Studies on submaxillary saliva in cystic fibrosis

Abstract

Summary A method has been described for the construction of an appliance to be used in the collection of submaxillary saliva from children with cystic fibrosis and from control children. The data accumulated by reflex stimulation indicate a slightly lower flow rate in children with cystic fibrosis as compared with that of the controls. The sodium, chloride, and potassium concentrations are comparable when analyzed on the basis of flow. Hydrogen ion concentrations were found to be similar in both groups. The children with cystic fibrosis showed a significant elevation in calcium and total nitrogen content. A major difference associated with submaxillary saliva was the presence of a turbid secretion from patients with cystic fibrosis as compared with a clear transparent secretion from control children under conditions of reflex stimulation. It is possible that precipitation of the insoluble material observed in these secretions could, over a period of time, result in the widespread obstruction of the salivary ductules as seen in histologic sections of the glands. Comparable results, as described under reflex stimulation, were obtained under conditions of parasympathomimetic stimulation for all constituents studied. The results suggest that there may be an important relationship existing between the elevated calcium and nitrogen content and the insolubility phenomenon which has been seen in all children with cystic fibrosis under physiologic stimulation.