Effects of gentamicin on rat submandibulary gland functions

1. Submandibular saliva was collected from anesthetized gentamicin-treated and control rats using carbachol, isoproterenol and pilocarpine as secretagogue. 2. Intraperitoneal injection of a large single dose (80 mg/kg) of gentamicin caused marked changes in saliva flow rate, protein and electrolyte concentrations in the presence of parasympathetic or sympathetic agents used as stimulants. 3. The secretion of N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase in saliva was determined and there was a marked increase in the enzyme activity of saliva of gentamicin-treated rats in comparison to that of controls. 4. The results of this study suggest that gentamicin as an aminoglycoside antibiotic at the dose employed, can influence the secretory mechanisms of rat submandibular glands.