No abstract

The handling of Ca by the submandibular gland of the ferret during stimulation of salivation with pilocarpine was studied using micropuncture and microanalytical, as well as standard, physiological techniques. Concentrations of ionized Ca were measured in the fluid from the intercalated, lobular, and main ducts of the gland. The net transductal fluxes of this divalent ion were calculated.

The net transductal fluxes of water and monovalent ions were measured in the parotid and submandibular salivary glands of the ferret, Mustela putorius furo, during stimulation of secretion with pilocarpine. The duct systems of these glands were found to be impermeable to water using the split-oil droplet method for stationary microperfusion of lobular and main ducts. The net transductal fluxes of Na+, K+, Cl-, and HCO3- were characterized by analysis of ductal fluid samples obtained simultaneously from the intercalated, lobular, and main ducts of these glands.

The excretion of water and the monovalent ions Naf, K+, Cl-, and HCO-3 in the parotid and submandibular saliva of the ferret was studied during pilocarpine-induced salivation. The excretory profiles of these ions were very similar to those of dog, monkey, and man. It was concluded that this docile small carnivore is a useful animal for studies of salivary gland physiology.