Abstract: | Saliva secretion in response to the stimulation of the superior cervical ganglion (S.C.G.) at different frequencies (2, 3, 5, 10, 15, 20 Hz) has been studied in anaesthetized rabbits. The differences between the two major glands in this species were analyzed, with respect to the flow response, potassium, amylase and total protein content during the sympathetic stimulation. The stimulation of S.C.G. increased the salivary flow rate at all frequencies, on both parotid and mandibular gland. In the parotid gland the flow and stimulation frequency show a positive linear correlation which does not appear in the mandibular gland. In conclusion, the differences observed in the response to sympathetic stimulation in both glands seem to be due to distinct patterns of sympathetic innervation on different glandular elements. |