Salivary Output Research Articles

Mouse salivary glands secrete a glucagon-degrading enzyme, not glucagon.

Salivary glands have been reported to synthetize glucagon in various animal species. We therefore studied the glucagon-like immunoreactivity (GLI) in mouse saliva. Stimulation with phenylephrine evoked a 15-fold increase of salivary GLI output. On Sephadex G-50 gel filtration, the salivary GLI was significantly larger than glicentin, the hitherto largest known glucagon-related peptide; furthermore, the immunoreactivity was not absorbable on glucagon immunoadsorbent. 125I-Labeled glucagon incubated with high GLI containing saliva, and subjected to gel filtration and immunoadsorption was degraded to low molecular weight, nonimmunoreactive moieties. Among EDTA, phenylmethylsulfonylfluoride, Pepstatin-A, and N-ethylmaleimide, only N-ethylmaleimide inhibited the degradation. Renin, also found in mouse saliva, degraded the tracer but did not cochromatograph with salivary GLI. In conclusion, GLI of mouse saliva is not a peptide containing a glucagon-immunoreactive sequence but represents tracer-degrading activity, probably composed of sulfhydryl enzymes.

Effects of methantheline bromide and clonidine hydrochloride on salivary secretion

T he maintenance of an operative field free of moisture contamination is important in many dental procedures. Impression materials such as the silicones and polysulfides possess hydrophobic properties. Cements, amalgam, and composite resins exhibit weakened or altered physical properties when contaminated with moisture. Finally, equilibration procedures that require the use of inked ribbon are virtually impossible to perform without adequate saliva control. Many devices have been used to control saliva during dental treatment: cotton rolls, absorbent papers and other moisture absorbing materials, saliva ejectors, and high volume evacuators. Various drugs have also been successfully used but are often prohibited by potential side effects. Methantheline bromide was originally intended for use in the treatment of peptic ulcers.‘,’ It has long been considered an effective antisialagogue;3,4 however, potential side effects in both the healthy and compromised patient have prevented its widespread and routine use.2,3 An antihypertensive, clonidine hydrochloride, has shown merit recently in reducing saliva output with minimal side effects and fewer contraindications than methantheline bromide.5-9 The purposes of this study were 1) to compare in a double-blind fashion the inhibition of stimulated salivary output produced with clonidine hydrochloride, methantheline bromide, and a placebo in healthy volunteers and 2) to discern the effects of a standard meal on the action of clonidine hydrochloride.

Exocrine and endocrine secretion of renin and epidermal growth factor from the mouse submandibular glands

Renin and epidermal growth factor (EGF) are synthesized in large amounts by the male mouse submandibular glands. We report the peptides to be secreted mainly in an exocrine manner. The highest values in saliva are obtained upon stimulation with the α-adrenergic agonist phenylephrine. The median value for renin is 54 700 nmol/l and the median value for EGF is 211 800 nmol/l. Aggressive behaviour and β-adrenergic stimulation also increase salivary output of both peptides, while vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) plus pilocarpine selectively stimulate the secretion of renin. The pattern of increase in plasma is comparable to that in saliva though the substance concentration is lower by a factor of 2 to 70 for renin and a factor of 280 to 12 000 for EGF.

Changes in the parotid salivary gland of β-thalassemia patients due to hemosiderin deposits

2 patients afflicted with β-thalassemia major presented with pain and swelling of the parotid salivary gland. In 1 patient, the symptoms were of long standing and particularly severe, with diminished and highly viscous salivation. In the other patient, the parotid glands had only recently become painful, while salivary output and quality remained normal. The parotid anatomy in both patients, as demonstrated by sialography, and the clearance of opaque material were normal. Tc 99 scintigraphy revealed reduced uptake and rapid clearance of the isotope from the parotid serous glands into the oral cavity, in contrast to the increased uptake by the sublingual mucous glands. Iron deposits were demonstrated in the parotid secretory serous cells. It is postulated that the impaired function of the parotid is linked to iron deposits in the serous cells of this gland, as a sequella of β-thalassemia.

Influence of external and covert food stimuli on insulin secretion in obese and normal persons.

Exposure to food produces an increase in insulin secretion that is more pronounced in obese than in normal persons. We sought to replicate this finding as well as to determine whether insulin secretion could be influenced by thoughts about food and eating. Normal and obese subjects were presented in counterbalanced order with an external food stimulus or instructions to think about food and eating. Levels of insulin, salivary output, and hunger ratings were obtained prior to and immediately following stimulus presentation. All subjects displayed higher insulin levels following stimulus presentation, with the values for the obese higher than for normals. Although the insulin secretion of the obese was greater in response to the covert as opposed to the external stimulus, the difference was not significant. Salivary output following stimulus presentation was higher for the obese than normals, with hunger ratings increasing in both groups. These data support an expanded role of insulin as an appetite-inducing mechanism.

