Abstract
The physiologic role of the parotid glands is more complex than its recognized salivary function. Various investigators have suggested an intriguing relationship between the parotids and the pancreas, both endocrine and exocrine in nature.
We studied in rats the contribution of salivary glands in the regulation of β-cell function in response to an acute intra-arterial glucose challenge in parotidectomized, submandibulariectomized and totally sialoadenectomized animals. Fifteen days post-parotidectomy or total sialoadenectomy, the β-cell response, at 2 minutes post-glucose infusion, diminishes and stabilizes at about 40% of the preoperative value. Concurrent with the depressed insulin secretion a correspondingly higher glucose titer was observed at 6 and 10 minutes post-glucose infusion.
In addition, the role of age on the effect of long-term sialoadenectomy and the effect of different concentrations of glucose on the β-cell response were examined in rats. The decreased sensitivity of the β-cells following parotidectomy is not dependent on the age at which the animals are operated. Even though there was less insulin available in the parotidectomized young rats, their growth was not affected. β-cell function and glucose clearance in parotidectomized animals show a progressive incompetence in the ability to cope with an increasing glucose challenge. Results indicate a rise in fasting plasma immunoreactive insulin (IRI) and glucose values in both parotidectomized and sham-operated animals over time. Animals which have been parotidectomized for 80 days have higher fasting plasma IRI and glucose levels than sham-operated controls.
Immunohistological techniques were employed in an attempt to identify the particular cell(s) in the parotid gland responsible for production of parotid hormone. Even though our data were not conclusive, they suggest that cells associated with connective tissue may be the source of parotid hormone.
LLU Discipline
Physiology
Department
Physiology
School
Graduate School
First Advisor
John Leonora
Second Advisor
Kenneth A. Arendt
Third Advisor
Raymond G. Hall, Jr.
Fourth Advisor
Robert W. Teel
Fifth Advisor
Jean-Marc Tieche
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Degree Level
Ph.D.
Year Degree Awarded
1986
Date (Title Page)
6-1986
Language
English
Library of Congress/MESH Subject Headings
Parotid Gland; Island of Langerhans; Hormones -- immunology
Type
Dissertation
Page Count
vi; 80
Digital Format
Digital Publisher
Loma Linda University Libraries
Copyright
Author
Usage Rights
This title appears here courtesy of the author, who has granted Loma Linda University a limited, non-exclusive right to make this publication available to the public. The author retains all other copyrights.
Recommended Citation
Cook, Denise S., "The Parotid Salivary Glands. I. Potential Role of a Parotid Factor Modulating Pancreatic β-Cell Function. II. An Immunohistological Study to Identify Parotid Hormone Secreting Cell(s)" (1986). Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects. 1362.
https://scholarsrepository.llu.edu/etd/1362
Collection
Loma Linda University Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Collection Website
http://scholarsrepository.llu.edu/etd/
Repository
Loma Linda University. Del E. Webb Memorial Library. University Archives