EXOCRINE PROTEIN SECRETION FROM HUMAN-PAROTID GLANDS DURING AGING - STABLE RELEASE OF THE ACIDIC PROLINE-RICH PROTEINS

Exocrine protein secretion from stimulated human parotid glands was examined in 220 adults, 20-88 yr old. A group of paritod proteins, the anionic proline-rich proteins (PRP), was used as a marker for studying protein exocytosis. Data were evaluated as the salivary concentration of PRP (mg%), the percentage of total parotid salivary protein represented by the PRP and as total PRP output (mg/min). No differences were observed in the ability of different-aged males and females to secrete this group of exocrine secretory proteins.