Quantitative determination of immunological components of salivary gland secretion in transplant recipients

Cancer therapies often induce oral complications. We studied longitudinally the major salivary immunoglobulin content in 42 transplant recipients using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. A dramatic decrease in both sIgA and IgG is noticed post-transplant compared to pretransplant values. Only a small recovery of these immunoglobulin concentrations is seen after approximately 4 months. The reduction of sIgA and IgG in saliva could contribute to the frequent oral complications seen in these patients after transplantation and increase the risk of developing dental caries.