Fluid transport across the ducts of the salivary glands of a mosquito

We compared the volumes of fluid expelled from the salivary stylets of mosquitoes having ducts transected at different levels. An oil-filled apparatus was devised to measure salivary output. About 1 10 of normal salivary volume was produced by mosquitoes when ducts were transected and externalized just anterior to the salivary glands. Such mosquitoes ejected more saliva than could be contained within the walls of the ducts. Transection posterior to the pump prevented salivation entirely. Skin reactive antigen was not detected (as a wheal) when mosquitoes with transected ducts fed on man. We conclude that fluid is transported across the walls of the ducts that drain the salivary glands of a mosquito.

The function of the parotid gland following radiation therapy for head and neck cancer

The parotid gland was selected for study of its salivary output before and after radiation therapy for head and neck cancer. Before radiation therapy, a sialogram of the parotid gland was performed with the patient's head positioned for radiation therapy; a lateral radiographic view of the parotid gland was used to compare with the radiation treatment portal to determine the portion of the parotid gland to he irradiated. Samples of stimulated saliva were collected from the parotid gland before and at 1 and 6 months post-radiation. Eighteen patients with head and neck cancer who received radiation therapy were studied. The data showed that in the irradiation of nasopharyageal, advanced oropbaryngeal and Waldeyer's ring lesions, 100% of the parotid gland was irradiated; for the early oropharyageal and hypopbaryugeal lesions, from 30 to 90% of the parotid gland was irradiated and for the supragiottic and oral cavity lesions, 25–30% of the parotid gland was irradiated. When 100% of the parotid gland was irradiated, no saliva was produced at 1 month post-radiation; this remained the same when re-tested at 4–8 months, however, when any portion of the parotid gland was not irradiated, there was residual salivary function.

Serum Amylase Isoenzymes in Cystic Fibrosis Patients. Evidence for a Generalized Defect in Exocrine Gland Secretory Regulation

Summary: Altered exocrine gland function is characteristic of cystic fibrosis (CF). This study was undertaken to determine the relationship between pancreatic and salivary exocrine dysfunction in CF. We have measured serum pancreatic (P) and salivary-like (S) isoenzyme concentrations in CF patients, their obligate heterozygote parents and normal controls (N) using a quantitative gel-electrophoretic method. Our results show that serum levels of these isoenzymes correlate with the respective pancreatic and salivary gland amylase output and, therefore, can be used as measures of pancreatic and salivary exocrine function. Thus, P isoenzyme levels are low in CF patients with pancreatic insufficiency (mean ± S.D.: 1.3 + 0.6 starch units per liter versus 5.8 ± 1.7 for the N group, P < 0.001). In contrast, P isoenzyme levels are elevated in CF patients with adequate pancreatic function (12.0 ± 5.3; P < 0.002 versus N). Whereas P isoenzyme levels differentiate CF patients with pancreatic insufficiency from those with adequate pancreatic function, S isoenzyme levels are equally elevated irrespective of pancreatic function (12.5 ± 5.3 and 12.5 ± 5.2 versus 8.1 ± 2.7 for the N group, P < 0.001 and < 0.01, respectively). Thus, increased salivary amylase levels in CF patients are not due to a compensatory mechanism for reduced pancreatic amylase output, but rather are intrinsic to CF. In those patients with adequate pancreatic function, the increased S isoenzyme levels correlate with increased P levels (r = 0.72), indicating defective control of both pancreatic and salivary exocrine secretion in CF. In obligate heterozygote samples, P isoenzyme levels are increased (7.6 ± 2.5; P < 0.05 versus N) whereas S isoenzyme levels are normal (8.2 ± 5.6), indicating that this defect is partially expressed in the carrier state. We conclude that elevated saliva amylase and altered serum amylase isoenzyme levels in the CF patient and carrier state are due to a generalized defect in exocrine gland secretory regulation in CF. Speculation: We speculate that the altered exocrine secretion in cystic fibrosis patients and their parents is due to the presence of an extra, cystic-fibrosis-associated, stimulatory agent and that the exocrine pancreas is more sensitive to this agent than are the salivary glands.

What does the lemon test measure?

Salivary output to lemon juice was measured on 24 subjects in the morning and afternoon with and without the presentation of noise. It was found that time of day and noise affected salivation output and that these factors interacted such that more saliva was produced by noise in the morning than in the afternoon. Possible reasons for the interaction are discussed.

Total salivary calcium and amylase output of rat parotid with electrical stimulation of autonomic innervation.

