Fluoride inhibits the glucan-binding lectin of Streptococcus sobrinus |
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| Authors: | S. Douglas Cox M.O. Lassiter K.G. Taylor R.J. Doyle |
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| Affiliation: | Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292, USA; Department of Chemistry, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292, USA |
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| Abstract: | Abstract The glucan-binding lectins of Streptococcus cricetus AHT and Streptococcus sobrinus 6715 were reversibly inhibited by sodium fluoride. Fluoride was superior to chloride, bromide, iodide and thiocyanate in preventing glucan-mediated aggregation of the bacteria. Fluoride was also an effective inhibitor of the sucrose-dependent adhesion of S. sobrinus to glass surfaces. The inhibition of glucan-binding lectin activities may be one of the mechanisms of action of fluoride in preventing dental disease. |
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| Keywords: | Streptococcus sobrinus Fluoride Lectin Streptococci Glucan Sucrose |
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