Preliminary Studies on the Effects of Organophosphate Chemical Warfare Agents on Oral Cavity Physiology

摘要

This study reports the results of a preliminary investigation on the effects of nerve agents upon saliva and corresponding changes in glandular physiology which might be potentially useful as diagnostic tests in the future. It is evident that Sarin did not produce the same effect as other cholinergic drugs on salivary gland function. Data clearly showed that Sarin did not increase the salivation rate and this finding is in direct disagreement with the previously reported characteristic signs of organophosphate intoxication. Normally, increases of acetylcholine in the salivary glands would produce an increase of total protein, amylase activity, sodium and calcium concentrations, and a concomitant decrease in potassium concentration. Sarin produced only increases in protein and sodium, but it did not provide the parallel increases in calcium concentration and amylase activity or the decrease in potassium concentration. Sarin actually produced a slight decrease in salivary amylase activity. From the data, it is apparent that one of the major considerations of any agent is the central effect of the drug versus its potential peripheral effect.