LEAKAGE OF TRANSMITTERS IN SALIVARY GLANDS

Abstract

Salivary secretion evoked by sympathetic stimulation or by injection of guanethidine, adrenaline or synephrine is slightly reduced by parasympathetic antagonists in doses which abolish the secretory responses to stimulation of the parasympathetic nerve. Similarly, an adrenaline antagonist caused a small diminution of the salivary flow elicited by parasympathetic stimulation or by injection of methacholine chloride. Secretion caused by pilocarpine could be accelerated by physostigmine. We conclude that transmitter leaks in subliminal concentrations, as far as secretion is concerned, from the sympathetic and parasympathetic postganglionic nerve endings.