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Salivary Glands and Saliva

Salivary Glands and Saliva

The salivary glands, of which there are three pairs known as the parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands, play a crucial role in maintaining oral health and initiating the digestive process. Positioned near the ears, beneath the masseter muscle, the parotid glands secrete saliva into the oral cavity through the parotid duct of Stensen. Meanwhile, the submandibular glands, located on the floor of the mouth, secrete saliva through channels named submandibular ducts. The sublingual glands,...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 26, 2026

Retroductal Submandibular Gland Instillation and Localized Fractionated Irradiation in a Rat Model of Salivary Hypofunction

Retroductal Submandibular Gland Instillation and Localized Fractionated Irradiation in a Rat Model of Salivary Hypofunction

Published on: April 24, 2016

Wetting the whistle: neurotropic factor improves salivary function.

Adam Swick, Randall J Kimple

The Journal of Clinical Investigation

|July 19, 2014

Summary

Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) may stimulate salivary stem cell growth, offering a potential new treatment for dry mouth (xerostomia). This discovery could help millions suffering from this common condition.

Area of Science:

Regenerative Medicine
Oral Biology
Neurobiology

Background:

Xerostomia (dry mouth) is a prevalent side effect of various conditions including head and neck radiotherapy, Sjögren syndrome, diabetes, aging, and medications.
Current treatments for xerostomia are limited, highlighting the need for novel therapeutic strategies.
Salivary gland dysfunction significantly impacts patients' quality of life.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate potential endogenous factors that stimulate salivary stem cell proliferation.
To identify novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of xerostomia.

Main Methods:

The study identified glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) as a key factor.
Investigated the role of GDNF in promoting salivary stem cell growth and function.

More Related Videos

Murine Salivary Functional Assessment via Pilocarpine Stimulation Following Fractionated Radiation

Murine Salivary Functional Assessment via Pilocarpine Stimulation Following Fractionated Radiation

Published on: May 4, 2018

Radiation Treatment of Organotypic Cultures from Submandibular and Parotid Salivary Glands Models Key In Vivo Characteristics

Radiation Treatment of Organotypic Cultures from Submandibular and Parotid Salivary Glands Models Key In Vivo Characteristics

Published on: May 17, 2019

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Apr 26, 2026

Retroductal Submandibular Gland Instillation and Localized Fractionated Irradiation in a Rat Model of Salivary Hypofunction

Retroductal Submandibular Gland Instillation and Localized Fractionated Irradiation in a Rat Model of Salivary Hypofunction

Published on: April 24, 2016

Murine Salivary Functional Assessment via Pilocarpine Stimulation Following Fractionated Radiation

Murine Salivary Functional Assessment via Pilocarpine Stimulation Following Fractionated Radiation

Published on: May 4, 2018

Radiation Treatment of Organotypic Cultures from Submandibular and Parotid Salivary Glands Models Key In Vivo Characteristics

Radiation Treatment of Organotypic Cultures from Submandibular and Parotid Salivary Glands Models Key In Vivo Characteristics

Published on: May 17, 2019

Main Results:

Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) was identified as a potent stimulus for salivary stem cell growth.
GDNF's known neurotrophic properties suggest its potential to enhance salivary gland regeneration.

Conclusions:

GDNF represents a promising therapeutic candidate for stimulating salivary stem cell activity.
This research may lead to new treatments for xerostomia, addressing a significant unmet clinical need.