Saliva is essential for oral health and influences all events in the mouth. A deficiency of saliva can have devastating consequences. Therefore, it is important to have a book about the basic tissue mechanisms involved in the secretion of saliva, based on an holistic approach. With such an aim in mind, this book contains chapters covering the histological basis for secretion, electrophysiological events, electrolyte and water secretion, protein synthesis and secretion, bloodflow, capillary dynamics, myoepithelial activity, glandular permeability, hormonal influences, including the effects of diabetes, and the synthesis and secretion of IgA in man. The chapters have been written by international experts in the field, who present balanced accounts of their subjects. The secretory mechanisms described in this book have a far-reaching impact beyond the salivary field and have applicability to all forms of exocrine secretion. Salivary glands offer many advantages for experimental study of these phenomena since they can be tested more precisely than most other glands, having ducts that can readily be cannulated for assessing the secretion. As a single-source of up-to-date data, this book will benefit doctors and dentists, and anyone interested in secretory phenomena, including physiologists, biochemists and cell biologists. It not only brings together all available data on this subject, as it stands at the turn of the century, but also lays down a sound platform of knowledge on which further investigations can be based.

Saliva is essential for oral health and influences all events in the mouth. In 1850 Ludwig discovered that autonomic nerve impulses evoke salivary secretion and all work since has shown that the nerves normally control the flow and protein output of saliva. This publication, written by international experts, is the first one devoted to the neuroglandular mechanisms of this control. The book lays a sound platform of knowledge to all with an interest in and around the mouth including dentists, doctors, pharmacologists, biochemists and cell biologists as well as neurobiologists working on autonomic nerve activities.

Health professionals are more and more aware of the importance of saliva for oral health and well-being. As saliva secretion is steadily compromised with advancing age, it becomes a factor of concern in societies with an aging population, especially with a growing number of people who keep their own teeth. The numerous functions of saliva, like antimicrobial activity, lubrication, wound healing and its role in taste experience are only truly recognized when saliva secretion is hampered. In medical diagnostics, saliva shows its value as a safe and economical alternative to blood. This publication provides a comprehensive overview of the latest developments in salivary research by some of the world’s leading experts in the field. Chapters deal with various aspects: anatomy and physiology, e.g. regeneration of salivary glands, saliva functions, e.g. its protective and rheological properties, and diagnostics and disorders, e.g. xerostomia and hypersalivation. This book is not only recommended to basic scientists working in the field of oral biology, but also to dental students, dentists and health professionals who want to know more about one of the most underestimated bodily fluids.

Salivary Glands and their Secretions covers the proceedings of the conference held at the University of Washington in Seattle, Washington, U.S.A. The book focuses on the structure and functions of secreting organs and the composition, mechanism, and control of secretions. The selection first reviews the comparative aspects of the structure and functions of the salivary glands; electron microscopy of induced changes in the salivary glands of rats; and the action of thyroid and adrenal glands on the submaxillary glands of mice. The book then takes a look at hormonal influences on the cytology and physiology of salivary glands and hormones and inanition. The book ponders on studies on the physiology of rat and mouse submaxillary glands and hormonal control of the nerve growth factor content in the submaxillary glands of mice. The text also examines central nervous representation of salivary secretion, secretory nerves of the salivary glands, and changes in salivary flow produced by variations in fluid and electrolyte balance. The selection is a valuable source of data for readers interested in the structure and functions of the salivary glands.

Salivary glands are of utmost importance for several physiological functions ranging from the protection of teeth and surrounding soft tissues to the lubrication of the oral cavity, which is crucial for speech and perception of food taste. This publication highlights specific aspects of salivary gland development, investigating the mechanisms involved in embryonic development, the current research in stem cells, the ability of adult glands to regenerate and the signalling pathways involved in this process. Key stages of salivary gland development, moving from initiation to differentiation of the glands, are discussed, as well as unusual adaptations, ranging from making silk to making venom. The book finally provides new data on surgical techniques and diagnostic tools for clinicians involved in salivary gland disorders. Researchers and students with an interest in craniofacial sciences as well as clinicians dealing with salivary gland disorders will find this publication an excellent source of up-to-date information.