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A Method for the Measurement of Salivary Gland Function in Mice
Published on: January 25, 2018
Fucoidan attenuates radioiodine-induced salivary gland dysfunction in mice
Young-Mo Kim1,2, Jeong Mi Kim1,2, Ji Won Kim1,2
1Translational Research Center, Inha University, Incheon, Republic of Korea.
Background:
Radioiodine (RI) treatments can destroy the cellular components of salivary glands (SG) and disrupt their function. This study investigated whether fucoidan could attenuate radioiodine-induced SG dysfunction in a mouse model.
Methods:
Female C57BL/6 mice (n = 36) were classified into three groups; i) a normal (control) group, ii) an RI-treated group (0.2 mCi/20 g mouse, administered orally), and iii) a fucoidan and RI-treated group. Mice in each group were classified into three subgroups and sacrificed at 2, 4, and 12 weeks after RI treatment. The measurements of salivary flow rates and lag times and histomorphologic examinations were performed, and apoptotic assays were conducted. Changes in salivary 99mTechnetium (Tc)-pertechnetate parameters using single-photon emission computed tomography were followed.
Results:
Salivary flow rates and lag times in the fucoidan group were improved compared to the RI-treated group. Histologic examinations of SGs in the fucoidan group showed mucin-rich parenchymal areas and reduced periductal fibrosis as compared to the RI-treated group. Moreover, compared with the RI-treated group, fucoidan-treated groups showed evidence of cytoprotection, with a greater number of salivary epithelial cells and myoepithelial cells being observed. Fewer apoptotic cells were observed in the fucoidan group as compared to the RI group. The extent of 99mTc pertechnetate excretion in the fucoidan group was similar to that of the control group.
Conclusion:
Our results demonstrate that fucoidan administration before RI treatment could attenuate RI-induced SG damage and provides a possible candidate for preventing SG damage induced by RI.
Insights
Fucoidan administration may protect salivary glands from radioiodine damage. This study found fucoidan improved salivary gland function and reduced cell damage in mice treated with radioiodine.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical research
- Pharmacology
- Radiology
Background:
- Radioiodine (RI) treatments can cause damage to salivary glands (SG), disrupting their function.
- Investigating protective agents against RI-induced SG dysfunction is crucial for patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the potential of fucoidan in mitigating radioiodine-induced salivary gland dysfunction in a mouse model.
- To assess the protective effects of fucoidan on salivary gland structure and function after RI exposure.
Main Methods:
- A mouse model was used, with groups receiving normal diet, RI treatment, or fucoidan plus RI treatment.
- Salivary flow rates, lag times, histopathology, apoptosis assays, and 99mTc-pertechnetate uptake were measured over 12 weeks.
- Mice were sacrificed at 2, 4, and 12 weeks post-RI treatment for detailed analysis.
Main Results:
- Fucoidan treatment significantly improved salivary flow rates and lag times compared to RI-only treatment.
- Histological analysis revealed reduced fibrosis and increased mucin content in SGs of fucoidan-treated mice.
- Fucoidan administration reduced apoptosis and preserved salivary epithelial and myoepithelial cells, indicating cytoprotective effects.
Conclusions:
- Fucoidan administration before radioiodine treatment can attenuate salivary gland damage.
- Fucoidan shows promise as a protective agent to prevent salivary gland dysfunction induced by radioiodine therapy.
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