[Quantitative comparison of the secretion of salivary and mucous glands].

The flow rates and the Na+/K+ quotients of the saliva from the parotid and palatine glands were determined by direct comparison in 121 patients. The results showed that the flow rates and the Na+/K+ quotients of the same types of glands were not correlated with each other. Pronounced and specific interrelations as to the amount of secretion were observed only in patients complaining about dry mouth or smarting of the mucosa or patients under chronic treatment with psychoactive drugs where secretory inhibition is a side effect. The evaluation of the Na+/K+ quotients demonstrated that the secretion examined was almost exclusively resting saliva secretion. Based on these observations it is important that our understanding of the control mechanisms governing the activities of the different gland types within the masticatory system be reassessed.