Some properties of proteolytic enzymes in human saliva

Abstract

Abstract

Paraffin stimulated whole mixed saliva from seven subjects was collected. The peptidases found in the supernatant and released from the saliva sediment were characterized by the following properties: pH-optimum on gelatin and haemoglobin as substrates, pH-stability and the influence of inhibitors and activators. Saliva was precipitated with acetone, treated with sodium deoxycholate and fractionated on Bio-gel P-100 and P-150. The data obtained indicate the presence of several peptidases in human saliva hydrolyzing the substrates α-N-benzoyl-L-arginine ethyl ester-HCl, p-tosyl-L-arginine methyl ester-HCl, L-Iysine-p-nitroanilide dihydrobromide and gelatin.