Identification of pro- and mature brain-derived neurotrophic factor in human saliva.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Growth factors, including brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), are polypeptides that are involved in the maintenance, survival, and death of central and peripheral cells. Numerous growth factors have been identified in saliva and are thought to promote wound healing and maintenance of the oral epithelium. The aim of this study was to determine if BDNF is also found in human saliva.

Methods

Whole, unstimulated saliva samples (n = 30) were analyzed by SDS-PAGE and Western blot using an anti-human BDNF antibody. Proteolytic cleavage products were similarly assessed following the incubation of pooled saliva with N-glycanase F and plasmin. Subjects were also genotyped for the BDNF Val66Met single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP).

Results

These experiments revea

SUBMITTER: Mandel AL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2716651 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature