Effect of ganglionectomy on the stimulation of salivary glands by isoproterenol

Isoproterenol in acute experiments greatly stimulates DNA synthesis and mitotic activity in the submaxillary gland of rat. Prolonged administration of the drug leads to a severalfold enlargement of the gland. Removal of the superior cervical ganglion has no effect either on the enlargement or on the stimulation of DNA synthesis produced by isoproterenol. The experiments support the assumption that the stimulation of DNA synthesis is a direct effect of the drug on the cells of the submaxillary gland.