Effects of cadmium on the function and structure of the rat salivary glands

The effects of sub-chronic cadmium (Cd) administration on the structure and subsequent secretory responses of the submaxillary and parotid glands to sialagogues were investigated. Female Wistar rats were injected subcutaneously with cadmium chloride (3.0 mg/kg body weight), 4 times a week for 2, 3 or 4 weeks. Functional and histopathological studies were done 3 days after the last injection. Dose-response curves for norepinephrine and methacholine were obtained. After 2 weeks of Cd administration significant changes in the secretory response to these sialogogues were observed. The dose-response curves after pretreatment with Cd for 3 weeks were also shifted to the right, but the response showed recovery when compared with that of 2-week treated animals. Parotid amylase concentration was also diminished by Cd. Treated rats had reduced acinar diameters, and an increase in acinar cell nuclei per field in both the submaxillary and parotid glands. Thus sub-chronic administration of ionized Cd produces morphological and functional changes in rat salivary glands. Moreover, the extent of tubular and acinar damage matches the degree of gland dysfunction as judged by the diminution of secretory responses to sialagogues.