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Biomedical subjects

T Ericson

Publications and source records attributed to T Ericson.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1996

Lipids in human saliva.

A simple and reproducible method of determining the quality and quantity of neutral lipids in human saliva was tested. Parotid, submandibular and whole stimulated saliva were collected from 10 healthy adults. The lipids were extracted by the Folch method. A special method for extraction of glycolipids was also tested but gave no additional recovery. Thin-layer chromatography was used for separating the different lipid classes. The concentrations of total lipids in parotid, submandibular and whole stimulated saliva were 0.2, 0.9 and 1.3 mg/dl, respectively. Cholesteryl esters, cholesterol, triglycerides, diglycerides, monoglycerides and free fatty acids accounted for 96-99 percent of the total salivary lipids. Thus, polar lipids such as phospholipids contributed only a minor fraction, indicating that the lipids are not primarily of membrane origin. Ultracentrifugation of saliva samples at d = 1.21 g ml(-1) showed that the salivary lipids did not float like blood plasma lipoproteins. Therefore, they must be in a different state of aggregation from lipids in blood or lymph. No significant lipase activity of the type that acts on plasma lipoproteins was found in parotid or submandibular saliva. The content of free fatty acids and partial glycerides was high.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Function of the rat salivary glands after exposure to inorganic mercury.

In spite of many studies on the toxicity of mercury, very little is known about the effects of mercury on the function of exocrine glands. In the present paper selected functions of Sprague-Dawley rat salivary glands were studied after the exposure of the animals to inorganic mercury at two different doses; 3.25 mg/kg body weight given during 25 days and 7.0 mg/kg body weight given during 27 days. The function of the salivary glands was estimated by saliva secretion rate, secretion of electrolytes, proteins and biosynthesis of glycoproteins. The function was compared between mercury exposed rats and age and sex matched control rats that were given injections with equal volumes of 0.154 mol/l NaCl on the same time schedule. In the present study we report that no significant effect on saliva secretion rate, concentrations of salivary constituents or biosynthesis of glycoproteins in the salivary glands could be observed in rats as a result of mercury exposure at two levels that gave 30 or 60 times higher serum mercury concentrations than in the majority of the Swedish population.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Can alpha-tocopherol and beta-carotene supplementation reduce adverse radiation effects on salivary glands?

In this study, we evaluated whether supplementation with antioxidant vitamins can reduce the adverse effects of irradiation on the salivary glands in the rat. Four groups of adult Sprague-Dawley rats were given a basic diet providing 0.6 mg alpha-tocopherol and no beta-carotene per day. In two groups the basic diet was supplemented with 3.4 mg alpha-tocopherol and 6 mg beta-carotene per day from 14 days before irradiation until 12 days after completed irradiation. One group of rats given basic diet and one group given supplemented diet were irradiated with 7 Gy daily for five consecutive days. Isoproterenol and pilocarpine-stimulated whole saliva was collected from all rats 2, 4 and 26 weeks after irradiation. Vitamin-supplemented irradiated rats had higher secretion rates on all three occasions compared with those of irradiated rats given basic diet. The changes in saliva composition seen in irradiated rats were less accentuated in vitamin-supplemented, irradiated rats. The proportions of acinar cells were significantly decreased both in parotid and submandibular glands 26 weeks after irradiation. Supplementation with alpha-tocopherol and beta-carotene did not alter the morphology of the glands.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Relationship between dental caries and risk factors for atherosclerosis in Swedish adolescents?

In an earlier study on a selected group of adolescents with high caries prevalence we found dietary habits that resembled those considered to promote the development of atherosclerosis. In the present study we have compared DMF-score with factors traditionally associated with the risk for development cardiovascular diseases (CVD). All 15-yr-olds living in an urban community in Northern Sweden 1987-1989 were included. Medical variables related to the risk of developing CVD were evaluated in groups of adolescents with various levels of manifest caries expressed as decayed and filled surfaces (DFS). The proportion of individuals with no medical risk factor at an unfavorable level was significantly higher in a caries free than in a high-caries (DFS > or = 9) group. Adolescents with two or more medical factors reaching unfavorable levels had a significantly higher caries score than the group with no factor at unfavorable level. A significant positive correlation was found for the whole group between DFS-score and relative body weight (body mass index) in an univariate correlation test as well as multiple linear regression analysis. The hypothesis that high caries score can be an indicator for unfavorable levels of traditional risk factors for CVD is not contradicted by the results in the present study but supported by the observed covariation with BMI. We therefore suggest that dietary counseling to adolescents with a high caries score in combination with a moderate obesity can be of advantage in reducing the caries risk as well as the risk for development of CVD at higher ages.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

Parotid saliva composition during and after irradiation of head and neck cancer.

