EFFECTS OF RUBIDIUM ON THE SECRETORY FUNCTION OF THE RAT SUBMANDIBULAR GLAND

Abstract

Effects of rubidium chloride (1200 mg/L drinking water) treatment for 10 d on rat submandibular saliva composition were examined in this study. Both submandibular ducts were cannulated intraorally with polyethylene tubes, and pure saliva was collected from anesthetized rubidium-treated and control rats using pilocarpine as a secretagogue. Saliva protein and calcium concentrations were found to be significantly (p < .05) increased in rubidium-treated groups. N -acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) is one of the sensitive hydrolytic lysosomal enzymes that can be released after submandibular gland damage. The secretion of NAG in saliva increased significantly ( p <.01)after rubidium treatment. Salivary flow rate, normalized for gland weight, was also affected by rubidium treatment as there was a significant (p <.01) reduction of flow rate in rubidium-exposed rats. There is no obvious basis for these alterations in saliva protein and calcium content and in flow rate induced with rubidium, but possible...