Nitric oxide signalling in salivary glands

The integrated stress response is activated in the salivary glands of Sjögren's syndrome patients

Introduction

Primary Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is an autoimmune exocrinopathy that affects the structure and function of salivary and lachrymal glands. Labial salivary gland (LSG) acinar cells from SS patients lose cellular homeostasis and experience endoplasmic reticulum and oxidative stress. The integrated cellular stress response (ISR) is an adaptive pathway essential for restoring homeostasis against various stress-inducing factors, including pro-inflammatory cytokines, and endoplasmic reticulum and oxidative stress. ISR activation leads eIF2α phosphorylation, which transiently blocks protein synthesis while allowing the ATF4 expression, which induces a gene expression program that seeks to optimize cellular recovery. PKR, HRI, GCN2, and PERK are the four sentinel stress kinases that control eIF2α phosphorylation. Dysregulation and chronic activation of ISR signaling have pathologic consequences associated with inflammation.

Methods

Here, we analyzed the activation of the ISR in LSGs of SS-patients and non-SS sicca controls, determining the mRNA, protein, and phosphorylated-protein levels of key ISR components, as well as the expression of some of ATF4 targets. Moreover, we performed a qualitative characterization of the distribution of ISR components in LSGs from both groups and evaluated if their levels correlate with clinical parameters.

Results

We observed that the four ISR sensors are expressed in LSGs of both groups. However, only PKR and PERK showed increased expression and/or activation in LSGs from SS-patients. eIF2α and p-eIF2α protein levels significantly increased in SS-patients; meanwhile components of the PP1c complex responsible for eIF2α dephosphorylation decreased. ATF4 mRNA levels were decreased in LSGs from SS-patients along with hypermethylation of the ATF4 promoter. Despite low mRNA levels, SS-patients showed increased levels of ATF4 protein and ATF4-target genes involved in the antioxidant response. The acinar cells of SS-patients showed increased staining intensity for PKR, p-PKR, p-PERK, p-eIF2α, ATF4, xCT, CHOP, and NRF2. Autoantibodies, focus score, and ESSDAI were correlated with p-PERK/PERK ratio and ATF4 protein levels.

Discussion

In summary, the results showed an increased ISR activation in LSGs of SS-patients. The increased protein levels of ATF4 and ATF4-target genes involved in the redox homeostasis could be part of a rescue response against the various stressful conditions to which the LSGs of SS-patients are subjected and promote cell survival.

A Case-Control Study of Salivary Redox Homeostasis in Hypertensive Children. Can Salivary Uric Acid be a Marker of Hypertension?

Oxidative stress plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of hypertension; however, there are no data on salivary redox homeostasis and salivary gland function in children with hypertension. A total of 53 children with hypertension and age- and sex-matched controls were classified for the study. The antioxidant barrier and oxidative/nitrosative stress were evaluated in non-stimulated (NWS) and stimulated (SWS) whole saliva, plasma, and erythrocytes, with Student's t-test and Mann-Whitney U-test used for statistical analysis. We demonstrated that the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and peroxidase were significantly higher in NWS, SWS, and erythrocytes of children with hypertension, similar to oxidative damage in proteins (advanced glycation end products) and lipids (malondialdehyde) as well as nitrosative stress markers (peroxynitrite and nitrotyrosine). The level of uric acid (UA) was significantly higher in NWS, SWS, and plasma of children with hypertension. UA concentration in SWS correlated positively with systolic and diastolic blood pressure and UA content in plasma. This parameter differentiates children with hypertension from healthy controls (AUC = 0.98) with a high degree of sensitivity (94%) and specificity (94%). Stimulated salivary flow was significantly lower in the hypertension group, similar to total protein content and salivary amylase activity. In summary, childhood hypertension is associated with hyposalivation as well as disturbances in antioxidant defense and enhanced oxidative/nitrosative damage both in the plasma/erythrocytes as well as saliva. Salivary UA may be a potential biomarker of hypertension in children.

Enhanced Inflammation and Nitrosative Stress in the Saliva and Plasma of Patients with Plaque Psoriasis

Psoriasis is the most common inflammatory skin disease, characterized by the release ofproinflammatory cytokines from lymphocytes, keratinocytes, and dendritic cells. Although psoriasis is considered an immune-mediated inflammatory disease, its effect on secretory activity of salivary glands and quantitative composition of saliva is still unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the secretion of saliva as well as several selected inflammation and nitrosative stress biomarkers in unstimulated and stimulated saliva as well as plasma of psoriasis patients. We demonstrated that, with progressing severity and duration of the disease, the  secretory function of the parotid and submandibular salivary glands is lost, which is  manifested as decreased unstimulated and stimulated saliva secretion and reduced salivary amylase activity and total protein concentration. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-2 (IL-2), and interferon-gamma (INF-α) were significantly higher, whereas interleukin-10 (IL-10) content was considerably lower in unstimulated and stimulated saliva of patients with psoriasis compared to the controls, and the changes increased with the disease duration. Similarly, we observed that the intensity of nitrosative stress in the salivary glands of psoriasis patients depended on the duration of the disease. By means of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, we showed that the evaluation of nitric oxide (NO), nitrotyrosine, and IL-2 concentration in non-stimulated saliva with high sensitivity and specificity differentiatedpsoriasis patients on the basis of the rate of saliva secretion (normal salivation vs. hyposalivation). In summary, the dysfunction of salivary glands in psoriasis patients is caused by inflammation and nitrosative stress.

