The vital role of saliva as a mechanical sealant for suckling in the rat
1970; Elsevier BV; Volume: 5; Issue: 12 Linguagem: Inglês
10.1016/0031-9384(70)90125-3
ISSN1873-507X
AutoresAlan N. Epstein, Elliott M. Blass, Mark L. Batshaw, Angelique Parks,
Tópico(s)Biochemical Analysis and Sensing Techniques
ResumoRats deprived of submaxillary-sublingual saliva before the 10th day of postnatal age die of starvation, but they suck effectively if the submaxillary-sublingual ablation is done on the 13th day or later [2]. The parotids were not considered by Plagge. We show here that parotid parenchyma does not appear by light microscopic examination until the 10th–14th day. Submaxillary-sublingual removal before that time therefore removes all functional salivary tissue and the pup's failure to suck effectively is the result of complete desalivation. Parotid removal at any age is benign but reproduces the Plagge phenomenon when combined on the 13th–14th days with submaxillary-sublingual ablation. Saliva is therefore essential for feeding throughout the suckling period. It is supplied in sufficient amounts by only the submaxillary-sublingual complex before the 8th day and thereafter also by the parotids once their development has begun. Effective sucking is restored to the desalivate pup (submaxillary-sublingual removal on the 6th day) by periodic treatment of its lips with vaseline. The pup holds fast to the nipple shortly after the vaseline is applied and milk reappears in its stomach. Saliva therefore functions as a mechanical sealant of the pup's lips and mouth to the maternal nipple.
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