Chronic pancreatitis, alcoholic liver cirrhosis and salivary secretion.

By comparison with control subjects, patients with chronic pancreatitis and alcoholic liver cirrhosis displayed in basal condition a reduction in salivary volume, bicarbonate and an amylase concentration and outputs. These reductions disappeared during stimulating by chewing parafilm. It is concluded that these reductions are not the consequence of a specific process affecting both the salivary glands and the pancreas. It is suggested that they are more likely due to a decreased sensitivity of the salivary nervous control than to an actual alteration in the secretory capacities.