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Updated: May 24, 2026

Retroductal Submandibular Gland Instillation and Localized Fractionated Irradiation in a Rat Model of Salivary Hypofunction
Published on: April 24, 2016
Pilocarpine in the prevention of postirradiation xerostomia
Abstract:
During radiation therapy to the head and neck region, salivary gland hypofunction commonly develops. The aim of our study was to evaluate whether the sialogogue pilocarpine given during radiation therapy may reduce the severity of xerostomia and salivary dysfunction. Our results showed the pilocarpine-treated group to have a lower frequency of oral symptoms during the treatment than the placebo-treated group. Although salivary flow decreased in all patients, the pilocarpine-treated group had smaller flow reductions. No drug effect was observed in the glands that were completely irradiated. Thus, pilocarpine appeared to stimulate salivary tissues outside the radiation field.
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