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A Method for the Measurement of Salivary Gland Function in Mice
Published on: January 25, 2018
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Altered Rheological Properties of Saliva with Aging in Mouse Sublingual Gland
M Yamada1, C Masaki1, T Mukaibo1
1Division of Oral Reconstruction and Rehabilitation, Kyushu Dental University, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka, Japan.
Journal of Dental Research
|March 3, 2022
Summary
Aging reduces saliva spinnbarkeit (viscoelasticity) in mouse sublingual glands, linked to decreased sialic acid. This may explain dry mouth symptoms independent of saliva volume.
Area of Science:
- Oral Biology
- Biochemistry
- Gerontology
Background:
- Salivary mucins are crucial for oral hydration and lubrication, and their dysfunction can cause dry mouth (xerostomia).
- Aging's impact on salivary gland function and saliva rheology remains unclear, despite aging being a complex, multifactorial process.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate age-related changes in saliva rheological properties.
- To elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms of these changes in salivary glands.
Main Methods:
- Ex vivo perfusion of submandibular (SMG) and sublingual (SLG) glands from young and aged mice.
- Measurement of saliva spinnbarkeit (viscoelasticity) and fluid secretion.
- Analysis of O-glycan structures, lectin binding, and gene/protein expression (St3gal1).
Main Results:
- Saliva secretion rates were similar between young and aged mice.
- A significant decrease in spinnbarkeit was observed in aged SLG saliva compared to young SLG saliva.
- Downregulation of α-2,3 sialic acid sialyltransferase (SIAT4-A) expression and reduced α-2,3-linked sialic acid were found in aged SLG.
Conclusions:
- Reduced spinnbarkeit in aging mouse SLG saliva is associated with decreased α-2,3-linked sialic acid due to SIAT4-A downregulation.
- These rheological changes may contribute to hyposalivation-independent xerostomia in aging individuals.
