The Effect of Anticholinesterases on the Parotid Gland After Parasympathetic Decentralization or Denervation

Anticholinesterases (eserine, ethyl pyrophosphate, paraoxon) were injected into the parotid ducts and found to cause a secretion of saliva. After previous preganglionic, parasympathetic denervation the effects were increased above normal; this was probably due to the supersensitivity to acetylcholine which develops after the operation. After previous postganglionic, parasympathetic denervation, on the other hand, the effects were much reduced, in spite of a pronounced supersensitivity towards, for example, acetylcholine. The cause of this "subsensitivity" towards cholinesterase inhibitors is discussed.