[Preparation of a protein mucin solution to be used in patients with xerostomia (Venezuela)]

The purpose of this study was to prepare a protein solution to simulate natural saliva using mucin extracted from bovine submaxillary gland. The extraction process was done in keeping with Drans & Leung's (1980) modified technique. Once the bovine submaxillary gland was extracted (approximately 500 g), it is cut and stored in distilled water for 12 hrs at 4 degrees C in order to eliminate any tissue or blood remaining in the section. The tissue is then homogenized and suspended in a phosphate buffer solution with a pH of 7 for 48 hours. The solution is then centrifuged and the supernatant is treated to extract the protein present in the solution. The remaining solution is dialyzed with distilled water, changed three times and then lyophilized. The lyophilized product is diluted in distilled water (1 g/1) taking aliquots to determine the pureness of the proteins. The solution obtained has a viscosity and protein composition which is very similar and offers great advantages for use in patients who suffer from severe xerostomy.