Re-distribution of tenascin-C in the parotid acinar cells. An early marker of radiation-induced damage of salivary glands?
OBJECTIVE
In order to investigate the early changes in the expression of tenascin-C, following irradiation and the associated functional impairment of salivary glands.


METHODS
Fifteen rabbits were used for the study. Five provided control parotid gland tissue and a further 10 rabbits were scintigraphically examined prior to and 24 h after 15/30 Gy. Glands were studied histologically using HE-staining and tenascin-C antibodies.


RESULTS
Reduction in the salivary ejection fraction (SEF) was observed in all irradiated glands. Simultaneously, a marked re-distribution of tenascin-C expression was noticed. Reactivity detected in the intercalated, secretory ducts and perineurinal regions prior to radiation was noticed intracellularly after 24 h. Furthermore, nerves showed tenascin-C expression in the Schwann cells, but no longer perineurinally. Myofibroblasts were also observed in the stroma.


CONCLUSIONS
This study proves the ability to predict functional disorders of salivary function as early as 24 h after radiation and provides evidence of the participation of tenascin-C in the pathological process of radiation-induced damage in salivary glands.
Hakim
S G
SG
Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, and Medical University of Luebeck, Luebeck, Germany. Samer.Hakim@mkg-chir.mu-luebeck.de
Lauer
I
I
Nadrowitz
R
R
Berndt
A
A
Kosmehl
H
H
Sieg
P
P
D000818:Animals; D008297:Male; D010305:Parotid Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism; D010306:Parotid Gland / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000378:metabolism / Q000528:radiation effects*; D011817:Rabbits; D011833:Radiation Injuries, Experimental / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000378:metabolism*; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging; D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D013670:Sodium Pertechnetate Tc 99m / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D019063:Tenascin / Q000378:metabolism*
D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals; D019063:Tenascin; D013670:Sodium Pertechnetate Tc 99m