[Determination of S-IgA and free secretory component in saliva]

Saliva of 95 patients of different ages was investigated for S-IgA and free secretory component (SC). The two-directional rocket method was used as assay for separating S-IgA and free SC in the presence of heparin-Ca-EDTA. The method employs electrophoresis in an antibody containing agarose/agar gel.--The value of S-IgA in children about 4 years old was 40,0 mg/l and the relation of free SC to S-IgA was 1 to 5. The S-IgA level in patients over 50 years old was 55,2 mg/l, in no case free SC was detectable.