Effects of vagosympathetic stimulation on parotid saliva flow in the dog

¹ University of Alabama School of Dentistry, Birmingham, Alabama

Stimulation (15 v., 50/sec.) of the central end of the cut vagosympathetic trunk in the dog causes the expulsion of preformed saliva from the parotid gland. By varying the time, strength and frequency of the stimulus it is possible to alter the rate of secretion. The mechanism responsible for the expulsion of saliva from the gland fatigues under prolonged or repeated stimulation. The latent period of reponse is about 1 second. It is concluded that the sympathetic fibers which run with the vagus nerve in the dog are responsible for the response.