Protein Inhibition Precipitation of Calcium Phosphate in Human Saliva

인간 타액내 항 린산칼슘 침전 단백질

The Purpose of this article is to describe the biochemical properties and biological functions of several salivary proteins that possess the unusual properties of inhibiting spontaneous and secondary precipitation of calcium phosphate. This function is very important since human salivary secretion is supersaturated with respect to calcium phosphate. Biological function of statherin, proline rich protein (PRP) and histidine rich protein (HRP) is to inhibit precipitation of calcium phosphate in salivary glands, in the oral fluids, and onto tooth surfaces. The resulting supersaturated state of the salivary secretions contributes a protective and reparative environment which is important for the integrity of the tooth. Beneficial consequences of salivary supersaturation with respect to calcium phosphate are selectively expressed in the oral cavity- that is, protection is provided for the dental enamel-while undesirable consequences, for example, precipitation of calcium phosphates in the salivary glands and onto the teeth do not occur. Purification and structural characteristics of these proteins as well as clinical significance of functions of each protein will be discussed.