[Physiology and pathophysiology of the minor salivary glands]

Measurements of the secretory rates of the palatine and the parotid glands, assessing the electrolyte content of all salivary fractions and combined clinical biotic studies underline the clinical importance of the minor salivary glands. The minor salivary glands are shown to be organs whose function is decisively involved in symptoms such as xerostomia, stomatodynia, and what is known as "denture intolerance". Moreover, proper secretion of the palatine glands is of crucial importance for the physical retention of maxillary full dentures. There are no connections between secretory rates of major and minor salivary glands. The effect of certain drugs on salivary production and thus on the symptoms of hyposalivation seems to be considerable. Treatment methods for inadequate salivary secretion are outlined. The adaptive tendency of properly functioning palatine glands appears to be high. The fact that atrophic and dystrophic processes can be functionally compensated to a relatively high degree speaks for the dynamic capability of the glandular parenchyma. In view of the clinical relevance of the minor salivary glands it is mandatory that the functional principles and control mechanisms underlying their secretion be investigated in future studies.