Sodium and potassium content in human palatine gland secretion

Secretion samples were collected from the orifices of human palatine glands on discs of filter paper after intermittent mechanical stimulation of the hard palatal surface. After the sample had been weighed on a micro-balance, its content of Na and K was determined by flame photometry. Secretory drops from previously resting glands, with a weight below 500 μg, showed a trend to an elevated Na content when compared with restimulated secretion, whereas above that level they showed a steady state level of about 85 meq Na/kg. Similar steady state concentrations of potassium with a mean value of about 15 meq/kg secretion were found in samples above 500 μg. Below that level, concentration rose steeply to values of about 90 meq K/kg in drops weighing less than 250 μg. Sodium transients between 200–745 meq/kg independent of secretory drop size were observed after repeated stimulation.