Parotid Gland Secretion Rate as Method for Measuring Response to Gustatory Stimuli in Humans.

Abstract

Parotid gland secretion rate was used for measuring human response to gustatory stimuli. Flow rate has a linear relationship to logarithm of frequency of stimulation (swabs/min). Increasing concentration of gustatory stimuli resulted in increased rates of secretion. The response was linear throughout for sucrose and quinine, but with citric acid and sodium chloride it was linear only with lower concentrations. Mathematical expression of relationship between glandular secretion rate and frequency of stimulation permitted calculation of maximal response and reflex equilibrium constants for the various stimuli used. Results indicated that at least 3 different gustato-salivary reflex pathways were involved.