Electrical conductivity and electrolyte distribution in a secreting salivary gland

¹ Kerckhoff Laboratories of the Biological Sciences, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California

During the first 4–7 min of pilocarpine-induced secretion the submaxillary gland lost a large part of its electrical conductivity (a mean loss of 40% in 8 experiments). In preparations of control and experimental glands treated with a histochemical method for chloride a marked loss of fluid and electrolytes from the intertubular spaces could be demonstrated during this period. This loss of extracellular electrolytes provides an explanation for the drop in conductivity of the gland. A comparison of control and experimental glands showed that during the first minutes of secretion the gland lost water and total solids, decreased in potassium and chloride content, gained sodium, and increased slightly in total cation concentration.