Hyperplasia of the parotid gland U.N.S. A stress phenomenon?

The secretory function of the parotid glands, as represented by the salivary secretion rate, has been examined in 10 patients with parotid hyperplasia U.N.S. Different levels of gustatory stimulation were used. The secretion rate was reduced in 8 out of 10 of the patients at a moderately high level of stimulation but normal at submaximum levels in all the 10 patients. The results suggest that the cause of the parotid hyperplasia may be an elevated sympathetic influence, possibly due to stress.