Effects of denervation on development of function and structure of immature rat parotid

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Abstract
Assessment of the role of the autonomic nervous sytem on development of the immature (incompletely differentiated) parotid gland of rat was made using the method of selective surgical interruption of the innervation. In the 8-day old rat, the auriculotemporal nerve was severed (Px), the superior ganglion removed (Sx), or a combination of these procedures was employed (PxSx); after 2 weeks it was found that differentiation is not suppressed by removal of either autonomic branch. Maintenance of structure and function of the gland, however, in the immature rat does depend on an intact parasympathetic innervation. The secretion of water and Na from parotid gland was greatly increased 2 wks after parasympathectomy and K secretion was decreased; with sympathectomy, no change in Na or water and only slight changes in K were observed. Concentrations of amylase were increased in the PxSx and Sx glands in comparison with the contralateral controls and reduced with parasympathectomy. Secretion of amylase from Px and PxSx glands was reduced but was not changed from Sx glands. Maturation of processes for secretion of Na and K may be regulated by the parasympathetic innervation.

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