Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 20, 2026
07:44
Retroductal Submandibular Gland Instillation and Localized Fractionated Irradiation in a Rat Model of Salivary Hypofunction
Published on: April 24, 2016
Radiation-induced xerostomia: is octreotide the solution?
Mathieu Belzile1, Maxime St-Amant, David Mathieu
1Département de chirurgie, Faculté de médecine, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec J1H 5N4, Canada.
Summary
Octreotide demonstrated radioprotective effects on rat parotid glands following gamma knife irradiation. This study investigated its potential to mitigate radiation damage to salivary glands, showing promising results in preserving ductal structures.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Radiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Salivary gland dysfunction is a common side effect of radiation therapy.
- Octreotide, a somatostatin analog, has shown radioprotective effects on the pituitary gland.
- This study investigates octreotide's potential radioprotective effects on salivary glands.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the radioprotective potential of octreotide on rat parotid glands after gamma knife irradiation.
- To assess the impact of octreotide on salivary gland structure and function post-irradiation.
Main Methods:
- A prospective randomized controlled animal study was conducted on 18 rats.
- Rats received either saline or octreotide 30 minutes before 30 Gy gamma knife irradiation to the left parotid gland.
- Saliva was collected pre- and post-irradiation, and glands were histologically examined for fibrosis, ducts, fat, vessels, and acini.
Main Results:
- Post-irradiation saliva secretion was diminished in the saline group compared to the non-irradiated gland.
- Increased fibrosis was observed in the irradiated gland in both octreotide and saline groups.
- The octreotide group showed a significantly higher percentage of duct cells in the irradiated gland.
Conclusions:
- Octreotide demonstrated radioprotective effects on rat parotid glands one month after 30 Gy gamma knife irradiation.
- Octreotide may help preserve salivary gland function and structure following radiation exposure.
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