Table 1.

Submandibular gland weight changes for three types of experiments. Values are the mean (±SEM) values, n = 6 in all experiments. Controls were the contralateral unoperated submandibular gland to the 24-h ligated glands. Prior to stimulation salivary ducts were cannulated posterior to the ligature to avoid secretion against a blockage.

Experiment	24-h ligation without stimulation	Methacholine stimulation following 24-h ligation	Methacholine stimulation following 24-h ligation and 3 days of recovery
Control gland	0.22 ± 0.01	0.21 ± 0.01	0.25 ± 0.02
Ligated gland	0.26 ± 0.02	0.22 ± 0.01	0.18 ± 0.02
% Change	+19	+7	−29
P value	<0.01	<0.05	<0.01
Rat body weight (g)	292 ± 14	272 ± 8	307 ± 11