Cytokines, cortisol, and nitric oxide as salivary biomarkers in oral lichen planus: a systematic review

The etiopathogenesis of oral lichen planus (OLP) is still not fully elucidated, and it is believed that its development could involve a neuro-immune-endocrine profile. This systematic review investigated the relationship between cytokines, cortisol, and nitric oxide (NO) in the saliva of OLP patients. An electronic search was conducted in Pubmed/Medline, Scopus, LIVIVO, and Web of Science databases with no restriction of language to identify studies published up to December 2017. Data extraction was performed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A total of 140 articles were retrieved, and 32 articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria (cytokines = 17; cortisol = 9; NO = 6). The most studied cytokines in the saliva of OLP patients were interleukins IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IFN-ү, and TNF-α, which were higher in OLP patients than in healthy controls (HC). Salivary cortisol was found to be higher in OLP than in HC in most (55.5%) of the selected studies, and all studies related to NO found higher levels of this marker in OLP than in HC. Despite controversial results, our review suggests that OLP patients have an increased inflammatory response, as indicated by the proinflammatory profile of salivary cytokines. In addition, we conclude that salivary cytokine and NO measurements may have significant diagnostic and prognostic potential for monitoring disease activity and therapeutic responses in OLP.

Local tissue manipulation via a force- and pressure-controlled AFM micropipette for analysis of cellular processes

Local manipulation of complex tissues at the single-cell level is challenging and requires excellent sealing between the specimen and the micromanipulation device. Here, biological applications for a recently developed loading technique for a force- and pressure-controlled fluidic force microscope micropipette are described. This technique allows for the exact positioning and precise spatiotemporal control of liquid delivery. The feasibility of a local loading technique for tissue applications was investigated using two fluorescent dyes, with which local loading behaviour could be optically visualised. Thus, homogeneous intracellular distribution of CellTracker Red and accumulation of SYTO 9 Green within nuclei was realised in single cells of a tissue preparation. Subsequently, physiological micromanipulation experiments were performed. Salivary gland tissue was pre-incubated with the Ca2+-sensitive dye OGB-1. An intracellular Ca2+ rise was then initiated at the single-cell level by applying dopamine via micropipette. When pre-incubating tissue with the nitric oxide (NO)-sensitive dye DAF-FM, NO release and intercellular NO diffusion was observed after local application of the NO donor SNP. Finally, local micromanipulation of a well-defined area along irregularly shaped cell surfaces of complex biosystems was shown for the first time for the fluidic force microscope micropipette. Thus, this technique is a promising tool for the investigation of the spatiotemporal effects of locally applied substances in complex tissues.

Effects of Diabetes on Salivary Gland Protein Expression of Tetrahydrobiopterin and Nitric Oxide Synthesis and Function

BACKGROUND

Xerostomia is defined as dry mouth resulting from a change in the amount or composition of saliva and is often a major oral health complication associated with diabetes mellitus (DM). Studies have shown that xerostomia is more common in females at the onset of DM. Evidence suggests that nitric oxide (NO) plays a critical role in healthy salivary gland function. However, the specific mechanisms by which NO regulates salivary gland function at the onset of DM have yet to be determined. This study has two aims: 1) to determine whether protein expression or dimerization of NO synthase enzymes (neuronal [nNOS] and endothelial [eNOS]) are altered in the onset of diabetic xerostomia; and 2) to determine whether the changes in nNOS/eNOS protein expression or dimerization are correlated with changes in NO cofactor tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) biosynthetic enzymes (guanosine triphosphate cyclohydrolase-1 and dihydrofolate reductase).

METHODS

Functional and Western blot studies were performed in streptozotocin-induced and control Sprague-Dawley female rats with DM (type 1 [t1DM]) using standardized protocols. Confirmation of xerostomia was determined by increased water intake and decreased salivary flow rate.

RESULTS

The results showed that in female rats with DM, salivary hypofunction is correlated with decreased submandibular and parotid gland sizes. The results also show a decrease in NOS and BH4 biosynthetic enzyme in submandibular glands.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that a decrease in submandibular NO-BH4 protein expression may provide insight pertaining to mechanisms for the development of hyposalivation in DM-induced xerostomia. Furthermore, understanding the role of the NO-BH4 pathway may give insight into possible treatment options for the patient with DM experiencing xerostomia.

