The chronically reserpinized rat as a possible model for cystic fibrosis. II. Comparison and cilioinhibitory effects of submaxillary saliva.

Submaxillary saliva from reserpine-treated rats was found to have alterations in composition 
similar to those reported in the same secretion from patients with 
cystic fibrosis. Changes included elevated concentrations of Na+, Ca++, protein, and 
carbohydrate. In addition, this saliva was found to have ciliotoxic properties 
similar to those of CF serum. The similarities in cilioinhibitory effects 
salivary composition, and histologic appearance justify the use of the chronically 
reserpinized rat as a model for cystic fibrosis. 