What does rat saliva contain? - briefly
Rat saliva contains enzymes (e.g., amylase, proteases), antimicrobial peptides such as defensins, a range of proteins, hormones, electrolytes (Na⁺, K⁺, Cl⁻) and trace minerals. These substances support digestion, oral hygiene and resistance to pathogens.
What does rat saliva contain? - in detail
Rat saliva is a complex fluid whose primary constituent is water, accounting for roughly 95 % of its volume. The remaining fraction comprises a mixture of inorganic ions, organic molecules, and bioactive proteins that support digestion, immunity, and social communication.
Inorganic components
- Sodium (Na⁺) and potassium (K⁺) – maintain osmotic balance and nerve function.
- Chloride (Cl⁻) and bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻) – buffer pH.
- Calcium (Ca²⁺) and magnesium (Mg²⁺) – co‑factor for enzymatic activity.
Organic constituents
- Carbohydrates: small amounts of glucose and maltose, products of oral starch breakdown.
- Lipids: trace phospholipids and fatty acids derived from diet and glandular secretions.
Proteins and enzymes
- Amylase – initiates starch hydrolysis.
- Lysozyme – bacteriolytic activity targeting Gram‑positive cell walls.
- Kallikrein‑related peptidases – modulate blood pressure and inflammation.
- Proteases (e.g., trypsin‑like enzymes) – degrade protein substrates.
- Mucins – high‑molecular‑weight glycoproteins that increase viscosity, protect mucosal surfaces, and facilitate grooming.
- Immunoglobulin A (IgA) – provides mucosal immunity by neutralizing pathogens.
- Antimicrobial peptides (e.g., defensins) – broad‑spectrum microbicidal agents.
- Growth factors (e.g., epidermal growth factor) – promote epithelial repair.
Chemical signals
- Volatile organic compounds and pheromonal proteins – convey territorial and reproductive information during grooming and marking behaviors.
- Small metabolites (e.g., uric acid) – contribute to scent profile.
Microbial content
- Commensal bacteria, predominantly Lactobacillus and Streptococcus species, inhabit the oral cavity and are present in saliva; they participate in maintaining a balanced oral microbiome.
The quantitative profile varies with age, diet, health status, and environmental conditions, but the described constituents consistently define the functional properties of rat saliva.