Ben-Aryeh H, Gutman D, Szargel R, Laufer D. Effects of irradiation on saliva in cancer patients.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ORAL SURGERY 1975;
4:205-10. [PMID:
811576 DOI:
10.1016/s0300-9785(75)80027-5]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Whole unstimulated saliva was analyzed in 15 healthy individuals and 15 patients with malignant tumors in the head and neck region before and during irradiation therapy. Flow rate, pH, electrolytes (Na, K, Ca, Mg), protein and phosphate were measured. There was a decrease in rate of flow, and pH changed towards acidity. The most significant finding was the increased sodium content. We believe that irradiation reduces the reabsorption ability of the tubuli, causing the sodium content of the saliva to increase.
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