Modification of the Action of Pilocarpine by Adrenergic Blocking Agents.

Pilocarpine is not an equivalent substitute for parasympathetic nerve stimulation of the rat parotid gland when protein composition of the secretion is considered. Levels of amylase for example are appreciably higher with pilocarpine than with auriculo-temporal nerve stimulation. It has been found that Inderal, an agent which blocks adrenergic beta receptors, reduces amylase levels of pilocarpine-evoked saliva to levels observed with auriculo-temporal stimulation; on the other hand, Inderal does not modify amylase levels observed with auriculo-temporal stimulation. It is concluded that pilocarpine while having some actions that are parasympathomimetic has additional effects which involve stimulation of adrenergic receptor sites.