Effect of Experimental Removal of Molars on Gastric and Submaxillary Salivary Secretion in the Rat

The absence of molars decreased HCl acid content of the stomach and histamine concentration in the gastric wall. Dry and wet weight of the submaxillary gland did not change, but the rate of secretion decreased significantly in rats without molars. A decrease in the number of afferent impulses from the oral cavity is believed to be a cause of diminished secretion.