Submandibular gland secretory function in young adult and aged rats

An evaluation of submandibular gland secretory function was performed in young adult and aged male and female rats. No significant alterations in submandibular salivary flow rate or the concentrations of total protein, Na+,K+ and neutral sugar in the secreted saliva, were observed between different aged animals. Significant sex differences in salivary flow rate and total protein content were found.