A case for IL-6, IL-17A, and nitric oxide in the pathophysiology of Sjögren's syndrome

Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is an autoimmune epithelitis characterized by mononuclear cell (MNC) infiltration of the lacrimal and salivary glands (SG), as well as the presence of serum autoantibodies. This condition is a growing public health concern in Algeria. Herein, we sought to determine if the levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-17A, and nitric oxide (NO), were correlated with the extent of MNC infiltration. The expression of inducible NO synthase (NOS2) and CD68 was measured in the SG of all patients, but not in those of the normal controls (NCs). We included 44 primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) patients and 15 NCs in this study; we found that the expression of NOS2 and CD68 was elevated in all of the SG of SS patients. Additionally, the serum and saliva levels of IL-6, IL-17A, and NO were higher in the pSS patients, compared with the NCs. Furthermore, the NOS2-induced excess NO was associated with the extent of the MNC infiltration, and thereby with tissue injury. It is also important to note that there were correlations between the levels of IL-6, IL-17A, and NO. Such findings indicate that through the effects of NO, IL-17A participates in the pathophysiology of the disease. With the purpose of improving both the diagnosis and prognosis, IL-6, IL-17A, and NO should be assayed in the serum and saliva of patients suspected of SS.

World Workshop on Oral Medicine VI: a systematic review of medication-induced salivary gland dysfunction

The aim of this paper was to perform a systematic review of the pathogenesis of medication-induced salivary gland dysfunction (MISGD). Review of the identified papers was based on the standards regarding the methodology for systematic reviews set forth by the World Workshop on Oral Medicine IV and the PRISMA statement. Eligible papers were assessed for both the degree and strength of relevance to the pathogenesis of MISGD as well as on the appropriateness of the study design and sample size. A total of 99 papers were retained for the final analysis. MISGD in human studies was generally reported as xerostomia (the sensation of oral dryness) without measurements of salivary secretion rate. Medications may act on the central nervous system (CNS) and/or at the neuroglandular junction on muscarinic, α-and β-adrenergic receptors and certain peptidergic receptors. The types of medications that were most commonly implicated for inducing salivary gland dysfunction were those acting on the nervous, cardiovascular, genitourinary, musculoskeletal, respiratory, and alimentary systems. Although many medications may affect the salivary flow rate and composition, most of the studies considered only xerostomia. Thus, further human studies are necessary to improve our understanding of the association between MISGD and the underlying pathophysiology.

Hydrogen sulfide: a novel gaseous signaling molecule and intracellular Ca2+ regulator in rat parotid acinar cells

In addition to nitric oxide (NO), hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is recognized as a crucial gaseous messenger that exerts many biological actions in various tissues. An attempt was made to assess the roles and underlying mechanisms of both gases in isolated rat parotid acinar cells. Ductal cells and some acinar cells were found to express NO and H2S synthases. Cevimeline, a muscarinic receptor agonist upregulated endothelial NO synthase in parotid tissue. NO and H2S donors increased the intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i). This was not affected by inhibitors of phospholipase C and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors, but was decreased by blockers of ryanodine receptors (RyRs), soluble guanylyl cyclase, and protein kinase G. The H2S donor evoked NO production, which was decreased by blockade of NO synthases or phosphoinositide 3-kinase or by hypotaurine, an H2S scavenger. The H2S donor-induced [Ca2+]i increase was diminished by a NO scavenger or the NO synthases blocker. These results suggest that NO and H2S play important roles in regulating [Ca2+]i via soluble guanylyl cyclase-cGMP-protein kinase G-RyRs, but not via inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors. The effect of H2S may be partially through NO produced via phosphoinositide 3-kinase-Akt-endothelial NO synthase. It was concluded that both gases regulate [Ca2+]i in a synergistic way, mainly via RyRs in rat parotid acinar cells.

Reduced muscarinic parotid secretion is underlain by impaired NO signaling in diabetic rabbits

OBJECTIVES

The influence of experimental diabetes (alloxan, 100 mg kg(-1) ) was studied on rabbit parotid gland function.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Carbachol-induced parotid secretion in vivo, and in vitro quantification of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) mRNA expression, by real-time RT-PCR, and activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in commercial colorimetric assays were measured in parotid glands of non-diabetic and diabetic rabbits.

RESULTS

Carbachol-induced dose-dependent increase in parotid secretion significantly reduced in diabetic rabbits. Functional studies in the presence of muscarinic receptor and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) antagonists revealed that in M3 receptor-mediated carbachol secretion, nitric oxide, deriving mainly from neuronal NOS (nNOS) in control, and iNOS in diabetic rabbits, was involved. Also, upregulation of iNOS mRNA expression and enhanced SOD activity and TAC were detected in diabetic glands.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that decreased M3 receptor-mediated parotid secretion in diabetic rabbits appears to be due to alterations in NO signaling, mainly due to iNOS induction, accompanied by elevated antioxidant response.

