Sialochemistry of whole, parotid, and labial minor gland saliva in patients with oral lichen planus.

This study was undertaken to determine whether oral lichen planus in otherwise healthy patients is associated with sialochemical abnormalities. Unstimulated and stimulated whole saliva, stimulated parotid saliva, and stimulated labial minor gland saliva were collected from 25 patients with oral lichen planus and from 25 age- and sex-matched controls. Flow rate and salivary concentrations of immunoglobulins A and G, albumin, amylase, lysozyme, lactoferrin, and total protein were determined by standard analytical techniques. Concentrations of inorganic components including sodium, potassium, calcium, chloride, and phosphate were also measured. No significant differences were found between the lichen planus patients and the controls. These findings do not support an association between oral lichen planus and salivary dysfunction in otherwise healthy patients.