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Bacterial chemotactic peptide‐degrading enzymes in human saliva
Author(s) -
Ferguson M. M.,
Mellor D. M.,
Morris K.,
Chadwick V. S.
Publication year - 1988
Publication title -
journal of periodontal research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.31
H-Index - 83
eISSN - 1600-0765
pISSN - 0022-3484
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0765.1988.tb01366.x
Subject(s) - saliva , chemotaxis , bacteria , microbiology and biotechnology , enzyme , carboxypeptidase , gastrointestinal tract , peptide , chemistry , biology , biochemistry , genetics , receptor
Chemotactic N‐formyl oligopeptides are produced by bacteria at sites of bacterial colonization in the digestive tract, but are susceptible to degradation by intestinal mucosal and luminal carboxypeptidases. Since production of such peptides by oral bacteria may promote neutrophil leukocyte accumulation in periodontal inflammatory disease, the activity and source of chemotactic peptide‐degrading enzymes in human saliva was investigated. An N‐formyl‐methionyl‐leucyl‐phenylalanyl carboxypeptidase was identified in whole mixed, but not pure parotid or submandibular saliva. The enzyme activity was attributable to a bacterial rather than a host source.