Reinnervated nerves contribute to the secretion function and regeneration of denervated submandibular glands in rabbits

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the contribution of redistributed nerves in the secretory function and regeneration of a denervated submandibular gland (SMG). The postganglionic parasympathetic and sympathetic denervated SMGs of rabbits were wrapped in polyester or acellular dermal matrices to block nerve regeneration either partially or completely. Submandibular glands were removed 4, 8, 16, and 24 wk after the operation and examined histologically. Furthermore, the aquaporin-5 (AQP5), muscarinic-3 (M3), and β1-adrenergic receptors were evaluated by immunofluorescence and western blot analysis. After denervation, salivary flow was decreased and acinar cells were atrophic, and the expression levels of the M3, β1-adrenergic, and AQP5 receptors were decreased. However, both impaired secretion function and atrophic parenchyma were gradually ameliorated with the growing redistribution of parasympathetic and sympathetic nerves. Apoptosis was markedly inhibited and expression of the M3, β1-adrenergic, and AQP5 receptors was increased after reinnervation. In contrast, SMGs without reinnervated nerves maintained hyposecretion and atrophic parenchyma. In conclusion, reinnervated nerves in a rabbit's denervated SMG played an important role in the secretion function and regeneration of SMGs via up-regulation of the expression of neurotransmitter receptors and AQP5.

Electrostimulation of the lingual nerve by an intraoral device may lead to salivary gland regeneration: A case series study

“…In general parasympathetic innervation is required for salivary organogenesis by maintenance of the epithelial progenitor cell population ( 20 ). Long-term studies on adult animals show the importance of the parasympathetic nerves in the recovery of salivary glands subjected to atrophic influences: (a) upon parasympathetic denervation and allowing time for re-innervation, the atrophic glands gain in weight and the reflexly elicited secretory response returns ( 21 , 22 ) and (b) upon extreme atrophy, such as after a transient period of duct-ligation, while providing for the maintenance of the parasympathetic innervation, salivary glands retain the ability to regenerate ( 23 ).…”

Autonomic reinnervation and functional regeneration in autologous transplanted submandibular glands in patients with severe keratoconjunctivitis sicca

“…Previous research suggested that cholinergic signaling promotes gland regeneration after irradiation damage 15 and reinnervation ameliorates the gland atrophy and dysfunction caused by parasympathectomy. 26 – 28 Our results showed the cholinergic axon density and the acinar area of the transplanted glands increased in human transplanted glands over observed time. The cholinergic axon density correlated with the acinar area and the secretory flow rate in the rabbit SMG transplantation model.…”

Mouth-Watering Results: Clinical Need, Current Approaches, and Future Directions for Salivary Gland Regeneration

“…postoperative facial nerve damage [33]. Given the recently documented role of nerve signalling in SG homeostasis and regeneration [24,34], postoperative nerve damage may have a more significant effect on SG function following tumour resection than previously thought.…”