Fluoride inhibits the glucan-binding lectin of Streptococcus sobrinus.
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.
Cox
S D
SD
Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Louisville, KY 40292.
Lassiter
M O
MO
Taylor
K G
KG
Doyle
R J
RJ
D001422:Bacterial Adhesion / Q000187:drug effects; D005459:Fluorides / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005936:Glucans / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000378:metabolism*; D037102:Lectins / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000378:metabolism*; D016986:Streptococcus sobrinus / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*
D005936:Glucans; D037102:Lectins; D005459:Fluorides