A Further Note on the Sampling Device for the Anti-Mutagenicity of Saliva

ABSTRACT

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare the anti-mutagenicity of Salivette and test-tube sampling saliva. In addition, the relation between the inhibiting and pH-buffering capacities of saliva was investigated. Methods: Subjects were 52 healthy female university students. The collection of saliva samples was carried out using 2 sampling devices; test-tube and Salivette. The anti-mutagenicity of the saliva was measured using the umu test. Results: The inhibiting capacity of Salivette-saliva was significantly lower compared with that of test-tube-saliva (p<0.01, t test). However, there was a significant correlation between them (r=0.35; p<0.05). In addition, there was a significant correlation between the inhibiting and pH-buffering capacities of saliva (r=−0.36; p<0.05). Conclusions: These findings suggest that both the Salivette and the test-tube may be appropriate as saliva-sampling devices. In addition, they suggest that the bicarbonates might inhibit the anti-mutagenicity of saliva, or that the activity of substances related to the anti-mutagenicity of saliva might be dependent on pH.