Salivary secretion in cat submandibular gland mediated by chorda tympani afferents

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the afferent traffic from the tongue mediated only via the chorda tympani nerve (CTN) can still elicit reflex salivary and vasodilator responses in the cat submandibular gland (SMG) after section of the lingual nerve proper (LNP). Electrical stimulation of the chorda lingual nerve (CLN) at a site approximately 5 mm distal to the intersection of the CLN and the SMG duct elicited salivary and vasodilator responses in the SMG in sympathectomized cats. Both responses were unaffected by section of the LNP. The optimal frequency of CLN stimulation for submandibular salivation and vasodilation was 20 Hz, regardless of whether the LNP had been cut. Prior treatment with the autonomic ganglion blocker hexamethonium (10 mg/kg iv) virtually abolished the salivation and the blood flow increase in SMG. Prior treatment with scopolamine (0.1 mg/kg iv) almost abolished the salivary secretions but had no effect on the vasodilator responses in the SMG elicited by CLN stimulation after LNP section. The mechanism underlying the reflex submandibular salivation mediated by chorda tympani afferents appears to involve parasympathetic muscarinic receptors, but the mechanism for the vasodilator response has yet to be established. These results indicate that afferent traffic passing through the CTN on CLN stimulation is importantly involved in the parasympathetic reflex secretory and vasodilator responses in the cat SMG.