Examination of submandibular fluid in cystic fibrosis.

A novel collecting device was used to obtain pure submandibular saliva from control and Cystic Fibrosis (CF) individuals. Vitamin C stimulation induced a 2-fold increase in flow rate relative to resting; CF rates were lower under both conditions. Control and CF saliva differed in that stimulation did not result in increased Na+ and Cl- levels in CF saliva and that elevated levels of Ca2+ and PO4(2-) were observed in CF. The results imply altered electrolyte secretion in CF in response to a stimulus in vivo.