[Changes of salivary alpha amylase activity as an indicator of adrenergic activity in response to laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation].

The goal of the study was to determine the diagnostic value of the salivary alpha amylase (sAA) as an indicator of adrenergic activity in response to laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation. The research group consisted of 52 patients (ASA 1-2) with the median age of 52 +/- 16, scheduled for elective orotracheal intubation by the means of standard intravenous induction of anesthesia. sAA and cortisol in saliva as well as norepinephrine (NA) and cortisol levels in plasma were determined in two points: immediately before laryngoscopy (point A) and one minute after intubation (point B). The heart rate (HR) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were recorded in corresponding time points to reveal if any correlation existed between hemodynamic parameters and neuroendocrine response. The results showed that MAP significantly increased in point B compared to point A, p < 0.05. HR did not show any significant increase. sAA considerable increase in point B correlated with the MAP-shown increase in the same time point (r(s) = 0.328, p < 0.05). NA increased in point B compared to point A and correlated with sAA increase (r(s) = 0.456, p < 0.01) and MAP changes (r(s) = 0.469, p < 0.01). Cortisol levels both in saliva and plasma did not change. The research proved the increased level of sAA as an adrenergic activity response to laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation and shown it resemblance to changes of NA and MAP.