Autonomic Pathways Involved in a Sympathetic-Like Action of Pilocarpine on Salivary Composition.

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Abstract
Summary When stimulation of the rat parotid gland was effected by pilocarpine administration immediately following removal of one superior cervical ganglion, the amylase levels in the secretion obtained from the denervated gland were approximately 1/10 the levels obtained from the normally innervated gland, and were very similar to levels obtained as the result of stimulation of the auriculo-temporal nerve, or following administration of the β-adrenergic blocking agent Inderal prior to pilocarpine stimulation. On the other hand, amylase levels of pilocarpine-evoked saliva were not modified either by severing of the preganglionic fibers to the superior cervical ganglion or by removal of both adrenal glands. It is concluded that the sympathetic-like character of pilocarpine-evoked saliva results from an indirect stimulation of adrenergic receptors in the gland that is mediated through the superior cervical ganglion and the sympathetic postganglionic fibers.

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