THE MODE OF ACTION OF RESERPINE ON THE SALIVARY SECRETION OF THE SUBMAXILLARY GLAND IN DOG

Abstract

The effects of reserpine on the submaxillary secretion were studied in the dog anesthetized with amobarbital sodium and also in the spinal dog. The results are summarized as follows Though the intravenous injection of 0.1 to 1.0 mg/kg of reserpine did not evoke any salivary secretion of the gland in the anesthetized dog, the same procedure increased the salivary response of the gland to stimulation of the chorda tympani and to administration of pilocarpine preceded with a short-lasting decrease (10 to 20 minutes). The increase lasted for 5 to 6 hours and thereafter it disappeared. The intravenous injection of the same dose of reserpine to the spinal dog produced a profuse spontaneous salivary secretion which appeared 30 minutes after the injection. The peak effect was observed at about 3 hours and thereafter the secretion decreased gradually despite the full sedation of the animal. The intra-internal-carotid injection of 0.1 mg/kg of reserpine in the spinal dog increased spontaneous salivary secretion. The effect appeared about 30 minutes after the injection and the peak effect was observed 3 hours after the injection. But 12 hours after the injection some salivary secretion still was seen. The intra-external-carotid injection of 0.1 mg/kg of reserpine did not affect spontaneous salivary secretion. However, the same procedure increased the salivary response to stimulation of the chorda tympani preceded with a brief decrease. The peak effect of the increase was obtained 2 to 3 hours after the injection and the increase lasted for about 6 hours. The effects of the same procedures of reserpine on the salivary response to pilocarpine were similar but complicated and varied considerably according to the individual preparation.