[Source of enzymes of mixed human saliva]

Production of enzymes was studied in parotid, submandibular and mucosal salivary glands as well as in exfoliated epithelial cells, emigrating leukocytes and in dental bacterial plaque. alpha-Amylase and iodide peroxidase were mainly secreted into mixed saliva by parotid and submandibular glands. Alkaline phosphatase was produced mainly by mucosal salivary glands. These glands secreted also about one half of alkaline and acid proteases, acid phosphatase, both ribonucleases, lysozyme, alkaline peroxidase and lactate dehydrogenase. Role of leukocytes and epithelial cells as well as bacterial plaque was relatively negligible in formation of mixed saliva enzymes.