SummaryCalcium levels of rat parotid saliva evoked by stimulation of the auriculotemporal nerve are high (11 mEq/1) and in fact, higher than those evoked by stimulation of the sympathetic innervation. Total calcium output in the cholinergically-evoked saliva is also very high but the depletion of gland levels is insignificant 20 or even 60 min after the initiation of stimulation. With sympathetic stimulation, there is a closer correlation between gland depletion and total output of calcium in the saliva. These findings suggest that the uptake mechanism for calcium with cholinergic stimulation is more rapid than that found with adrenergic stimulation. The high levels of calcium in the cholinergically evoked saliva are also not due to acetylcho-line-induced release of catecholamines since calcium levels of cholinergically-evoked saliva are the same whether or not adrenergic blocking agents are present. The total output of amylase in the saliva when sympathetic stimulation is employed is about five times gre...

Is the lemon test an index of arousal level?

On the basis of numerous studies, it was predicted that salivary output to lemon juice would increase in a noisy relative to a quiet environment. Following the accepted procedure (Corcoran, 1964) salivary output to lemon juice was measured under quiet conditions; then experimental subjects selected a level of noise 'just too loud for comfort' and the salivary index was reassessed. Controls were treated identically except that both measures were conducted in the quiet. It was found that salivation increased in noise, and the weight of saliva produced correlated with the level of noise chosen.

Gastric secretory response of the anesthetized dog after direct chemical stimulation of the supraoptic region

The effect of pilocarpine hydrochloride and methacholine chloride on the basal gastric secretory response was examined in six chloralose-urethane-anesthetized dogs with gastric fistulas and stereotaxically positioned hypothalamic cannulae. Salivary output was also measured in all dogs. Both compounds produced significant increases in gastric secretory volume, titratble acid, and chloride and pepsin output when they were instilled into the region of the supraoptic nucleus of five of the animals. Concomitant increases in salivation were observed in four and lacrimation in two dogs. Neither compound produced gastric secretory changes after bilateral vagotomy but continued to elicit ptyalism and lacrimation. The results suggest that cells located in the supraoptic region send projection fibers directly or indirectly to the dorsal motor nuclei of the vagi. It is also possible that the gastric responses were mediated via the nuclei of the solitary tract. Such an indirect pathway could account for the salivatory and lacrimal responses. The relatively prompt onset of activity suggests that the gastric responses were probably entirely neural in nature and not mediated via a hormonal mechanism. The results also suggest that acetylcholine is involved in the neurotransmission process in the region of the supraoptic nucleus and that cells located there may play a role in regulating gastric secretion and salivation.

Effect of carbenoxolone on electrolyte output of salivary glands during nasogastric intubation.

The effect of carbenoxolone on the output of salivary electrolytes stimulated by a nasogastric tube was studied in healthy volunteers. Mean +/- SE values for volume and electrolyte concentrations in control studies were volume 121 +/- 19 ml/hr, pH7.39, Na+19 +/-5, K+20 +/- U, Cl-20 +/- 3, HCO3-18 MEq/liter and osmolality 71 +/- 8 mOsm/kg. Mean +/- electrolyte outputs were quite large, Na+ 2.4, k+2.4, Cl-26, and bicarbonate 2.2 mEq/hr. Our control data indicate that in the course of gastric secretory testing the indwelling gastric tube stimulates salivary electrolyte output sufficient to interfere with accurate assessment of gastric ionic fluxes and gastric acid analysis. Therapeutic doses of carbenoxolone (100 mg three times daily) given orally for 3 weeks had no effect on salivary volume, electrolyte output, or concentration. We conclude that carbenoxolone has no minerallocorticoid effect on mixed salivary secretion. Attention to salivary secretion is recommended in all gastric secretory studies and is mandatory where low acid output is suspected.

Human calcitonin stimulates salivary amylase output in man.

Salivary amylase output in man increases after injection of synthetic human calcitonin. This effect is dose dependent.

Further Studies of Parotid Saliva Test as a Diagnostic Means for Pancreatic Disorders

The parotid saliva test was made on 89 subjects in total, consisting of 54 patients with non-pancreatic disorders, 27 with pancreatic disorders, and 8 remote postoperative cases of pancreatolithiasis, and the following results were obtained: 1) The salivary output as well as the maximum bicarbonate concentration and amylase content in the parotid saliva of patients with pancreatic disorders were significantly less than those of patients with non-pancreatic disorders. 2) Three of the 8 remote postoperative cases of pancreatolithiasis and a case with cancer of the head of the pancreas showed abnormally high salivary output and amylase con-tent. 3) The positive saliva test was found in 85% of patients with pancreatic disorders. 4) Histological changes of the parotid glands were atrophic and degenerative in patients with hypofunction on the saliva test, and hypertrophic in patients with hyperfunction on the saliva test.

