Abstract
THE average methyl pentose content of unstimulated human saliva supernatants has been determined as being between 50 and 100 µg/ml. depending on the blood-group substance secretor status of the individual1. The methyl pentoses present are fucose and rhamnose. Fucose is present in the blood-group substances secreted in saliva2 and in fractions associated with salivary mucoprotein3, although it is not clear whether or not these two sources are identical. It is seldom found in bacteria. Rhamnose is a constituent of the cell wall of many bacteria4, some of which are found in the mouth. It has not been detected in sterile saliva secretions. Very little is known about the status of methyl pentoses in dental plaque, and it is the purpose of this communication to describe their determination in plaque and their fate in saliva.
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MIDDLETON, J. Methyl Pentoses in Human Saliva and Dental Plaque. Nature 202, 392–393 (1964). https://doi.org/10.1038/202392a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/202392a0
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