[Mechanism of changes in secretory cell polarization in submandibular salivary glands during experimental botulism].

The polarization level (membrane potential-MP) of varied cells from the submandibular salivary gland was studied in different stages of botulinic poisoning in rats. The MP level of the cells decreased only in the late period (30 days) of local injury to the gland. However, pilocarpine stimulation of the secretory activity over the same period of time made MP return to normal. The authors believe this to be related to the phenomenon of gland decentralization since botulism is likely to entail an injury to the preganglionic parasympathetic neuron innervating the salivary gland, whereas the postganglionic one maintains its trophic effect on the gland tissue for a long period of time.