Reduced statherin reactivity of human submandibular gland in diabetes.
OBJECTIVE
Statherin is a salivary protein involved in the formation of enamel pellicle and in regulation of calcium homeostasis. Diabetes and other pathologies affect both salivary flow and protein secretion by salivary glands, causing increased susceptibility to mucosal infections, tooth demineralization, and caries. The purpose of this study was to compare the statherin expression in submandibular glands of healthy and diabetic subjects.


METHODS
Fragments of submandibular glands obtained from diabetic and non diabetic patients were fixed, dehydrated, embedded in Epon Resin and processed for the immunogold histochemistry. The results were statistically evaluated.


RESULTS
Specific statherin labeling was demonstrated in secretory granules of acinar cells in both diabetic and normal samples. The staining was much more intense in the latter compared to those of diabetics. The labeling density was quantified by evaluating the number and spatial distribution of gold particles within the granules. The number of gold particles was significantly lower in glands from diabetics than in control glands.


CONCLUSIONS
The results obtained suggest that a reduced statherin secretion by salivary glands might be partly responsible for a less effective protection of the oral tissues, resulting in an higher incidence of caries and oral infections associated with diabetes.
Isola
M
M
Department of Cytomorphology, University of Cagliari, Italy. misola@unica.it
Solinas
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P
Proto
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Cossu
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Lantini
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MS
D000328:Adult; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D046529:Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; D008875:Middle Aged; D012471:Salivary Proteins and Peptides / Q000032:analysis*; D022142:Secretory Vesicles / Q000737:chemistry / Q000648:ultrastructure; D013363:Submandibular Gland / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology
C018149:STATH protein, human; D012471:Salivary Proteins and Peptides