Abstract
Laboratory diagnostic tests for pancreatic diseases were carried out by examination of samples of parotid saliva in 22 patients, of whom 9 were with pancreatic disorders and 13 with disorders of other organs or systems. Trend analyses of the data thereby obtained revealed the approximate borderline values (lower for pancreatic diseases and higher for non-pancreatic disorders) for the rate of salivary secretion, its maximum bicarbonate concentration and amylase secretion to be 0.6ml per minute, 20 mEq/L, and 1, 000 units per kg of body weight, respectively. The results of the present study emphasize potential usefulness of the examination of parotid saliva as a reliable diagnostic means for diseases of the pancreas.
