The apoptotic effect of midazolam on the salivary gland of rats and the reversal effect by pilocarpine

Abstract

To evaluate the apoptosis in parotid glands of rats treated with midazolam associated or not with pilocarpine, 60 Wistar rats were assigned to 6 groups: control groups received saline solution for 30 days (S) and 60 days (S) and the other groups received pilocarpine for 60 days (P), midazolam for 30 days (M), midazolam for 30 days and 30 days of saline (M + S), and finally midazolam for 30 days and 30 days of midazolam and pilocarpine (M + MP). Histological sections were subjected to the TdT-mediated dUTP-biotin nick and labeling technique. The number of positive and negative cells was quantified, calculating the apoptotic index. ANOVA at 2 criteria and Tukey's test were used. A greater apoptotic index was observed in the M (52.79 ± 9.01) and M + S (62.43 ± 8.52) groups when compared with the S (37.94 ± 5.94) and S (31.85 ± 9.18) groups, respectively (p < 0.05). There was no difference between M + MP (30.98 ± 6.19) and S60 (31.85 ± 9.18) groups regarding apoptotic index. Chronic administration of midazolam has been shown to increase the number of apoptotic cells in the parotid glands of rats. However, pilocarpine inhibited this effect, thus inhibiting the apoptosis.

Does Clonazepam induce salivary gland toxicity? A morphometric analysis of salivary glands in pregnant mice

“…Health Sciences, v. 45, e60003, 2023 a result of chronic exposure to two benzodiazepines, Midazolam and Lorazepam (Rinaldi et al, 2015). Moreover, it was shown that the chronic use of Midazolam was able to induce apoptosis of acinar cells (Rinaldi et al, 2018). Furthermore, Diazepam, also a benzodiazepine, has been shown to induce atrophy in parotid gland acini in rodents (Rinaldi et al, 2015).…”

Lorazepam induces acinar cells apoptosis of rat parotid glands

“…Previous studies, by our research group, demonstrated the damage Lorazepam and midazolam, another BDZ commonly prescribed for anxiety, caused to the acinar cells of parotid glands ( Rinaldi et al, 2015 , Mattioli et al, 2016 , Rinaldi et al, 2018 ). We observed that the chronic use of BZDs significantly decreased the number and proliferation of acinar cells, reduced salivary flow and increased cell volume.…”