The effect of dehydration on parotid salivary gland function.
Dehydration is common in the elderly, and has been traditionally linked with salivary hypofunction. This study examined the effect of dehydration on parotid salivary flow rates. Twelve young and 12 older healthy subjects abstained from food and fluid intake for 24 hrs (dehydration) and then underwent i.v. rehydration proportional to the amount of weight lost. [...]