Influence of a gastric tube on salivary and pharyngeal mucous secretions in man.

The contamination of gastric juice by salivary and pharyngeal mucous secretions is influenced by two factors: the control of swallowing and the quantitative variation in salivary secretions induced by the indwelling gastric tube. In order to study the latter factor, comparisons of salivary output were drawn under three conditions: (1) resting, (2) chewing parafilm, (3) presence of a gastric tube introduced orally. In one group of healthy volunteers, the mixed saliva was collected and measured in a 1-hour sample following the three experimental conditions. The fucose, galactose, hexosamines, sialic acids, uronic acids and sulfate concentrations were estimated in salivary dry solids. A nearly 4-fold increase in volume and dry solids was noticed in the ‘parafilm’ and ‘tube’ samples. In the ‘tube’ sample, carbohydrate constituents were twice as high as in the ‘parafilm’ sample and 5–6 times higher as in the ‘resting’ sample. In a second group of volunteers, the same design was carried out, but the collection was fractionated in six; 10-min samples and determinations were limited to fucose and sulfates. Their output was constant under resting conditions and when chewing parafilm. In the presence of a gastric tube, highest values were obtained in the first two samples which were followed by a sharp decrease. In a third group of volunteers a separate collection of salivary and pharyngeal secretions was attempted. The concentration of carbohydrates per ml secretion was 3–5 times higher in the pharyngeal samples, the highest difference being shown by sulfate and uronic acids. It is concluded that on the course of a gastric secretory test, the indwelling gastric tube induces a considerable increase in the acidic mucosubstances of the pharyngeal and salivary secretion. Thus, usual methods (spitting, aspiration, dental pledgets) used to avoid the swallowing of salivary secretions will not eliminate the major source of contamination of gastric juice.

The importance of sialography for the determination of the parotid flow. The normal variation in salivary output in relation to the size of the gland at stimulation with citric acid.

The relation between the size of the parotid gland and the output of saliva has been studied in 92 healthy individuals of both sexes and of various ages. The size of the gland has been determined on sialograms and the relation between the gland-size and the secretion stimulated with different citric-acid solutions has been studied with regression analysis. A formula for the predicted secretion with varying sizes of the parotid gland has been set up and the relation has been graphically illustrated. The study has shown that the secretory rate of the parotid gland should be related to the size of the gland when there is a matter of assessing the function of the parotid glands and that a sialographic investigation of the parotid may be taken as a basis for a prediction of the normal secretion range of a gland. The clinical value of the sialometric method as a diagnostic aid in the investigation of diseases of the salivary gland has in this way been considerably increased.

Autonomic balance changes during the human menstrual cycle.

ABSTRACTFive female students were each tested 5 days a week throughout one menstrual cycle with a 3 day overlap into the next cycle. The autonomic variables reported are: sub‐lingual temperature, heart period, diastolic blood pressure, palmar and volar conductance, salivary output, and log conductance change. These measures were taken in order to estimate autonomic factor scores (Ā).Significant menstrual phase differences in Ā scores and sub‐lingual temperature were demonstrated. The Ā score estimates an autonomic factor for an individual at a particular time; low scores represent relative sympathetic nervous system (SNS) dominance. During menses, the follicular, and the ovulatory phases, Ā scores were higher; during the luteal phase the Ā scores were lowest.It was concluded that high estrogen levels are accompanied by decreased SNS function.

Effect of gastrointestinal hormones on salivation in the dog.

The effect of synthetic human gastrin, pentagastrin, caerulein, pancreozymincholecystokinin (PZ-CCK), and secretin on salivary secretion was tested in dogs with salivary and denervated gastric fistulas. No changes were observed in salivary output. No effect on salivary volume or protein output was found using dosages of the agents which significantly altered gastric-acid output. We conclude that gastrin, PZ-CCK, and secretin are not involved in the physiological control of salivation.

A Comparison of Autonomic Nervous System Activity between Physically Trained and Untrained Individuals

Abstract The study is concerned with the comparison of autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity between highly trained collegiate track and field athletes and untrained individuals. An ANS test battery consisting of six individual measures of autonomic activity was used: (a) sublingual temperature, (b) salivary output, (c) volar skin resistance, (d) palmar skin resistance, (e) diastolic blood pressure, and (f) heart period. One group of athletes, track runners, were found to have a mean autonomic balance score significantly higher (at the .02 level) than the norm group of college students. The autonomic scores of field event athletes, however, were not significantly different from the norm. An analysis of the type of ANS activity demonstrated by the runners showed a dominance by the parasympathetic as compared to a mixed pattern demonstrated by the normative sample. It was concluded that highly trained track runners demonstrated a significantly higher autonomic balance score than did normal college student...