RESUMO
The electrophoretic pattern of the basic proteins in parotid saliva was examined in 12 control subjects and 45 patients suffering from xerostomia and parotid swelling of diverse origins. The protein pattern in the control subjects did not differ from the observed in sialotic patients. Characteristic quantitative and qualitative alterations in protein composition were observed in Sjögren's syndrome. The concentration of the protein fractions with a low Rp value showed a considerable increase, while one or two additional protein bands with high Rp value could be detected in these patients. The appearance of these additional protein bands may prove to be a valuable laboratory indicator in the diagnostic work. If they really indicate the beginning of an autoimmune process, the disease could be diagnosed much earlier than by the methods available today.
