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umm_shafaqatPart of the vampire transformation will increase the concentration of platelet tissue factor and of antibacterial agents already present in human saliva (such as lactoferrin, lysozyme and peroxidase). Platelet tissue factor helps promote blood clotting.
Other changes would include the production of nerve growth factor (NGF), which is not found in human saliva. Experiments with animals who have NGF in their saliva, such as mice, have found that wounds doused with NGF heal faster.
Another compound found in human saliva of interest is opiorphin – it has a pain-killing effect. However, the molecule degrades quickly in the intestine and doesn’t permeate the blood-brain barrier well, in the form found in human saliva. There’s a modification to the molecule that will stabilize it and preserve the analgesic effects, so if someone does science to the vampires of Keziah's ilk, they’ll also find pyroglutamized opiorphin in vampire saliva.
With this base of actual change to the composition of vampire saliva, and a boost from their semi-mystical nature, that is why licking wounds -- on themselves or others -- can speed up healing.
Other changes would include the production of nerve growth factor (NGF), which is not found in human saliva. Experiments with animals who have NGF in their saliva, such as mice, have found that wounds doused with NGF heal faster.
Another compound found in human saliva of interest is opiorphin – it has a pain-killing effect. However, the molecule degrades quickly in the intestine and doesn’t permeate the blood-brain barrier well, in the form found in human saliva. There’s a modification to the molecule that will stabilize it and preserve the analgesic effects, so if someone does science to the vampires of Keziah's ilk, they’ll also find pyroglutamized opiorphin in vampire saliva.
With this base of actual change to the composition of vampire saliva, and a boost from their semi-mystical nature, that is why licking wounds -- on themselves or others -- can speed up healing.
