FLUORIDE INHIBITS THE GLUCAN-BINDING LECTIN OF STREPTOCOCCUS-SOBRINUS

The glucan-binding lectins of Streptococcus cricetus AHT and Streptoco ccus sobrinus 6715 were reversibly inhibited by sodium fluoride. Fluor ide was superior to chloride, bromide, iodide and thiocyanate in preve nting glucan-mediated aggregation of the bacteria. Fluoride was also a n effective inhibitor of the sucrose-dependent adhesion of S. sobrinus to glass surfaces. The inhibition of glucan-binding lectin activities may be one of the mechanisms of action of fluoride in preventing dent al disease.