title: Electrolyte concentrations in saliva of children aged 6-10 years with Down syndrome.
abstract: METHODS
  In this study sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, zinc, and magnesium ion concentration was analyzed in stimulated whole saliva in 22 children with Down syndrome aged 6 to 10 years. These children were compared with 21 healthy children of the same age. Stimulated saliva was collected by chewing a piece of parafilm for 10 minutes. The pH was measured with a portable pH meter after collection. Electrolyte concentrations were determined by inductively coupled argon plasma with atomic emission spectrometry.
  
  
  RESULTS
  No statistically significant differences were observed in phosphorus, zinc, magnesium, and calcium concentration between the children with Down syndrome and the control children. The sodium concentration showed about 66.8% higher value in the Down syndrome than in the control group. On the other hand the flow rate and potassium concentration were lower in the Down syndrome than in the control group.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our results suggest that there is alteration in the metabolism of the duct and/or acinar cells of salivary glands of Down syndrome children.
authors.affiliation: Oral Biology Research Center, Faculty of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, Ave. Prof. Lineu Prestes 2227, 05508-900 São Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: Walter Luiz
authors.initials: WL
authors.lastname: Siqueira
authors.forename: Elisabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: de Oliveira
authors.forename: Zan
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Mustacchi
authors.forename: José
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Nicolau
mesh_terms: D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002648:Child; D004314:Down Syndrome / Q000378:metabolism*; D004573:Electrolytes / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D008297:Male; D012463:Saliva / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D012469:Salivary Glands / Q000378:metabolism; D012636:Secretory Rate; D013054:Spectrophotometry, Atomic
chemical_list: D004573:Electrolytes