The ethiology and pathogenesis of caries are multifactorial in which the local immune defence of the oral cavity plays a pivotal role. In this context the participation of cytokines may be important in the regulation of local immune reactions. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relation between cytokines in saliva and caries. Unstimulated saliva was obtained from 58 children (33 female, 25 male) aged 8-10 years in the frame of a dental examination. The caries incidence was 44,8 % (26 children). The cytokines determined were interleukin-8 (IL-8), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha). In addition the soluble tumour necrosis factor receptor II (sTNF RIl) and the complement component C3a were measured. The concentrations of all saliva parameters were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). The concentrations of examined saliva parameters showed great interindividual variability, however mean values of children with caries showed higher values being significantly for IL-8. Correlations between the cytokines were significantly positive for children with or without caries. Oral hygiene and kind of filling material (plastic fillings) showed significant negative correlations with sTNF RII and TNF alpha, respectively. For IL-8 a significant positive correlation was found in relation to caries. The increased concentrations of factors of the local immune defence in saliva of children with caries indicate an enhanced local immune activity within the oral cavity. According to the positive association between the chemoattractant IL-8 and caries it is assumed that IL-8 plays a role in the development and progression of caries. Schlagwörter: saliva, cytokines, caries, Speichel, Zytokine, Karies