Parotid saliva composition was studied before, during and up to 18 months after the irradiation period in 16 cancer patients treated for malignancies in the head and neck region. Stimulated parotid saliva was collected prior to radiotherapy and, when possible, weekly during treatment. New samples were taken 2, 4, 6, 12 and 18 months after the end of radiotherapy. Nine of the 16 patients were treated with bilateral irradiation fields and 7 patients with unilateral irradiation fields, with a total dose not exceeding 52 Gy. During the entire irradiation period the fraction of glands producing measurable volumes of saliva decreased to 40%. In the postirradiation period the number of active glands gradually increased and saliva secretion rate returned to an average of 72% of the initial value 18 months after the end of irradiation. The concentrations of the measured variables increased already during the first week of radiotherapy and at the end of the treatment period the concentrations for total protein, salivary peroxidase, hexosamine and salivary IgA were significantly increased. The concentrations for total protein, salivary peroxidase and salivary IgA were still increased 6 months after the end of irradiation. At the 18-months observation all concentrations had returned to normal, as evaluated in a paired t-test. The majority of glands irradiated with 40-52 Gy recovered not only in secretion rates but also with respect to the components studied in this investigation.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Parotid gland function during and following radiotherapy of malignancies in the head and neck. A consecutive study of salivary flow and patient discomfort.

Radiotherapy of tumours in the head and neck region usually involves the salivary glands in the treatment volume with ensuing dryness and discomfort. In the present study, a prospective evaluation of the same patients were performed before, during radiotherapy and 6, 12 and 18 months after the end of treatment. Three different groups were outlined, one receiving doses not exceeding 45 Gy, another 47-52 Gy and a third group treated with doses over 64 Gy. All but one of the patients receiving doses less than 52 Gy showed a recovery of secretion beginning after 2 months with a continuous improvement of the salivary flow up to 18 months. Doses exceeding 64 Gy caused irreversibly depressed parotid function in the vast majority of glands. The subjective experience of discomfort with dry mouth was not at all correlated to the initial flow rate. Treatment with unilateral technique and doses below 52 Gy caused just no or slight dryness and 3 out of 4 patients with bilateral involvement of the glands displayed problem with subjective dryness even after 18 months. Doses over 64 Gy with one gland involved had only slight dryness, however, patients with both glands affected showed severe problems with dryness. It has to be emphasised that there were relatively large interindividual differences with respect to salivary flow and discomfort of dryness. It is obvious that these patients need a careful dose planning and a close follow up with co-operation between radiotherapeutists and dentists.

Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation↗
PubMed1992

Prevalence of caries in adolescents in relation to diet.

The aim of the present study was to compare dietary habits between adolescents with high or low dental caries prevalence. All 15-yr-old adolescents living in a small community in Northern Sweden were studied in 1987, 1988, and 1989. The median values for energy and nutrient intake exceeded or were close to the recommendations (SNR89) given by the Swedish National Food Administration. The fiber intake did not reach the recommended daily amount even for the 90th percentile of the studied cohort. Nineteen percent of the adolescents had caries free teeth and 10% had nine or more decayed or filled surfaces. There was no difference in daily sucrose intake or average number of meals per day between these two groups. The group with nine or more decayed or filled surfaces had worse dietary habits, expressed as a higher fat intake, lower intake of complex carbohydrates, and lower density of iron (mg/MJ) than the group with no dental caries. Dietary counseling by dentists should be a valuable addition to other caries prophylactic measures taken by the dentists.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

Comprehensive medical examination of a group of patients with alleged adverse effects from dental amalgams.

