Thin-section transmission electron microscopy of human saliva

Abstract

Thin sections (90–100 nm) of flash-frozen human saliva fractions and whole saliva were examined by transmission electron microscopy. Inside the major filamentous structural components numerous ultrastructural details were observed, especially for whole saliva and submandibular/sublingual fractions. An outer reticulated zone believed to contain the major salivary glycoproteins surrounded an inner core consisting of a continuous, more electron dense phase with multiple vacuoles and granules of different sizes, shapes, and electron densities. The observed structures suggest a complex microarchitectural model for whole saliva.

Key Words:

• Glycoproteins
• mixed saliva
• organic components
• ultrastructure

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Robert E. Baier

Joyce Laing works in the Department of Child and Family Psychiatry, Playfield House, Cupar, Fife, and is a Consultant Art Therapist to Psychiatric Hospitals and Prisons and Chairwoman of the Scottish Society of Art and Psychology.