Degeneration secretion of amylase from the parotid gland of the rat.

In anaesthetized rats the parotid saliva secreted during degeneration of the auriculo-temporal nerve contains amylase in fairly constant concentration, the amylase output varying with the secretory rate. The amount of amylase was not reduced by adrenoceptor blocking agents; it was increased by sympathectomy carried out one week in advance. A sympathetic degeneration secretion of amylase could also be demonstrated while the post-ganglionic sympathetic nerves were degenerating; a simultaneous parasympathetic degeneration secretion provided the salivary flow needed for the transport of the amylase.