Mono‐ and Divalent Electrolyte Patterns, pCO₂ and pH in Relation to Flow Rate in Normal Human Parotid Saliva*

Abstract

Abstract In parotid saliva of normal subjects the pH, pCO 2 and concentrations of sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, bicarbonate and inorganic phosphate were determined continuously after stimulation of salivary secretion by pilocarpine. The electrolyte concentrations showed a marked dependence on salivary flow rate. Sodium, calcium and bicarbonate concentrations and pH increased with increasing flow rate but the concentrations of potassium, magnesium and inorganic phosphate decreased with increasing flow rate. In general salivary electrolyte concentrations showed a tendency to approach plasma concentrations with increasing flow rate with the exception of the salivary magnesium concentration, which fell below its plasma level and bicarbonate which exceeded the plasma concentration. The results will be considered as a basis of further investigations on electrolyte excretion patterns in patients with hormonal and metabolic disturbances.