Effect of xylitol-, sucrose-, and water-rinses on the composition of human palatine gland secretions.

The chemical composition of stimulated human palatine secretions (HPS) was studied after rinsing with aqueous solutions of sucrose or xylitol, or with water only. Stimulation with water was associated with increased concentration levels of protein. The levels of sialic acids (per mg protein) and the specific arylamidase activities were simultaneously increased, within the physiologic range. In contrast to a previous report, these results indicate that HPS does contain arylaminopeptidases the activity of which is strongly increased by Cl-. The Cl(-)-dependent activity was revealed when using N-L-arginyl-2-naphthylamide as substrate. The filter paper method used is recommended for collecting HPS for chemical analyses. In spite of the use of a relatively effective and versatile stimulation procedure, only one third of the subjects produced detectable HPS. Very poor secretion of HPS should perhaps be considered in subjects wearing total dentures.