Alpha-D-mannosidase activity in human saliva and rate of production of enzymes by parotid and submandibular glands.

The aim of the investigation was to study alpha-D-mannosidase activity in samples of whole, parotid and submandibular saliva and the rate of production of alpha-D-mannosidases by parotid and submandibular glands. alpha-D-mannosidase activity was determined spectrophotometrically and spectrofluorimetrically. alpha-D-mannosidase activity was found at three different pH optima in whole saliva, around pH 4.8, 6.1 and 6.9. In parotid and submandibular saliva there were two different pH optima, around pH 4.8 and 6.1. The rate of production of alpha-D-mannosidase by parotid glands varied between 0.48 and 13.66 U/min and by submandibular glands between 0.25 and 2.52 U/min. The present study shows that two of the three alpha-D-mannosidases found in whole human saliva are produced by parotid and submandibular glands.