Peroxidase and Catalase in Saliva. ∗,†

Abstract

Summary

1. Peroxidase in normal saliva is predominantly of glandular origin with a smaller amount of activity contributed by the leukocytes. Hemoglobin may be present in trace amounts. Although saliva contains large numbers of streptococci said to contain bacterial peroxidase, the latter could not be demonstrated. 2. Catalase was absent from the glandular secretions in a large series of determinations and its origin in normal saliva is presumed to be bacterial. Leukocytes and erythrocytes probably contribute little if any catalase to normal saliva.