EFFECT OF QUININE ON THE PARASYMPATHETIC AND SYMPATHETIC INNERVATION OF THE SALIVARY GLANDS

¹ Department of Physiology, McGill University, Montreal

1. Quinine hydrochloride (0.25 to 0.5 gram) injected intravenously in a dog (a) causes the secretion provoked by subsequent stimulation of the chorda tympani to be divided into phases; (b) after a larger dose abolishes the first phase, leaving a weaker but more prolonged after-effect; and (c) when given in large doses abolishes the secretion altogether. Quinine acts directly as a paralysing drug on the secretory fibres of the auriculo-temporal nerve.

2. Quinine increases the blood flow through the submaxillary gland and gradually diminishes the vasodilator effect of the chorda tympani.

3. Quinine inhibits the secretory effect of choline and acetylcholine on the submaxillary gland, but does not interfere with the action of pilocarpine.

4. Intravenous administration of physostigmine improves the action of the chorda tympani.

5. Quinine paralyses the contractile elements of the submaxillary and parotid glands, but at certain stages increases the "true" sympathetic secretion.

6. Quinine diminishes the vasoconstrictor effect of the sympathetic nerve in the submaxillary gland.