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Published on: July 5, 2013
Intraglandular application of botulinum toxin leads to structural and functional changes in rat acinar cells
A Teymoortash1, F Sommer, R Mandic
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Philipp University, Deutschhausstrasse 4, Marburg 35037, Germany. teymoort@med.uni-marburg.de
British Journal of Pharmacology
|July 10, 2007
Summary
Intraglandular injection of botulinum toxin (BoNT) causes submandibular gland atrophy and reduced function. This study confirms temporary acinar atrophy occurs alongside chemical denervation from BoNT.
Area of Science:
- Salivary Gland Physiology
- Neurotoxin Research
- Cellular Biology
Background:
- Botulinum toxin (BoNT) injection causes temporary submandibular gland denervation and reduced salivary secretion.
- The relationship between BoNT-induced denervation and acinar atrophy in salivary glands requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if temporary acinar atrophy occurs concurrently with the chemical denervation of salivary glands following intraglandular botulinum toxin injection.
Main Methods:
- Submandibular glands of Wistar rats were injected with BoNT A, BoNT B, or a combination, with saline as a sham control.
- Morphometric measurements, immunohistochemistry, electron microscopy, and Western blot analysis were employed to assess gland changes.
Main Results:
- Morphological and ultrastructural analyses revealed significant acinar atrophy, particularly with combined BoNT/A and B injections.
- Morphometric analysis showed a significant reduction in acinar cell area post-BoNT injection (P=0.031).
- Amylase expression was significantly decreased in BoNT-treated glands.
Conclusions:
- Intraglandular BoNT application induces structural and functional changes in salivary glands, evidenced by glandular atrophy.
- These effects are likely due to BoNT-induced glandular denervation, inhibiting SNARE proteins crucial for neurotransmitter release and exocytosis.
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