title: Fluoride inhibits the glucan-binding lectin of Streptococcus sobrinus.
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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Louisville, KY 40292.
authors.forename: S D
authors.initials: SD
authors.lastname: Cox
authors.forename: M O
authors.initials: MO
authors.lastname: Lassiter
authors.forename: K G
authors.initials: KG
authors.lastname: Taylor
authors.forename: R J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Doyle
mesh_terms: 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*
chemical_list: D005936:Glucans; D037102:Lectins; D005459:Fluorides