Time course and autonomic regulation of development of secretory function of rat parotid

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Abstract
Na concentration of parotid saliva of the immature rat is characteristically much lower, and [K] much higher, than that of the adult, and [Na] increases and [K] decreases with increasing age of the animals. These characteristics were observed with pilocarpine or auriculotemporal nerve stimulation, and no qualitative differences could be attributed to kind or intensity of stimulation used. [Na], although related to flow rate, at each age tested, was also dependent on the age of the animals. At selected times during postnatal development, the effects of denervation (accomplished at 8 days of age) on [Na], [K], and flow rate were assessed. Section of the auricolotemporal nerve or a combination of this procedure with extirpation of the superior cervical ganglion produced the most marked modifications, especially in [Na] of pilocarpine-evoked saliva. Although flow rate was also increased by these procedures, the concomitant increase in [Na] was not apparently related to the increased flow. Prominent Na reabsorption occurs in the immature condition and that normal development or removal of the parasympathetic nerve leads to decreased Na reabsorptive ability.

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