Determination of phenotypes of esterases (Set) in fresh saliva and saliva stains by disc electrophoresis and the distribution of Set phenotypes in the Japanese population

A rapid and simple disc electrophoretic technique for the determination of saliva esterase (Set) types is described. The frequency of Set types was F 16.4%, FS 49.8% and S 33.8%. The estimated gene frequency of Set-1F was 0.413 and of Set-1S was 0.587. An accurate determination of Set types was possible in 5 – 7-week-old saliva stains. This system may be useful in medicolegal applications.