Mercury from dental amalgams does not seem to cause dose-related intoxications. However, animal studies have shown that high-dose exposure to mercury may support various types of immunologic reactions. Ten patients claiming that their symptoms were caused and aggravated by amalgam therapy were selected for a study of the effects of removal of one amalgam restoration followed by placing of a composite filling. Clinical symptoms and the result of laboratory tests were recorded. Six patients had contact allergies to metals, three of them to mercury ammonium chloride. The comparison of pre- and post-experimental test results showed significant reductions in p-IgE and dU-albumin and significant increases in p-C3d and dU-beta 2-microglobulin. There was no laboratory evidence of a direct toxic effect by mercury on the patients. The observed response by some of the studied factors to the low acute exposure to amalgam may imply that an activation of the immune system occurred.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Saliva composition and caries development in asthmatic patients treated with beta 2-adrenoceptor agonists: a 4-year follow-up study.

In an earlier study, we found that chronic treatment with beta 2-adrenoceptor agonists in asthmatic subjects gave an impaired saliva secretion and a higher caries prevalence than in healthy controls. Twenty-one of the asthmatics and their matched controls were examined 4 yr later in a follow-up study. Samples of whole saliva stimulated by chewing and parotid saliva stimulated by citric acid were collected and dental caries was scored. In the asthmatic group the secretory rates of stimulated whole and parotid saliva decreased by 20% and 35%, respectively, compared to the control group. The number of lactobacilli increased. The asthmatic subjects had a decreased output per minute of total protein, amylase, hexosamine, salivary peroxidase, lysozyme, secretory IgA, a bacteria-aggregating glycoprotein, potassium, and calcium in stimulated parotid saliva. Initial and manifest caries lesions as well as the number of DFS were significantly increased in the asthma group. We conclude that asthmatic patients treated with beta 2-adrenoceptor agonists have an increased caries susceptibility due to an impaired saliva secretion caused by the use of beta-adrenergic agonists.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

Acute radiation effects on saliva composition in rats with different vitamin A levels in serum.

Irradiation of the head and neck often causes loss of salivary gland function which may lead to severe oral discomfort. The effects of a single dose of 25 Gy given to rats with different serum levels of vitamin A were studied. The salivary secretion rate as well as concentrations of protein, hexosamine, amylase and electrolytes, and the activities of two antibacterial glycoproteins were measured. At an adequate level of vitamin A in the diet, irradiation significantly reduced whole saliva secretion rate, and decreased the concentration of salivary sodium, calcium and hexosamine as well as the activity of a glycoprotein agglutinating a serotype c strain of S. mutans. Peroxidase, amylase and potassium were not significantly affected. The reductions seen at an adequate level of vitamin A were not reduced by supplementation of excess dietary retinol. The damage caused by irradiation was enhanced by vitamin A deficiency as seen in the reduced protein and hexosamine concentrations.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

Saliva composition in asthmatic patients after treatment with two dose levels of a beta 2-adrenoceptor agonist.

Changes are known to occur in the salivary composition of asthmatic patients treated with beta 2-adrenoceptor agonists. To evaluate the precise contribution of the agonist to the impaired saliva secretion, 15 asthmatic patients, 15-23 yr old, were given two dose levels of agonist, either terbutaline or salbutamol. The lower dose, 0.15-3.0 mg/day, represented the therapeutic level used by the patients. During a wash-out period of one month, the asthma was treated with budesonide, a corticosteroid spray. Then a daily dose of 32 mg of terbutaline or salbutamol was given for one month. Samples of whole saliva, stimulated by chewing, and parotid saliva, stimulated by citric acid, were collected on three occasions: (1) at the end of the low-dose agonist treatment; (2) at the end of the wash-out period; and (3) at the end of the high-dose agonist treatment. During the high dosing the secretion rate of parotid saliva decreased and the concentrations of its total protein, amylase, hexosamine and the ratio of hexosamine/total protein were lowered. The output per minute of total protein, amylase, hexosamine, peroxidase, lysozyme, secretory IgA and potassium decreased. There were only small differences in secretion rates or saliva composition between samples collected at the end of the low-dose and at the end of the wash-out period. Thus, treatment with beta 2-adrenoceptor agonists impairs saliva secretion in asthmatics.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1989

Effects of chronic stimulation of salivary gland beta-adrenoceptors on saliva composition and caries development in the rat.