The oral microbiome and nitric oxide homoeostasis

The tiny radical nitric oxide (NO) participates in a vast number of physiological functions including vasodilation, nerve transmission, host defence and cellular energetics. Classically produced by a family of specific enzymes, NO synthases (NOSs), NO signals via reactions with other radicals or transition metals. An alternative pathway for the generation of NO is the nitrate-nitrite-NO pathway in which the inorganic anions nitrate (NO(3)(-)) and nitrite (NO(2)(-)) are reduced to NO and other reactive nitrogen intermediates. Nitrate and nitrite are oxidation products from NOS-dependent NO generation but also constituents in our diet, mainly in leafy green vegetables. Irrespective of origin, active uptake of circulating nitrate in the salivary glands, excretion in saliva and subsequent reduction to nitrite by oral commensal bacteria are all necessary steps for further NO generation. This central role of the oral cavity in regulating NO generation from nitrate presents a new and intriguing aspect of the human microbiome in health and disease. In this review, we present recent advances in our understanding of the nitrate-nitrite-NO pathway and specifically highlight the importance of the oral cavity as a hub for its function.

Comparison of the salivary and the serum nitric oxide levels in chronic and aggressive periodontitis: a biochemical study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Nitric oxide (NO) is a ubiquitous intercellular messenger molecule with important cardiovascular, neurological, and immune functions. In addition, it has been postulated that the pharmacological inhibition of NO or its actions may be therapeutically valuable in the disease management. The levels of nitric oxide may provide clues about the severity and the state of the underlying disease process. It could be an inflammatory biomarker that may enable clinicians to direct the environmentally based prevention or treatment programmes and to establish whether NO plays a role in the pathogenesis of periodontitis or not. Hence, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the salivary and the serum levels of NO in generalized chronic and aggressive periodontitis. The Study Design: Unstimulated whole saliva and serum samples were collected from a total of 60 subjects who were in the age group of 18-45 years, who participated in this study. They were divided into three equal groups with 20 subjects in each group; group A (healthy controls), group B (chronic periodontitis) and group C (aggressive periodontitis). The clinical parameters were assessed, based on the oral hygiene index simplified (OHI-S), the gingival index (GI), the probing pocket depth and the clinical attachment loss (CAL). A biochemical analysis was performed to evaluate and compare the salivary and the serum nitric oxide levels of the above groups. Statistical Analysis and Results: The statistical comparisons were done under the Griess Reaction. There were statistically significant salivary and serum levels of NO in the groups of periodontitis (group B and C) as compared to those in the healthy controls (group A). A significant positive correlation was found between the values of the salivary and the serum NO levels in chronic and aggressive periodontitis.

CONCLUSION

Nitric oxide is a potent modulator of the inflammatory disease processes and under pathological conditions, NO has damaging effects. As there is a paucity in the studies which have compared chronic and aggressive periodontitis, this study paved an interest for combining the serum and the salivary analysis in comparing the levels of nitric oxide in chronic and aggressive periodontitis.

Salivary nitric oxide levels in inflammatory periodontal disease - a case-control and interventional study

BACKGROUND

Biochemical markers of inflammatory periodontal disease present in saliva can partially determine the extent of periodontal disease. Furthermore, collection of salivary constituents is a simple and non-invasive procedure. Nitric oxide (NO) has been linked to etiopathogenesis of inflammatory periodontal disease and is expressed in saliva. This study was conducted with the objective of estimating salivary NO levels in inflammatory periodontal diseases (gingivitis and periodontitis) and comparing these levels with control subjects. A re-assessment of these levels was also made after providing appropriate treatment with a view to ascertain its diagnostic and prognostic values.

METHODS

This was a case-control as well as an interventional study including a total of 90 (30 control, 30 gingivitis and 30 periodontitis) subjects. Saliva samples were collected from each subject, and NO levels were assayed by Griess reaction.

RESULTS

NO levels were increased significantly in gingivitis and periodontitis subjects as compared with controls. There was a statistically significant decrease in the NO levels in each study group after the healing period (corresponding to the reduced clinical signs of inflammation). Our study also correlated probing pocket depths with salivary NO levels in periodontitis group where we found a positive correlation between the two.

CONCLUSION

Salivary NO levels can be utilized as a good indicator of the inflammatory status of the periodontium, and evaluating its levels in saliva by Griess reaction on a photoelectric colorimeter is a reliable, accurate and faster method to estimate the level of inflammation in periodontal tissues.

Salivary 8-OHdG Induction by Physical Exercise Training Under Food Restriction

Objective:

We previously reported that physical exercise under food restriction induced alterations in saliva secretion, including a decrease in salivary kallikrein activity, while exercise training alone did not affect the overall saliva content. The objective of the present study was to examine the involvement of oxidative stress in alterations of salivary secretion due to physical exercise under food restriction.

Methods:

Male ICR mice at 32 weeks of age weighing from 39 to 50 g were divided into three groups: an exercise group with food restriction (EXP), an exercise group without food restriction (EXA) and a control group (CTL). The EXP group was fed the same amount of diet as the CTL group (pair-feeding). The EXP and EXA groups had access to a “voluntary running wheel” for exercise. The pilocarpine-stimulated whole saliva was collected from the oral cavity by micro-pipette over 15 min for 12 weeks after the beginning of the experiment. The salivary and serum 8-Hydroxy-2’-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) were determined.

