The effect of Skylab on the chemical composition of saliva

J Dent Res. 1977 Oct;56(10):1137-43. doi: 10.1177/00220345770560100101.

Abstract

The levels of specific proteins and electrolytes in stimulated whole saliva were monitored in Skylab crew members before and after each mission. With few exceptions, mission-associated compositional changes in saliva were relatively minimal. There were no changes in(formula see text), Cl-, albumin, or IgG concentrations. There were slight decreases in total protein coinciding with moderate saliva flow rate increases immediately before and after each flight. Other changes included diminutions in Na+ and lysozyme, and elevations in Mg++ and IgA. The IgA increase was the most pronounced mission-associated change observed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Albumins / analysis
  • Ecological Systems, Closed*
  • Electrolytes / analysis
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin A / analysis
  • Immunoglobulin G / analysis
  • Muramidase / analysis
  • Saliva / analysis*
  • Saliva / enzymology
  • Saliva / immunology
  • Saliva / metabolism
  • Salivary Proteins and Peptides / analysis
  • Secretory Rate
  • Space Flight*
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Albumins
  • Electrolytes
  • Immunoglobulin A
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Salivary Proteins and Peptides
  • Muramidase