Epithelial disruptions, but not immune cell invasion, induced secretory dysfunction following innate immune activation in a novel model of acute salivary gland injury.

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Abstract

Background
Salivary gland (SG) injurious agents are all translated into loss of salivation (xerostomia). An association has been established between activation of innate immunity and SG injury and dysfunction. However, it remains unclear how the secretory epithelia respond by halting saliva production.

Methods
C57BL/6 submandibular glands (SMGs) were acutely challenged using a single dose of the innate immune stimulant: polyinosinic‐polycytidylic acid (poly (I:C)). Secretory capacity of the infected SMGs was substantiated by assessing the flow rate in response to pilocarpine stimulation. Depletion of the acute inflammatory cells was achieved by pre‐treating mice with RB6‐8C5 depletion antibody. Flow cytometry, histology and immunohistochemistry were conducted to verify the immune cell depletion. Epithelial expression of saliva‐driving molecules: muscarinic 3 receptor (M3R), aquaporin 5 water channel (AQP5), Na‐K‐CL‐Cotransporter 1 (NKCC1) and transmembrane member 16A (TMEM16A), was characterized using RT‐qPCR and immunohistochemistry. Tight junction (TJ) protein; zonula occludens (ZO‐1) and basement membrane (BM) protein; and laminin were assessed by immunohistochemistry.

Results
Innate immune challenge prompted dysfunction in the exocrine SGs. Dysregulated gene and protein expression of molecules that drive saliva secretion was substantiated. Aberrant expression of TJ and BM proteins followed innate immune activation. Hyposalivation in the current model was independent of myeloperoxidase (MPO)‐positive, acute inflammatory cells.

Conclusions
In this study, we developed a novel injury model of the SGs, featuring acute secretory dysfunction and immediate structural disruptions. Our results ruled out the injurious role of aggressively infiltrating inflammatory cells.

Publication cover image
Volume47, Issue2

February 2018

Pages 211-219

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)211-219
JournalJournal of Oral Pathology & Medicine
Volume47
Issue number2
Early online date18 Dec 2017
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Feb 2018

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