Rate of flow of parotid secretion during constant stimulation

¹ Naval Dental Research Facility, Great Lakes, Illinois

Thirty-one healthy, male individuals in a 17–21-year-age group were subjected to a bilateral collection of parotid secretion. Flow was elicited by chewing flavored chicle for a total stimulation period of 1 hour. All collections were made under carefully controlled regimen with minimal environmental and physical changes tolerated. Minute-to-minute rates of flow were not found to be predictable, but there was a pattern which was dependent upon the masticatory and gustatory stimuli. In a given individual it was possible to predict the flow rate of each of the parotid glands over 15-minute intervals. No glandular exhaustion was evident and hourly rate of flow was remarkably constant. Each gland showed an inherent individuality which was apparent throughout the complete period of excitation.