Biomaterial Database

Effect of calcium on reactions between a salivary agglutinin and a serotype c strain of Streptococcus mutans. 1981

J Rundegren, and T Ericson

Using a serotype c strain of Streptococcus mutans we found that the agglutinating activity could be quantitatively absorbed, and desorbed from the micro-organisms by a phosphate buffer. The desorbed agglutinin was found to be inactive in the absence of calcium. Calcium alone did not induce aggregation. At 0.1 mM calcium most of the activity was regained. Other cations could not substitute for calcium. On a molecular basis the ratio between calcium and agglutinin or bacteria is high, in the order of 10(7) and 10(4) respectively.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D002118	Calcium	A basic element found in nearly all tissues. It is a member of the alkaline earth family of metals with the atomic symbol Ca, atomic number 20, and atomic weight 40. Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body and combines with phosphorus to form calcium phosphate in the bones and teeth. It is essential for the normal functioning of nerves and muscles and plays a role in blood coagulation (as factor IV) and in many enzymatic processes.	Coagulation Factor IV,Factor IV,Blood Coagulation Factor IV,Calcium-40,Calcium 40,Factor IV, Coagulation
D006801	Humans	Members of the species Homo sapiens.	Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000042	Absorption	The physical or physiological processes by which substances, tissue, cells, etc. take up or take in other substances or energy.
D000371	Agglutination	The clumping together of suspended material resulting from the action of AGGLUTININS.
D000373	Agglutinins	A substance that makes particles (such as bacteria or cells) stick together to form a clump or a mass.	Agglutinin
D012463	Saliva	The clear, viscous fluid secreted by the SALIVARY GLANDS and mucous glands of the mouth. It contains MUCINS, water, organic salts, and ptylin.	Salivas
D013295	Streptococcus mutans	A polysaccharide-producing species of STREPTOCOCCUS isolated from human dental plaque.