An improved test paper (ITP) for analyzing the minor salivary gland secretory function

Abstract

There are few available methods to evaluate the minor salivary gland secretory function. Murata reported a valid method but requires a long time to make the test paper and must also be newly produced for every examination.
Objectives: The aim of this study is to develop an improved test paper (ITP) to evaluate the minor salivary gland function in order to reduce the drying time and improve the quality and stability of the text results.
Methods: Filter paper was equally soaked with 3% iodine ethanol solution and with 25% starch and ethanol solution. Thereafter, 5, 10, 15 and 20 μL of artificial saliva were dropped onto ITP and all spots changed to a dark brownish hue and then were read by a scanner and finally were converted into gray scale and measured by an image analysis software program. The coefficient correlation color changed areas according to the dropped volume on the ITP were then statistically examined.
Results: This new ITP dried easily, namely within 1 h. Five, 10, 15 and 20 μL of Saliveht^® were dropped on 10 pieces of ITP and all spots changed to a dark brownish hue. All pieces of ITP, both used and unused, were then stored in a dark and dry desiccator for 12 months and then color changes were observed thereafter. The average color changed areas showed significant correlation with the known dropped volumes onto the ITP.
Significance: ITP reduced the drying time, and increased the quality and stability of the findings.