Influence of mental and emotional stress on the levels of electrolytes in the saliva of senior schoolchildren

• Published in: Gigiena i sanitarija no. 4; p. 46
• Main Authors: Minasian, S M, Gevorkian, E S, Daian, A V, Grigorian, G G, Grigorian, G S
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Russian
• Published: Russia (Federation) 01-07-2004
• Subjects: Adolescent; Educational Measurement; Heart Rate; Humans; Potassium - analysis; Potassium - metabolism; Saliva - chemistry; Seasons; Sodium - analysis; Sodium - metabolism; Stress, Psychological - metabolism; Stress, Psychological - physiopathology; Students
• ISSN: 0016-9900

Salivary Na+,K+-excretory function was studied in senior schoolchildren-entrants during an academic year and entrance examinations. The time course of changes in the salivary levels of Na+ and K+ in entrants during an academic year was undulating. In late October that is coincident with the beginning of lessons given by tutors, the salivary content of Na+ reduced while that of K+ increased. The second peak of decreased excretion rates for Na+ and increased excretion rates for K+ and that of less Na+/K+ ratios was observed in May on the eve of entrance examinations. On the eve of the examinations, 70% were observed to have tachycardia, elevated levels of integral parameters of cardiac rhythm regulation, a considerable reduction in the concentration of Na+, and an increase in the level of K+ with less Na+/K+ ratios. The pattern of the observed changes also retained in the postexamination period. On the eve of the examinations, 30% were found to have lowered levels of integral parameters of cardiac rhythm regulation and elevated levels of Na+. After an examination, there was a reduction in Na+ excretion which did not yet achieve the initial level. The mechanisms responsible for ionic shifts in the composition of saliva during psychoemotional stress are discussed.