Results:

The salivary 8-OHdG levels in the EXP group were significantly higher than in the CTL and EXA groups (p<0.01).

Conclusion:

The alterations of salivary secretion in mice undergoing chronic exercise training under a food-restricted diet may occur as a result of oxidative stress.

Abnormal subcellular localization of AQP5 and downregulated AQP5 protein in parotid glands of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

BACKGROUND

The mechanisms underlying diabetic xerostomia have not been clarified in relation with aquaporin-5 (AQP5) subcellular localization in salivary glands.

METHODS

Western blotting, real-time PCR, and immunocytochemistry were used to analyse AQP5 protein levels and mRNA expression. AQP5 protein levels were measured in the apical plasma membrane (APM) and detergent-insoluble fraction prepared from streptozotocin-diabetic rat parotid glands.

RESULTS

Despite an increase in AQP5 mRNA, AQP5 protein levels were decreased in diabetic parotid glands compared with controls. Immunohistochemical studies indicated that AQP5, under unstimulated conditions, colocalised with flotillin-2 and GM1 with a diffuse pattern in the apical cytoplasm of acinar and duct cells in both control and diabetic rats. Ten minutes after intravenous injection of muscarinic agonist cevimeline, AQP5 was dramatically increased together with flotillin-2 and GM1 in the APM of parotid acinar and duct cells of control but not diabetic rats. Sixty minutes after injection, AQP5 was located in a diffuse pattern in the apical cytoplasm in both rats. Treatment of the parotid tissues with cevimeline for 10min increased the Triton X-100 solubility of AQP5 in control but not diabetic rats. Administration of insulin to diabetic rats tended to restore the cevimeline-induced translocation of AQP5.

CONCLUSION

Lack of AQP5 translocation in the salivary gland in response to a muscarinic agonist and downregulation of AQP5 protein might lead to diabetic xerostomia.

GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE

Cevimeline is useful to cure diabetic xerostomia under insulin administration.

Voluntary versus spontaneous swallowing in man

This review examines the evidence regarding the clinical and neurophysiological differences between voluntary and spontaneous swallows. From the clinical point of view, voluntary swallow (VS) occurs when a human has a desire to eat or drink during the awake and aware state. Spontaneous swallow (SS) is the result of accumulated saliva and/or food remnants in the mouth. It occurs without awareness while awake and also during sleep. VS is a part of eating behavior, while SS is a type of protective reflex action. In VS, there is harmonized and orderly activation of perioral, lingual, and submental striated muscles in the oral phase. In SS, the oral phase is bypassed in most cases, although there may be partial excitation. Following the oral phase, both VS and SS have a pharyngeal phase, which is a reflex phenomenon that protects the upper airway from any escape of food and direct the swallowed material into the esophagus. This reflexive phase of swallowing should not be confused with SS. VS and SS are similar regarding their dependence on the swallowing Central Pattern Generator (CPG) at the brainstem, which receives sensory feedback from the oropharynx. There are differences in the role of the corticobulbar input between VS and SS.

Endothelins participate in the central and peripheral regulation of submandibular gland secretion in the rat

We previously reported that endothelins (ETs) are involved in the rat central and peripheral regulation of bile secretion. In this study we sought to establish whether ET-1 and ET-3 modulated submandibular gland secretion when locally or centrally applied. Animals were prepared with gland duct cannulation to collect saliva samples and jugular cannulation to administer sialogogues. ETs were given either into the submandibular gland or brain lateral ventricle. Intraglandularly administered ETs failed to elicit salivation per se. However, ET-1, but not ET-3, potentiated both cholinergic- and adrenergic-evoked salivation through ET(A) receptors. ET-1 decreased cAMP content but increased phosphoinositide hydrolysis, whereas ET-3 attenuated both intracellular pathways. The expression of ET(A) and ET(B) receptor mRNAs as well as that of ETs was revealed in the submandibular gland by RT-PCR. Immunohistochemical studies showed that ET(A) receptor staining was localized around the interlobular ducts and acini, compatible with the myoepithelial cells' location, whereas ET(B) receptor staining was restricted to small blood vessels. When applied to the brain, both ETs induced no salivation but enhanced cholinergic- and adrenergic-evoked salivary secretion through parasympathetic pathways. ET-1 response was mediated by brain ET(A) receptors, whereas that of ET-3 was presumably through nonconventional ET receptors. Present findings show that ETs are involved in the brain regulation of cholinergic- and adrenergic-stimulated submandibular gland secretion through the activation of distinct brain ET receptors and parasympathetic pathways. However, when ETs were administered into the gland, only ET-1 enhanced cholinergic and adrenergic salivation likely through myopithelial cell contraction by activating ET(A) receptors coupled to phospholipase C. The presence of ETs and ET receptors suggests the existence of an endothelinergic system in the submandibular gland.

Altered Salivary Redox Homeostasis in Patients with Systemic Sclerosis

Objective.

Oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis (SSc). Our objective was to determine whether SSc is associated with altered redox homeostasis in human saliva.

