Salivary glands secrete saliva containing fluid, electrolytes and proteins such as amylase and mucin into the oral cavity. Such salivary components are essential for the preservation of oral health. Salivary gland consists of two kinds of cells, acinar and duct cells. In salivary acinar cells, secretion of salivary components is regulated by the autonomic nervous system. When the parasympathetic neurons are stimulated, salivary fluid secretion is provoked via the increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentrations. In the case of stimulation of sympathetic neurons, salivary protein release is induced via the increase in the intracellular messenger cyclic AMP. In this paper, the mechanism of salivary secretion is discussed.
