[On the secretion of BAEE-esterase activity (kallikrein) in normal human parotid glands in rest and under stimulation (author's transl)].

Kallikrein is an important mediator in microcirculation. Therefore, this work has been concerned with the excretion of kallikrein from human parotid glands. In 40 healthy persons kallikrein concentrations in resting parotid saliva were estimated. Subsequently, the glands were stimulated either by ascorbic acid or by subcutaneous injection of pilocarpin and the changes in BAEE-esterase activity were measured. The results show a significant increase of excreted enzyme on stimulation. Continuous stimulation, however, leads to exhaustion of the capacity of the glands within 40 min. After cessation of stimulation basal secretion rates are restored in the next 15 min. Kallikrein secretion is compared to the secretion of total protein, lysozym and immunglobulin A.