THE EFFECT OF ACUTE HYPERVITAMINOSIS A ON SUBMANDIBULAR GLANDS FUNCTION

Abstract

Pure submandibular saliva was collected from anaesthetized vitamin - A - treated and control rats with using of pilocarpine as secretogogue, and then the serum was collected by cardiac puncutre. Intraperitoneal injection of a large single dose (100,000 IU/kg) of vitamin A changed total protein, calcium and sodium concentrations of saliva so that sodium level of submandibular saliva was reduced but total protein and calcium were found to be elevated significantly in rats. The levels of sodium and phosphate in serum of vitamin-A-treated animals were more higher than control values. In conclusion, if animal experiments can confirm in human, one can identify hypervitaminosis A by measuring protein and electrolytes of saliva.