Effect of Octreotide on Saliva

This is a healthy volunteer pilot study. The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of a drug, Octreotide, on saliva enzymes in order to see if this drug can help prevent pharyngo-cutaneous fistulas (an abnormal tissue connection in the pharynx) in patients undergoing laryngectomy.

Inclusion criteria

• Healthy adults between the ages of 18-40 years old
• Healthy volunteer who is willing to undergo research activities
• Healthy volunteer with no self-report of disease, oral symptoms or lesions, or cold or flu like symptoms that would affect the reflective measurements in the oral cavity
• Ability to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent document

Exclusion criteria

• Pregnant or nursing women
• Children under the age of 18 or adults over 40
• Complaint of oral symptoms (self-reported)
• Medical condition affecting saliva (e.g. Sjogren's)
• History of head/neck radiation
• Medication that might affect saliva (e.g. Proton Pump Inhibitors)
• Known allergy to Octreotide
• Non-English speaking
• Diabetes, gallbladder disease, heart disease, high blood pressure, a heart rhythm disorder, thyroid problems, pancreatitis, kidney disease, or liver disease (self-reported)