Effect of carbenoxolone on electrolyte output of salivary glands during nasogastric intubation.

The effect of carbenoxolone on the output of salivary electrolytes stimulated by a nasogastric tube was studied in healthy volunteers. Mean +/- SE values for volume and electrolyte concentrations in control studies were volume 121 +/- 19 ml/hr, pH7.39, Na+19 +/-5, K+20 +/- U, Cl-20 +/- 3, HCO3-18 MEq/liter and osmolality 71 +/- 8 mOsm/kg. Mean +/- electrolyte outputs were quite large, Na+ 2.4, k+2.4, Cl-26, and bicarbonate 2.2 mEq/hr. Our control data indicate that in the course of gastric secretory testing the indwelling gastric tube stimulates salivary electrolyte output sufficient to interfere with accurate assessment of gastric ionic fluxes and gastric acid analysis. Therapeutic doses of carbenoxolone (100 mg three times daily) given orally for 3 weeks had no effect on salivary volume, electrolyte output, or concentration. We conclude that carbenoxolone has no minerallocorticoid effect on mixed salivary secretion. Attention to salivary secretion is recommended in all gastric secretory studies and is mandatory where low acid output is suspected.