Methods.

Study participants were 70 women with SSc and 120 female controls. 8-hydroxy-2’-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), 8-epi-prostaglandin F 2α (8-epi-PGF2α), and total protein carbonyls were assayed by ELISA to quantify oxidative damage to nucleic acids, lipids, and proteins, respectively, in whole nonstimulated saliva.

Results.

We observed a significantly positive association between salivary log protein carbonyls and SSc in a crude statistic (OR 9.06, p < 0.0001), and multivariable model adjusted for log 8-OHdG, log 8-epi-PGF2α, and antioxidant exposure (OR 9.26, p < 0.0001). No significant association was noted between SSc and salivary log 8-epi-PGF2α or log 8-OHdG.

Conclusion.

Salivary redox homeostasis is perturbed in patients with SSc and may inform on the pathophysiology and presence of the disease (biomarkers) and efficacy of therapeutic interventions.

Cyclic nucleotide crosstalk in salivary glands from partially fed Dermacentor variabilis (Say)

Enzyme immunosorbent assays were used to measure cyclic nucleotide concentrations in homogenates of salivary glands from partially fed female Dermacentor variabilis. The adenylyl cyclase activator forskolin (100 microM) increased homogenate cGMP concentrations greater than three-fold over controls. Competitive inhibition of nitric oxide synthase with 1mM l-NMMA, an l-arginine analog, demonstrated that crosstalk occurs downstream of nitric oxide synthesis. Forskolin-stimulated synthesis of cGMP was diminished 58% by the soluble guanylyl cyclase inhibitor ODQ (2 microM). The protein kinase A selective inhibitor Rp-cAMPS (50 microM) inhibited forskolin-stimulated cGMP by 49%. Whole glands treated with 10 microM dopamine increased cGMP levels two-fold in the presence of 1mM IBMX. Treatment of whole salivary glands with equimolar concentrations of 8-Br-cAMP and 8-Br-cGMP produced no greater fluid uptake than in glands treated with 8-Br-cGMP alone, suggesting that cAMP and cGMP share a downstream target. The protein kinase G-selective inhibitor Rp-8-pCPT-cGMPS (100 microM) impeded 10mM 8-Bromo-cGMP-stimulated gland weight increases. Pretreatment with verapamil, a Ca(2+) channel blocker, attenuated cyclic nucleotide-stimulated fluid uptake indicating that whole gland fluid changes are dependent on extracellular Ca(2+). Together, our data suggest that cGMP production is mediated in part by cAMP-dependent activation of soluble guanylyl cyclase. Experiments measuring changes in whole salivary gland weight support the hypothesis that cAMP and cGMP signaling cascades have a common target and that cyclic nucleotide-stimulated fluid movement is dependent on Ca(2+) influx.

Different role of isoproterenol and NOS inhibitors on salivary ducts of rats

OBJECTIVES

Nitric oxide (NO) is a diffusible intracellular messenger that is present in saliva. Chronic treatment with isoproterenol, a beta receptor agonist, stimulates the release of NO from acinar cells and induces salivary gland hypertrophy. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of NO synthesis inhibitors and isoproterenol on rat salivary glands. We analyzed salivary gland weight and the number of ducts per unit area (0.5mm(2)) by NADPH-diaphorase histochemistry (to identify the presence of the enzyme NO synthase-NOS) and haematoxylin-and-eosin (HE).

METHODS

For 8 days male Wistar rats received daily single intraperitoneal injections of saline or a NOS inhibitor (40mg/kg N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine L-NOARG or N(omega)-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester L-NAME). This was followed, 30min later, by subcutaneous injection of isoproterenol (2 or 5mg/kg) or saline.

RESULTS

Isoproterenol increased parotid and submandibular gland weights. Isoproterenol (2mg/kg) induced a decrease of ducts per unit area inversely correlated to the weight of the parotid gland. This effect was augmented by L-NAME. In the submandibular gland L-NAME attenuated isoproterenol (2mg/kg) weight increase. In the submandibular gland isoproterenol and NOS inhibitors induced an increase in ducts per unit area (HE and NADPH-diaphorase). No effect was observed in the sublingual gland.

CONCLUSION

To our knowledge this is the first description of isoproterenol and NOS inhibitors increasing duct density in the submandibular gland. Our results corroborate the hypothesis that NO plays different roles in parotid and submandibular glands.