The effects of long-term beta-adrenoceptor stimulation or inhibition on parotid and submandibular glands, saliva secretion, and caries development were studied. Groups of rats were treated daily with: 0.5 or 5 mg/kg body weight of isoproterenol (IPR), 0.5 or 5 mg/kg bw propranolol (PRO), or saline. After 42 days, saliva was collected and analyzed for secretion rate, total protein, amylase, sialic acid and electrolytes. Total protein and amylase in saliva decreased and potassium increased in the high IPR group. Phosphate increased in both IPR groups and decreased in the high PRO group. The average weight of parotid glands increased 3.7 times in the high IPR group and 1.8 times in the low IPR group. Amylase and total protein in parotid gland extracts decreased in both IPR groups. The submandibular gland weight increased 1.5 times in the high IPR group. Total protein decreased in the high IPR group. There was no difference in caries development.

Amylases↗
PubMed1989

Effect of a moderate vitamin A deficiency on saliva secretion rate and some salivary glycoproteins in adult rat.

The study presents the effect of a low vitamin A intake on saliva secretion rate and some salivary glycoproteins in the adult rat. Sixteen rats in the experimental group were fed a vitamin A deficient diet (0.11 micrograms retinol/g diet) and 14 rats in the control group a diet with adequate content of vitamin A (4.74 micrograms/g diet). At the end of the experimental period of 10 wk, whole saliva, blood, and liver samples were collected. No difference in the serum content of retinol was seen between the two groups. The liver values were significantly lower for the rats in the experimental group compared to the values in the control group. No difference was seen between the two groups in saliva secretion rate, salivary peroxidase activity, or the concentrations of total protein and markers for total glycoprotein secretion. However, the activity of a bacteria agglutinating glycoprotein, BAGP, was significantly reduced in the rats fed the vitamin A deficient diet.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

Effects of a 900-kcal liquid or solid diet on saliva flow rate and composition in female subjects.

Eleven healthy females of normal weight participated in a study on the effects of two 900-kcal (5,548 kJ) diets, one solid and one liquid, given for 8-day periods. Unstimulated and stimulated whole saliva was collected before, during, between, and after the two different experimental periods. The dietary intake was recorded and evaluated for its content of energy and nutrients during normal and experimental periods. The 900-kcal liquid diet caused a reduction in saliva secretion rate, sialic acid, and phosphate concentrations and an increase in the sodium concentration as well as in the ratio of total protein to sialic acid. Chewing a 900-kcal solid diet restored saliva secretion and composition. The rate of dental plaque formation was increased by both 900-kcal diets, but more during the liquid period.

Adult↗
PubMed1988

Effect of long-term isoproterenol treatment on caries development in the rat using a low-cariogenic model.

Forty-eight Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups. Two groups were injected daily with saline (groups 1 and 2) and two groups with isoproterenol (0.5 mg/kg body weight, groups 3 and 4) beginning at the age of 21 days. Groups 1 and 3 were each day fed nine subsequent sucrose-containing meals followed by eight starch-containing meals. Groups 2 and 4 were fed alternating sugar- or starch-containing meals, totally 17 meals per day. The animals were sacrificed after 14 weeks. At the end of the experiment, the animals in the isoproterenol groups had higher body weights. Caries development increased significantly after isoproterenol treatment. The diet regimen with alternating sugar- or starch-containing meals increased caries development, particularly in combination with isoproterenol treatment. Using low cariogenic conditions, we found that an unspecific beta-agonist (isoproterenol), given posteruptively at a low dose, enhances caries development.

Animals↗
PubMed1988

Saliva concentrations of some selected proteins and glycoprotein markers in man after supplementary intake of beta-carotene.

Vitamin A has profound effects on cell biology, morphology and function of excretory cells. In the present study we investigated the effect of supplementation with beta-carotene (provitamin A) on the secretion of salivary glycoproteins and some antibacterial components. Eighty-nine men, drawn from a larger double-blind pilot study among Finnish men of a high socio-economic standard, participated in this study which lasted for 60 days. The men were allocated either to beta-carotene supplementation of 20 mg a day or to placebo treatment. At the end of the study samples of stimulated whole and parotid saliva were collected and examined for total protein as well as hexosamine, sialic acid, thiocyanate and the activity of salivary peroxidase. The secretion rate of whole saliva was calculated and the activities of lysozyme, a bacteria aggregating glycoprotein (BAGP) and secretory IgA were measured in parotid saliva. Significantly higher levels of beta-carotene, but not retinol, were found in serum and whole saliva in the beta-carotene group compared to the placebo group. Retinol or beta-carotene could not be detected in parotid saliva. No difference was found either in saliva secretion rate or in the composition of whole or parotid saliva between the beta-carotene and the placebo group.

Adult↗