The effects of milk and kappa-casein on salivary pellicle formed on hydroxyapatite discs in situ.

The effects of milk and kappa-casein rinses on the salivary pellicle formed on hydroxyapatite discs carried in the mouth were studied. SDS-PAGE analyses revealed an increase in the number of proteins deposited onto the discs carried after the water and milk rinses only. Scanning electron microscopy studies revealed the deposition of an amorphous material, small, micelle-like structures, cocci and rods on discs carried in the mouth after the water rinse. Large, micelle-like structures were seen on discs carried in the mouth after the milk and kappa-casein rinses; bacteria were not seen. Glucosyltransferase (Gtf) activity on discs carried in the mouth after the milk and kappa-casein rinses were 45+/-5 and 67+/-2% lower than the activity of Gtf on discs carried in the mouth after a water rinse, respectively. These data suggest that milk and kappa-casein may influence pellicle formation in vivo.