The influence of estrogen and progesterone on parasympathetic vasodilatation in the rat submandibular gland

Previous studies suggest that NO- and PGI(2)-independent pathways play a greater role in parasympathetic vasodilatation in the submandibular glands (SMG) of female than of male rats. Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine whether estrogen and progesterone influence the relative contributions of NO and PGI(2) to parasympathetic vasodilatation in the SMG. Vascular responses to chorda-lingual nerve stimulation were examined in sham-operated (SHAM) and ovariectomized (OVX) female rats and in OVX rats treated with either 17beta-estradiol alone or a combination of 17beta-estradiol and progesterone. Compared with SHAM animals, increases in vascular conductance in OVX rats were reduced at 1, 2 and 5 Hz (p<0.05). Blood flow responses in OVX+17beta-estradiol and OVX+17beta-estradiol+progesterone rats were indistinguishable from those observed in SHAM animals. Indomethacin had no effect on vasodilatation in SHAM and OVX+17beta-estradiol rats, but increased vascular responses in OVX animals (p<0.02). The addition of L-NAME resulted in a significant reduction in vasodilatation at all frequencies. In OVX rats treated with both estrogen and progesterone, indomethacin caused a reduction in vasodilatation and L-NAME further diminished the remaining responses. Under all conditions, vasodilatation was due largely, if not exclusively, to direct parasympathetic rather than antidromic sensory nerve activation. Finally, both neuronally-derived and endothelium-derived NO appeared to be responsible for the NO-dependent vasodilatation, but endothelium-derived NO became increasingly important as the frequency of stimulation increased. We conclude that estrogen and progesterone influence parasympathetic vasodilatation through combined effects on NO-, PGI(2)- and non-NO/PGI(2)-mediated pathways.

Nitric oxide levels in saliva increase with severity of chronic periodontitis

The aims of this study were to compare nitric oxide (NO) levels in stimulated whole saliva from individuals with and without generalized chronic periodontitis (GCP), and to evaluate correlations between these levels with a clinical diagnostic parameter. According to specific criteria, 30 individuals were divided into three groups: one comprising individuals without periodontitis (GC), a second comprising individuals with moderate GCP (GM), and a third comprising individuals with advanced GCP (GA). Samples were collected and NO levels measured. NO in the GCP group (GM: 7.78 microM; GA: 15.79 microM) was higher than in the GC group (5.86 microM). NO levels in the GA group were significantly higher (P < 0.0001) than in the GC group, and could also differentiate (P < 0.0001) the moderate and advanced forms of the disease. In addition, positive correlations between NO level and the number of teeth with a probing depth of > or = 4 mm (r = 0.54) and > or = 7 mm (r = 0.68) were observed. In conclusion, NO levels are elevated in individuals with GPC and are correlated with a periodontal clinical parameter. These results reveal that this form of periodontal disease and its severity are related to salivary nitrite concentration, indicating that NO may serve as a potential biological marker for detection and/or monitoring of GCP.

The effects of saltwater acclimation on neurotransmitters in the lingual salt glands of the estuarine crocodile, Crocodylus porosus

INTRODUCTION

Most avian and reptilian salt glands display marked phenotypic plasticity when animals are exposed to hyperosmotic conditions. In addition, the activity of most salt glands is under considerable control by the nervous system and nerves containing cholinergic, adrenergic and peptidergic neurotransmitters have been identified in avian and reptilian salt gland tissues. The present study sought to determine whether the salt glands of the estuarine crocodile, Crocodylus porosus contain the peptidergic neurotransmitters SP, CGRP, VIP, and PACAP and the gaseous neurotransmitter, NO. In addition, we sought to determine whether there was any evidence for the adaptation of the C. porosus salt gland nervous system to hyperosmotic conditions.

METHODS

Salt glands from freshwater- and saltwater-acclimated C. porosus hatchlings were sectioned and examined immunohistochemically for neurotransmitters within the tissue.

RESULTS

Neurons containing SP, CGRP, VIP, PACAP and NO synthase were identified within C. porosus salt glands. There was no difference in the overall number (density) of neurons within SW-acclimated tissues when compared with FW-acclimated animals. However, there was a significant reduction in density of neurons containing SP and PACAP in SW-acclimated animals.

CONCLUSION

C. porosus salt glands display phenotypic plasticity following exposure to hyperosmotic conditions. In addition to cholinergic and adrenergic neurons, they contain a variety of peptidergic neurotransmitters and the gaseous neurotransmitter NO. Additionally, there appears to be some evidence of acclimation of the nervous system of C. porosus to hypersaline conditions, although the functional significance of these changes remains to be determined.

Affective modulation of swallowing rates: unpleasantness or arousal?

OBJECTIVE

It has been observed that spontaneous swallowing rates are modulated by the affective state. Affect-induced swallowing may be an important biobehavioral factor in gastrointestinal disorders. However, previous studies failed to distinguish between pleasantness and arousal effects and did not analyze gender effects.

METHOD

We analyzed swallowing rates in 42 participants (22 women) who viewed 3 blocks of 12 affective pictures preselected for inducing positive, negative, and neutral affect. Swallowing rate was measured by brief and rapid resistance increases in forced oscillation measurements indicating closure of the glottis. In addition, participants rated pleasantness and arousal for each individual picture.

RESULTS

Cumulative swallowing rates were lower during positive and neutral than negative picture blocks. This effect was only observed in women. Ratings confirmed earlier findings with picture material.

CONCLUSION

Both pleasantness and arousal interact to modulate swallowing rates. The role of gender in moderating affect-induced swallowing requires further research.

