Effect of x-irradiation on Na and K secretion by human parotid gland

Abstract

Experiments were carried out on 12 subjects to study the secretion of Na and K in the parotid saliva over secretory rates ranging from 0.06 to 2.2 ml/min. The possible effect of X-irradiation per se on such secretions was evaluated. Sodium concentration in saliva was linearly related to flow rate, whereas the potassium concentration was negatively correlated to salivary secretory rate. X-irradiation by itself did not influence the secretion of Na apart from its influence on flow rate. In the case of potassium, a significantly greater regression coefficient of potassium secretion per minute and flow rate was noted. This was associated with a significantly higher K/Na ratio in the saliva. Submitted on November 13, 1961