Two phases of chorda-lingual induced vasodilatation in the cat's submandibular gland during prolonged perfusion with Locke solution.

The effect of stimulation of the chorda-lingual nerve on the venous flow has been studied in cat submandibular glands perfused with Locke solution for 2-4 hr. When trains of pulses at 25 Hz were given for 1-5 sec, two distinct phases of vasodilatation were observed: a rapid initial phase of high amplitude and a slower developing more prolonged phase of smaller amplitude. Repeated stimulations did not lead to a reduction of the vasodilatory response. A close relationship was found between the duration and magnitude of the second phase of vasodilatation and the duration and magnitude of the post-stimulatory, active reuptake of potassium. When the active reuptake of potassium was prevented either by ouabain (which inhibits active transport) or by atropine (which abolishes the stimulation induced loss of potassium) the second phase of vasodilatation was severely reduced, while the initial phase remained virtually normal. It is concluded that the initial phase of vasodilatation probably is mediated by vasodilator nerve fibres. The second phase is perhaps causally related to the post-stimulatory, active transport of cations. An involvement of bradykinin formation is highly unlikely under the given experimental conditions.