Evidence suggesting the existence of a hypothalamic-parotid gland endocrine axis.

Abstract

Evidence for the existence of a hypothalamic-parotid endocrine axis was demonstrated with a fluorescent dye technique. The intraperitoneal injection of the dye, acriflavine hydrochloride, provided a simple method to study the movement of fluid through the odontoblastic tubules in the dentine of rat molars. Hypothalamic extract (HE) injected iv into intact rats stimulated the movement of fluid through the odontoblastic tubules in the dentine. Extracts of other tissues and antidiuretic hormone failed to duplicate the effect observed with HE. Fluid movement was not obtained in sialoadenectomized rats. Fluid movement was obtained only when the HE was administered to rats with intact parotid glands or when parotid tissue extract was given iv to parotidectomized rats. These results suggest that the hormonal stimulation of fluid movement through the odontoblastic tubules is directly dependent upon the parotid. Fluid movement was obtained in hypophysectomized rats, which indicated that the hypothalamic factor act...