Background

 Salivary immunoglobulin A (SIgA) together with innate defenses such as α-amylase, provides the ‘first line of defense’ against pathogens present at mucosal surfaces. This study aimed to evaluate salivary α-amylase and immunoglobulin A (IgA) in whole saliva of spastic cerebral palsy (CP) individuals.

 Methods

  Whole saliva was collected from 22 CP and 24 sibling volunteers with no neurological damage control groups (CG) (aged 7–14 years). The salivary flow rate, total protein and SIgA concentrations, and α-amylase activity were determined.

 Results

 The CP group presented higher salivary flow rate (35%) and lower total protein concentration (18%) compared with the CG (P ≤ 0.05). CPG had higher absolute (68%, μg SIgA/ml) and relative (55%, μg SIgA/mg prot and 108%, μg SIgA/min) concentrations of IgA compared with the CG (P ≤ 0.05). CPG had lower relative α-amylase activity (15% mg malt/mg prot and 33%, mg malt/min) compared with the CG (P ≤ 0.05).

 Conclusion

  This study concluded that CP individuals presented alterations in the profile of salivary proteins involved in the defense system of the oral cavity.

 Source: Journal of Oral Pathology & Medicine

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