor-gland saliva, no statistically significant differences in gp-340 and sialic acid were seen between the age-groups. Among adults, significantly lower amounts of gp-340 and sialic acid were seen in labial saliva compared with buccal saliva. In whole saliva, the amount of gp-340 was significantly lower among adults compared with children. No differences between genders were seen. Stable content of gp-340 and sialic acid in minor-gland saliva across the age-groups, and a higher content of gp-340 in the whole saliva of the youngest age-group (3-yr-olds) compared with the adult group, may reflect that those components are vital innate factors of immunity in children's saliva.