Synchronous facial vascular vasodilation and salivatory response to atropine in the parasympathetically denervated human salivary parotid gland.

Hypersalivation and facial skin hyperemia that simultaneously emerge in response to atropinization have been observed in patients who suffered trauma to the skull base combined with damage of the parasympathetic secretory and vasodilatory fibers in the greater and lesser petrosal nerves at the tip of the temporal bone pyramid. The study was facilitated by special vacuum capsules applied to both outlet ducts of the parotid glands. Hyperemia and hyperthermia of the face were evaluated visually, by thermometer readings, and color photography. The events described are distinct from those reported in the literature (i.e., paradoxical disturbances of facial and salivary gland innervation). This study analyzes the mechanism of initiation and the manifestations of this complex syndrome.