Histological findings and amylase content of the parotid gland of rats with recovery from acute pancreatitis

Study of salivary response to continuous infusion of cerulein and secretin in healthy subjects

OBJECTIVE

The effects of intravenous infusion of cerulein and secretin on the secretion and biochemical composition of whole saliva in humans were studied.

STUDY DESIGN

A total of 33 subjects were divided into 3 groups, which underwent intravenous infusion with saline solution (NaCl 0.15 mol/L(-1)); saline solution, cerulein (1.25 x 10(-3) microg kg(-1) min(-1)), and cerulein supplemented with secretin (2.5 x 10(-2) clinical units kg(-1) min(-1)); and saline solution, secretin (2.5 x 10(-2) clinical units kg(-1) min(-1)), and secretin supplemented with cerulein (1.25 x 10(-3) microg kg(-1) min(-1)).

RESULTS

Cerulein reduced salivary flow rate, bicarbonate concentration and output, and protein output and increased amylase activity. The inhibitory effect of cerulein on salivary flow rate and bicarbonate concentration and output prevailed when an infusion of cerulein was supplemented with secretin. Cerulein and secretin acting together increased protein concentration. Secretin alone decreased salivary flow rate and bicarbonate concentration, whereas secretin supplemented with cerulein not only decreased salivary flow rate, bicarbonate concentration, and bicarbonate output but also increased protein concentration.

CONCLUSION

The effect of secretin and cerulein on salivary secretion and its composition is quite different from that observed in the pancreas.

Acinar cell hydropic degeneration induced by intraductal instillation of solutions into the parotid glands of the rats

Saline or BSA were instilled 2, 5, 8 or 11 times at daily intervals into the parotid glands of rats, via Stensen's duct. Hydropic change of the acinar cells developed after 8 and 11 instillations. Histologically, the lesion was characterized by enlargement of the acinar cells, the cytoplasm of which contained vacuoles displacing the nuclei. In view of the negative results of various histochemical reactions the vacuolization was interpreted as hydropic in nature.