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Ablation of submandibular salivary glands in rats provokes a decrease in plasma luteinizing hormone levels correlated
R Boyer1, R Escola, M T Bluet-Pajot
1Laboratory of Histology, Faculty of Dental Surgery, University of Montpellier I, France.
Archives of Oral Biology
|January 1, 1990
Summary
Removing submandibular salivary glands in rats significantly decreased plasma luteinizing hormone (LH) levels, impacting Leydig cell morphology and suggesting a link between salivary glands and the gonadotropic axis.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Reproductive Biology
- Physiology
Background:
- Submandibular gland ablation in rats has been linked to testicular interstitial tissue atrophy.
- The precise mechanism behind this atrophy, particularly concerning hormonal regulation, remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if altered plasma and hypophyseal luteinizing hormone (LH) levels mediate testicular atrophy post-submandibular gland removal.
- To explore the potential endocrinological connection between submandibular glands and the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis.
Main Methods:
- Rats underwent submandibular gland sialectomy or sham operation.
- Plasma and pituitary LH levels were quantified using LH-RIA (Luteinizing Hormone Radioimmunoassay).
- Testicular interstitial tissue was examined via electron microscopy.
Main Results:
- Operated rats showed a significant reduction in plasma LH levels compared to controls (47.28 ± 7 ng/ml vs. 70.42 ± 8 ng/ml, p < 0.02).
- Pituitary LH content remained unchanged between groups.
- Electron microscopy revealed significant Leydig cell morphological alterations, including reduced mitochondria and smooth endoplasmic reticulum.
Conclusions:
- Submandibular gland ablation leads to decreased plasma LH, not altered pituitary LH content.
- Morphological changes in Leydig cells suggest impaired steroidogenesis.
- These findings indicate a physiological role for submandibular glands in the endocrine regulation of the gonadotropic axis.