The contribution of mechanoreceptive neurones in the gingival tissues to the masticatory-parotid salivary reflex in man.
The masticatory-parotid salivary reflex has been studied in fully dentate subjects. Salivary flow was recorded by siting a modified Lashley cup over the orifice of the parotid duct on one side of the mouth. Subjects chewed on small pieces of silicone rubber for 1-min periods which resulted in a reflex secretion of parotid saliva. The secretion was greatest when the subject chewed on the same side of the mouth (ipsilateral) as the salivary flow was recorded. Less salivary flow resulted when the subjects chewed on the opposite side of the mouth (contralateral). Selected areas of the buccal or lingual gingival tissues were then anaesthetized on the side ipsilateral to the Lashley cup. Anaesthesia of the lingual and buccal gingival tissues together resulted in a reduction of salivary flow in response to similar chewing cycles. Anaesthesia of the lingual gingival tissues alone also resulted in a reduction of salivary flow, but anaesthesia of the buccal gingival tissues alone did not. During mastication it is likely that mechanoreceptors in the gingival tissues will be stimulated which may result in salivary flow. This requires further study as other mechanoreceptive neurones are also known to be involved in the masticatory-parotid salivary reflex.
Scott
B J
BJ
Department of Prosthetic Dentistry, King's Dental Institute, London, UK. B.J.J.SCOTT@dundee.ac.uk
Bajaj
J
J
Linden
R W
RW
D000328:Adult; D000766:Anesthesia, Dental / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005881:Gingiva / Q000294:innervation / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008409:Mastication / Q000502:physiology*; D008465:Mechanoreceptors / Q000502:physiology*; D010306:Parotid Gland / Q000378:metabolism*; D012018:Reflex / Q000502:physiology*; D012472:Salivation / Q000502:physiology; D012636:Secretory Rate / Q000502:physiology