Diminution of parotid IgA secretion in an elderly black population taking antihypertension medications

A study was conducted with two randomly selected groups of black patients. Group A, the control group, consisted of 15 elderly healthy normotensive patients, whereas group B consisted of 19 patients with hypertension who were taking antihypertension medications. Parotid salivary samples were collected from each patient with the Lashley cup and were analyzed for IgA, total protein, and electrolytes. The results showed a diminution of sodium ( p < 0.01), salivary flow ( p < 0.23), and IgA secretion ( p < 0.022) in the medicated group. The medicated group showed an increase in the incidence of root decay, which was significant at the p < 0.035 level.