Immunolocalisation of nitric oxide synthase isoforms in the epidermis of the tiger salamander, Ambystoma tigrinum

A. tigrinum: Immunoreactivity for isoforms of nitric oxidase synthase is found in the flash cells and outer-deep epidermal cell layers of the tiger salamander A. tigrinum. Despite the absence of physiological data we assume NO may be lumped together as cytocrine regulators in the amphibian epidermis.

Calcium-dependent release of NO from intracellular S-nitrosothiols

The paper describes a novel cellular mechanism for rapid calcium-dependent nitric oxide (NO) release. This release occurs due to NO liberation from S-nitrosothiols. We have analysed the changes of NO concentration in acutely isolated pancreatic acinar cells. Supramaximal acetylcholine (ACh) stimulation induced a Ca(2+)-dependent increase in the fluorescence in the majority of cells loaded with the NO probe DAF-FM via a patch pipette. The ACh-induced NO signals were insensitive to inhibitors of calmodulin and protein kinase C but were inhibited by calpain antagonists. The initial part of the NO signals induced by 10 muM ACh showed little sensitivity to inhibition of NO synthase (NOS); however, cell pretreatment with NO donors (increasing cellular S-nitrosothiol contents) substantially enhanced the initial component of NO responses. Pancreatic acinar cells were able to generate fast calcium-dependent NO responses when stimulated with physiological or supramaximal doses of secretagogues. Importantly, the source of this NO is the already available S-nitrosothiol store rather than de novo synthesis by NOS. A similar mechanism of NO release was found in dorsal root ganglia neurons.

Free radicals and the pancreatic acinar cells: role in physiology and pathology

Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS and RNS) play an important role in signal transduction and cell injury processes. Nitric oxide synthase (NOS)-the key enzyme producing nitric oxide (NO)-is found in neuronal structures, vascular endothelium and, possibly, in acinar and ductal epithelial cells in the pancreas. NO is known to regulate cell homeostasis, and its effects on the acinar cells are reviewed here. ROS are implicated in the early events within the acinar cells, leading to the development of acute pancreatitis. The available data on ROS/RNS involvement in the apoptotic and necrotic death of pancreatic acinar cells will be discussed.

A multifaceted molecule, nitric oxide in oral and periodontal diseases

Nitric oxide (NO) is a molecule with multiple effects on different tissues. NO takes important roles in vasodilatation, bacterial challenge and cytokine stimulation, regulation of mineralized tissue function, neurotransmission, and platelet aggregation, etc. However, under pathological conditions, NO has damaging effects. NO is synthesized by NO synthases (NOS) and inducible isoform of NOS (iNOS) is closely related to the pathophysiological characteristics of inflammatory diseases such as periodontal diseases. The expression of iNOS has been investigated in salivary gland-related diseases, temporomandibular joint disorders and oral cancer as well. The beneficial and damaging effects of NO in diseases related with periodontal, dental and maxillofacial area are discussed in this review. The biological pathways involved with NO and NO inhibitors may be good drug targets to have a role in the future management of patients with diseases in orofacial region.

Nitric oxide and cGMP mediate alpha1D-adrenergic receptor-Stimulated protein secretion and p42/p44 MAPK activation in rat lacrimal gland

PURPOSE

To determine whether alpha(1)-adrenergic receptors use the nitric oxide (NO)/cGMP pathway to stimulate protein secretion by rat lacrimal gland.

METHODS

Identification and cellular location of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) were determined by Western blot and immunofluorescence techniques, respectively. Rat lacrimal gland acini were isolated by collagenase digestion, and protein secretion stimulated by phenylephrine, an alpha(1)-adrenergic agonist, was measured with a fluorescence assay system. Acini were preincubated with inhibitors for 20 minutes before addition of phenylephrine (10(-4) M). NO and cGMP were measured in response to phenylephrine stimulation. Activation of p42/p44 MAPK was determined by Western blot analysis with an antibody against phosphorylated (active) p42/p44 MAPK.

RESULTS

eNOS and nNOS were both present in lacrimal gland. eNOS appeared to be localized with caveolae, whereas nNOS was present in the nerves surrounding the acini. Inhibition of eNOS with N(G)-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME; 10(-6) M) completely inhibited phenylephrine-stimulated protein secretion, whereas the inactive isomer d-NAME and inhibition of nNOS with S-methyl-l-thiocitrulline did not. Phenylephrine increased NO production in a time- and concentration-dependent manner, but the increase was abolished by the alpha(1D)-adrenergic receptor inhibitor BMY-7378. Inhibition of guanylate cyclase with oxadiazoloquinoxalin (ODQ) also inhibited phenylephrine-induced protein secretion, whereas phenylephrine caused a 2.2-fold increase in cGMP. In addition, preincubation with l-NAME and ODQ inhibited phenylephrine-stimulated p42/p44 MAPK activation.

CONCLUSIONS

alpha(1D)-Adrenergic agonists stimulate eNOS to produce NO, leading to production of cGMP by guanylate cyclase, to transduce the extracellular signal through the cell and stimulate protein secretion in rat lacrimal gland.