Enzymically iodinated human salivary proteins. Fractionation and characterization by column chromatography and electrofocusing.

Human salivary proteins were enzymically iodinated by the 125I-lactoperoxidase system. The proteins were than subjected to DEAE-cellulose column chromatography, preparative column electrofocusing and thin-layer polyacrylamide-gel electrofocusing. The radioactivity in the resolved protein pools and bands was determined. Results show that salivary proteins differ in their susceptibility to iodination carried out by this enzymic method. Two major iodine-binding protein fractions were discovered: one behaved like serum albumin on electrofocusing and was most susceptible to iodination by lactoperoxidase, and other had pI characteristics similar to those of salivary amylase. The physiological significance of the iodination of salivary proteins, which can also take place in vivo, is discussed.