The composition of human saliva secreted in response to a gustatory stimulus and to pilocarpine

Abstract

1. The composition of human saliva secreted in response to sour lemon drops (S.L.D.), and pilocarpine, was studied.2. At a given flow rate, pilocarpine-stimulated submandibular and parotid saliva contained less sodium and potassium and an equivalent amount of inorganic phosphate, and parotid saliva also contained more calcium and protein than did the corresponding types of S.L.D.-stimulated saliva.3. Prolonged S.L.D. stimulation did not cause a depletion in the protein concentration of either parotid or submandibular saliva and neither this procedure nor pilocarpine stimulation altered the proportions of the different proteins secreted.4. Pilocarpine was judged to be an inadequate substitute for more physiological, gustatory stimuli.