[Separation and selection of salivary adhesion receptors of Streptococcus mutans to tooth surface].
OBJECTIVE: To select and purify salivary receptors of Streptococcus mutans from experimental salivary acquired pellicle. METHODS: Experimental salivary acquired pellicle (SAP) was performed by coating hydroxyapatite (HA) with whole saliva. Then SAP was washed from HA by 1 mol/L NaCl and 0.5 mol/L phosphate buffer sequentially. The proteins were further separated by chromatography of Sephadex G75 and DEAE-Sephadex A25. Receptors of Streptococcus mutans were selected by bacterial adhesion test and competitive inhibition adhesion test. Identification was performed by PAGE, SDS-PAGE, IP-PAGE and detection of amylase activity and inmunodifusion test. RESULTS: IgA degraded fragments, a protein of 13 kD and amylases were the receptors of S. mutans. The first two only promote the adhesion but the amylases can both promote and inhibit S. mutans adhesion. CONCLUSION: The adhesion of S. mutans to tooth surface is a result of interaction between adhesins of S. mutans and multiple salivary receptors.