Chemotherapy-Induced Salivary Glands Hypofunction: A Pilot Biochemical and Histological Study

Introduction and Objective: Oral hyposalivation/xerostomia is a dose-limiting side effect of antineoplasic treatment. However, the influence of chemotherapy on salivary glands is poorly understood. Some studies have suggested an inflammation process in glandular tissue in patients submitted to 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU). The present study aimed to investigate the biochemical and histological characteristics of parotid and submandibular salivary glands from Syrian (golden) hamsters treated with 5-FU.

Method: The animals were divided into two groups: G1, control and G2, animals treated with chemotherapy (5-FU). The experimental time was 10 consecutive days after the first drug peritoneal administration. After that, the hamsters were euthanized and the salivary glands were removed. For histological assays, the glands of 10 hamsters were fixed as soon as they were removed, processed for embedding in JB4 historesin and examined under light microscopy. However, for biochemical analysis (protein concentration, catalase and peroxidase activity), the parotid and submandibular glands were clamped between aluminum tongs, precooled in dry ice, and stored at -80°C until being used.

Result: Results showed that glandular stroma increased in the G2 specimens, particularly in the submandibular gland. The end secretory pieces appeared smaller than control group, with loss of boundary between their cells. It also has been shown that 5-FU is involved in acinar atrophy of parotid glands. There were no statistical differences concerning biochemical analysis.

Conclusion: The results of the present study suggest that chemotherapy with 5-FU damages the salivary glands structure.