T. Dishon

A technique for the intubation of the parotid duct in rats

DEVELOPMENT of a simple and convenient technique for intubation of the duct of the parotid gland of experimental animals is a requisite for studies on pure secretions and of the effects of various substances upon the gland. Perusal of the literature reveals that attempts have been made in this respect by CHERNICK, BOBYOCK and DIGREGORIO (1971), DRUM (1963) and HALL and SCHNEYER (1964). However, the methods developed by these investigators are rather complicated, traumatic and time-consuming. The technique suggested by WOLF and KAKEHASHI (1966), though comparatively simple, is adequate for collection of parotid saliva but not for the instillation of fluids into the ducts. The present communication describes a new and easy technique for the intubation of the parotid gland duct of rats. It is currently used with success in our laboratory for collection of saliva and instillation of diverse fluids. White Sabra rats (Hebrew University strain), weighing 120-200 g, were used. The animals were anaesthetized by an intraperitoneal injection of sodium pentobarbital (5-O mg/lOO g of body weight) and fastened to an operating table by elastic bands. The mouth was opened as widely as possible by traction with mechanical retractors or rubber bands of adequate size (Fig. 1). The tongue was pulled aside with mosquito forceps. The cheek, on the side to be intubated, was placed parallel to the operating table. The mucosa of the cheek was dried with a cotton swab and flow of the parotid secretion was evoked by external massage of the glandular region. The orifice of the parotid duct (Fig. 2A), visualized with the aid of a stereoscopic microscope, was identified with certainty by the appearance of a drop of saliva (Fig. 1). A polyethylene catheter with its stylet was gently introduced into the ductal aperture to a depth of 2-3 mm (Fig. 2B). The position of the catheter was then turned by 90” and oriented distally, this measure being necessary to follow the curvature of the parotid duct (Figs. 2C and 3). The catheter was easily introduced to a depth of about 2 cm before resistance was felt. A Bardic inside needle catheter (C. R. Bard. Inc., Murray Hill, N.J.) with stylet (1919R gauge 19) was used. The polyethylene tube was somewhat shortened in order to leave the stylet free for about 2 mm. This rigid edge of the stylet is of particular help in guiding the tube through the duct. Following introduction, the stylet was

Experimental allergic sialoadenitis. II. Induction of acute sialoadenitis in rats by locally administered basement membrane antibodies.

Abstract Nephrotoxic serum or antiserum to glomerular basement membranes was instilled via the excretory duct into the parotid gland of rats. Acute necrotizing sialoadenitis, accompanied by vasculitis, developed within 1 day after instillation. The inflammatory process is probably caused by an immune reaction between antigens of parenchymatous and/or vascular basement membranes of the gland and the introduced antibodies.

Naturally occurring antibodies to bovine serum albumin in the parotid saliva of rats.

Abstract Antibodies to bovine serum albumin were detected in the parotid saliva of untreated rats and rats, the glands of which had been repeatedly instilled with saline via their ducts. The incidence and titre of antibodies were higher after ductal instillation of saline. It is suggested that local sensitization occurs, probably due to bovine milk components which are present in the food pellets, gaining access to immunocompetent cells within the gland. No antibodies to bovine serum albumin were found in the serum.

Antibodies in the Saliva and Serum of Rats Sensitized by Intraductal Instillation of Antigen into the Parotid Gland

Instillations of bovine serum albumin into the parotid gland of rats elicit a local and systemic immune response, the former being the more pronounced response. With increasing number of intraductal instillations of antigen, the titers of antibodies in the saliva and serum rise progressively.

Factors in the pathogenesis of experimental acute pancreatitis in the rat.

This is a study of the injurious effects of transient reflux of diverse solutions when introduced into the pancreas of rats under pressure through the obstructed duodenum. Mild pan Immune complex dise

Urinary excretion of kidney antigens in rats with experimental glomerulonephritis and pyelonephritis

Abstract Kidney-specific antigens were detected in the urine of rats with glomerulone-phritis and pyelonephritis by Ouchterlonys double immunodiffusion test employing organ-specific anti-renal fraction sera. The antigens were demonstrated in the urine at different time intervals following induction of the diseases and at different frequencies in the individual animals. The described technique may be applied to the clinical evaluation of kidney disorders in which increased amounts of antigenic tissue constituents leak into the urine.

Antibodies in the saliva after antigenic challenge of the parotid gland of systemically sensitized rats

Anti-BSA antibodies were detected in the parotid saliva of untreated rats. In non-sensitized animals, the parotid duct of which was repeatedly instilled with saline or BSA, the antibody titers rose significantly. Introduction of BSA into the parotid gland of sensitized animals was followed by a significant rise in salivary but not in circulating antibodies. The findings demonstrate the relative independence of the local from the systemic immune system.

Urinary excretion of placenta specific antigens in rats with normal and pathological pregnancy.

Abstract Organ specific antisera were used to search for placental antigens in the urine of rats. The urine of male and virgin female rats was devoid of placental antigens. The antigens were detected in three of 150 urine specimens obtained from 30 presumably normal pregnant rats. When nephrotoxic serum or endotoxin were administered in order to intervene in the normal course of gestation, placental antigens were found in urine samples obtained during 30 of 40, and eight of 32 pregnancies, respectively. Demonstration of placenta specific antigens in the urine may be of aid in the diagnosis of pathological processes involving the placenta.

Comparison and evaluation of fluorescent antibody techniques in the detection of herpes simplex virus in oral infection

This article deals with the reliability and applicability of fluoroscopy in the diagnosis of herpetic lesions of the oral cavity. The reported results are based on a clinical experiment performed on fifty-two lesions suspected to be of herpetic origin. Three different methods were compared for detection of the possible presence of the virus--cytologic, virologic, and immunofluorescent. The greater reliability and speed of the last technique are demonstrated by our findings. Such features acquire special importance in the differential diagnosis of a number of diseases.

Excretion of liver antigens in the urine of patients with hepatic diseases

SummaryLiver antigens were detected in the urine of 4 of 42 patients with various liver diseases. The urine of 25 healthy subjects and patients with diseases not affecting the liver was devoid of antigens in detectable amounts. The presence of hepatic antigens in the urine did not correlate with severity of jaundice and SGOT levels but correlated with parenchymal necrosis and was associtated with a high mortality.