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Updated: Jul 25, 2026
07:29
A Method for the Measurement of Salivary Gland Function in Mice
Published on: January 25, 2018
Salivary electrolytes and digitalis.
European Heart Journal
|January 1, 1983
Summary
Increased salivary calcium and potassium levels correlate with heart failure, not digitalis intoxication. This electrolyte imbalance may stem from adrenergic stimulation in patients with poorly compensated heart failure.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Clinical Chemistry
- Physiology
Background:
- Digitalis intoxication is sometimes associated with electrolyte changes.
- The specific role of salivary electrolytes in heart failure and digitalis toxicity requires clarification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the hypothesis that elevated salivary calcium and potassium (Ca x K) indicate digitalis intoxication.
- To explore the relationship between salivary electrolytes and the clinical status of heart failure.
Main Methods:
- Tested 16 healthy volunteers, 29 digitalized heart failure patients, and 4 healthy volunteers given digoxin.
- Measured salivary and blood electrolyte concentrations.
- Correlated electrolyte levels with digitalis blood levels and clinical signs of heart failure.
Main Results:
- Salivary electrolyte increases were observed in only half of digitalized patients.
- Blood digoxin levels did not consistently correlate with salivary electrolyte changes.
- A strong correlation was found between increased salivary calcium and potassium product (Casal x Ksal) and poorly compensated heart failure (P < 0.00002).
Conclusions:
- Digitalis intoxication does not appear to be the cause of observed salivary electrolyte changes in heart failure.
- Elevated salivary Ca x K product is strongly associated with clinical signs of poorly compensated heart failure.
- Adrenergic stimulation in heart failure may influence salivary gland electrolyte secretion.
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