[The stimulation of nitric oxide synthesis as a possible protective function of the saliva and its disorders in periodontal diseases].

Effects of mixed non-stimulated saliva on NO synthesis in polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) have been studied. Saliva from healthy volunteers in concentration-dependent manner potentiates the NO formation. In patients with gingivitis and periodontitis this effect of saliva was altered and in some patients saliva did not stimulate NO synthesis or began to suppress it. By means of cluster-analysis, a classification of these effects of saliva in periodontal diseases has been elaborated. It was shown that in gingivitis and especially periodontitis a number of patients with depressed or inverted effects of saliva on NO synthesis significantly increased.