Parotid Saliva in Cystic Fibrosis

Evidence of a Generalized Defect of Acinar Cell Function in Shwachman‐Diamond Syndrome

“…In contrast, those with intact acinar cell function (high secreted parotid amylase concentrations) had chloride concentrations that were no different from the healthy controls. On the contrary, the elevated secreted parotid chloride concentrations in patients with CF can be explained by loss of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator-mediated function, with a corresponding loss of electrolyte and fluid flux in the parotid ducts (29,30), by mechanisms similar to those we previously described in the exocrine pancreas of patients with CF (31,32).…”

“…In contrast, the parotid glands of patients with CF are known to be pathologically affected. Stimulated parotid amylase concentrations in patients with CF have shown conflicting results; some showed higher concentrations (29), whereas others were no different from controls (30). It remains possible, nonetheless, that low parotid amylase concentration in a subset of patients with CF could be due to gland atrophy following The patients with SDS tended to show higher fasting breath hydrogen concentrations than healthy controls, but the difference was not significant (P ¼ 0.08).…”

Standardized Assay for the Sodium Reabsorption Inhibitory Effect and Studies of Its Salivary Gland Distribution in Patients with Cystic Fibrosis

“…C F saliva generally has a higher protein concentration than normal saliva (8,9), particularly submandibular saliva, and this was true for the saliva samples used in this study. However, n o relation between total protein concentrations and inhibition of sodium reabsorption could be established.…”