Address of Corresponding Author

Pharmacology 2005;74:100-105 (DOI: 10.1159/000084031)

  Key Words

• Muscarinic receptors
• Cevimeline
• Sicca syndrome
• Salivary amylase

  Abstract

The aim of this study is to clarify the effects of cevimeline on various components in human saliva, such as immunoglobulin A (IgA), lysozyme, -amylase and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) antigen. Twelve female patients with Sjögren syndrome (SS) and 14 healthy women were enrolled. After the first saliva collection, one capsule (30 mg) of cevimeline was administered to each subject. Saliva was collected again after 90 min. The salivary flow rate and concentration of each component were measured. In both groups the salivary flow rate and amylase concentration were significantly increased by cevimeline. The lysozyme and IgA concentrations did not change significantly in both groups. The SCC antigen concentration did not change significantly in the SS group, but it decreased significantly in the control group. The secretion rates of amylase and IgA showed significant increases in both groups. The secretion rate of lysozyme significantly increased only in the control group, while the secretion rate of SCC significantly increased only in the SS group. Cevimeline augments not only the salivary flow rate but also the secretion rate of some digestive and/or defense factors from infections. It may be beneficial for SS patients to continue taking cevimeline to prevent oral infections, and other serious sequelae.

Copyright © 2005 S. Karger AG, Basel

  Author Contacts

Kimihiro Suzuki
Internal Medicine I
National Defense Medical College
Namiki 3-2, Tokorozawa, Saitama 359-8513 (Japan)
Tel. +81 4 2995 1597, Fax +81 4 2996 5200, E-Mail kogen@me.ndmc.ac.jp

  Article Information

Received: July 1, 2004
Accepted after revision: December 28, 2004
Published online: February 18, 2005
Number of Print Pages : 6
Number of Figures : 2, Number of Tables : 2, Number of References : 31