The purpose of this study is to collect information about normal salivary function for comparison with that of patients with salivary gland dysfunction.

Healthy normal volunteers between 20 and 70 years of age may be eligible for this study. People who have significant health problems or who are taking any medications other than birth control pills or who have a dry mouth problem may not enroll in this study.

Participants will have the following procedures:

- Medical and dental history

- Blood sample collection

- Urine sample collection

- Saliva collection - Saliva samples are collected from the parotid and submandibular/sublingual glands-the major saliva-producing glands located in the cheeks and under the jaw-using small suction devices.

- Salivary gland biopsy - A biopsy (removal of small tissue sample) of the minor salivary glands in the lower lip will be done to obtain tissue for experimentation. After the biopsy site (the inner surface of the lip) is numbed with an anesthetic, an incision is made and several tiny salivary glands are removed. The wound is then closed with stitches, which will be removed at a follow-up visit

Condition
Healthy Salivary Gland Disease

Further Study Details: 

Expected Total Enrollment:  250

Saliva is critical in maintaining oral health and comfort. Our laboratory has investigated several disorders of salivary glands. The purpose of this protocol is to obtain data from normal volunteers for comparison with data from patients with salivary dysfunction. We plan to utilize the Normal Volunteer Program to solicit paid participation from healthy adults. Study procedures are accomplished in two outpatient visits that include an interview, saliva collection, lip biopsy, clinical laboratory studies, eye examination and follow-up. These are routine diagnostic procedures and their possible hazards are minor. Biopsy specimens may be used in clinical and laboratory studies, such as in vitro biochemical analysis or in vivo transplantation.

Genders Eligible for Study:  Both

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Criteria

INCLUSION CRITERIA:
Participants in Normal Volunteer program
No medications
Good general health
EXCLUSION CRITERIA:
Salivary gland disease or dysfunction
Sarcoidosis
HIV-1 infection

Maryland
      National Institute of Dental And Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), 9000 Rockville Pike,  Bethesda,  Maryland,  20892,  United States; Recruiting

Study ID Numbers:  940018; 94-D-0018
Record last reviewed:  October 6, 2004
Last Updated:  November 23, 2004
Record first received:  November 3, 1999
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:  NCT00001390
Health Authority: United States: Federal Government
ClinicalTrials.gov processed this record on 2005-04-08