The secretion of protein and of some electrolytes in response to alpha- and beta- adrenergic agonists by rat parotid and submandibular salivary glands enlarged by chronic treatment with isoproterenol.

In comparison with control rats. chronic administration of isoproterenol (IPR) caused enlargement of the parotid and submandibular glands and the synthesis of apparently new proteins, probably by acinar cells. The parotid and submandibular saliva secreted in response to methoxamine or IPR differed markedly in protein and electrolyte content. In addition, with each stimulus, the salivas secreted by control and experimental glands differed in flow rate, protein concentration, and in the concentrations of certain of the electrolytes.