Degeneration Secretion of Amylase From the Parotid Gland of the Rat

Abstract

In anaesthetized rats the parotid saliva secreted during degeneration of the auriculo-temporal nerve contains amylase in fairly constant concentration, the amylase output varying with the secretory rate. The amount of amylase was not reduced by adrenoceptor blocking agents; it was increased by sympathectomy carried out one week in advance. A sympathetic degeneration secretion of amylase could also be demonstrated while the post-ganglionic sympathetic nerves were degenerating; a simultaneous parasympathetic degeneration secretion provided the salivary flow needed for the transport of the amylase.

PAROTID DEGENERATION SECRETION OF AMYLASE IN VITRO IN THE RAT FOLLOWING SYMPATHECTOMY

“…In slices of rat parotid glands secretion of amylase can be elicited via muscarinic receptors (Mauers, Herman, Busson, Ovtracht & Rossignol, 1974;Butcher, McBride & Rudich, 1976; Leslie et al 1976). Saliva produced by stimulation of the auriculo-temporal nerve contains amylase (Schneyer & Hall, 1966), and so does the flow caused by degenerative section of this nerve (Asking et al 1982). In the present experiments atropine did not affect the secretion of amylase (Fig.…”

“…In the present experiments a degenerative output of amylase has been detected in vitro, from lobules of parotid tissue into the surrounding fluid. A preliminary account of some of these experiments has been given (Asking, Emmelin, Gjorstrup & Parsson, 1981).…”

“…In the present experiments a degenerative output of amylase has been detected in vitro, from lobules of parotid tissue into the surrounding fluid. A preliminary account of some of these experiments has been given (Asking, Emmelin, Gjorstrup & Parsson, 1981). METHODS Observations were made on forty-two male rats of a Sprague-Dawley strain weighing 273-458 g, in most cases 350-400 g. The right superior cervical ganglion was removed aseptically in ether anaesthesia.…”

Electrophysiological evidence of degeneration activity in the parotid gland of the rat

“…In the first case a vivid secretion of saliva is induced (Delfs & Emmelin 1979) and also after sympathetic denervation a period of secretion, though much less marked can be seen (Delfs & Emmelin 1974). It has furthermore been shown that a significant release of amylase occurs after sympathetic denervation (Asking et al 1981).…”