Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2026

A Method for the Measurement of Salivary Gland Function in Mice
Published on: January 25, 2018
Effect of age on immunoglobulin A subclass distribution in human parotid saliva
N K Childers1, C Greenleaf, F Li
1Department of Oral Biology, School of Dentistry, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294-0007, USA. nkc@uab.edu
Abstract:
Two subclasses of immunoglobulin A (IgA) antibodies are produced in humans, IgA1 and IgA2, IgA2 being more resistant to digestion by bacterial proteases than IgA1. The amount of IgA in saliva has been shown to vary with age; however, little is known about the correlation between IgA subclass distribution in saliva and age. The purpose of this study was to determine whether differences exist in the levels and ratio of IgA subclasses in parotid saliva of children and adults. Parotid saliva was obtained from healthy children (age range 6-12 years, n = 14) and adults (age range 22-51 years, n = 20) using Schaefer cups. Samples were analyzed for levels of total IgA, IgA1, and IgA2 by ELISA. IgA and IgA1 levels were significantly higher in adults than in children. However, no differences were seen in the ratio of IgA1 and IgA2 in the two groups of subjects. These findings indicate that levels of IgA increase with age, whereas the IgA subclass ratio is established early in life.
Related Concept Videos
Humoral Immune Responses
Antibody Structure
Antibodies, also known as immunoglobulins (Ig), are essential players of the adaptive immune system. These antigen-binding proteins are produced by B cells and make up 20 percent of the total blood plasma by weight. In mammals, antibodies fall into five different classes, which each elicits a different biological response upon antigen binding.
The Y-Shaped Structure of Antibodies Consists of Four Polypeptide Chains
Antibodies consist of four polypeptide chains: two identical heavy...
Transcytosis of IgG
IgG molecules from a mother undergo transcytosis starting around 13 weeks of gestation. The amount of IgG transferred and entering the fetal blood circulation increases with...
Antibody Structure and Classes
The basic structure of an antibody consists of four protein chains: two identical heavy chains and two identical light chains. These chains are held together by disulfide bonds and other non-covalent interactions, forming a Y-shaped structure.
Development of Immunocompetence
The initial cells that migrate from the fetal thymus settle within the skin and epithelial tissues lining the mouth, digestive tract, and in females, the uterus and vagina. These cells, including skin-based dendritic cells, serve as antigen-presenting cells, playing a key role in T cell activation.
Subsequent T...
Salivary Glands and Saliva

