Accumulation of Calcium45 by Salivary Glands

Abstract

Ca45 accumulation and loss was much slower in submaxillary glands of rats than in kidneys. Ca45 was given intravenously and the ratios of specific activities of submaxillary gland to blood were 0.18 at 5 minutes, 1.30 at 4 hours, 2.9 at 8 hours, and 1.2 at 18 hours. These figures indicate a delayed exchange of Ca45 between the gland and blood, the delay being greatest at 8 hours. No significant differences in specific activities between kidney and blood were found at any time from 1 minute to 48 hours. Thus, a marked difference in Ca exchange is apparent in the submaxillary gland. Total Ca in submaxillary glands of rats was 21.6 meq/kg, in kidney 4.0 meq/kg, and in whole blood 3.66 meq/kg.