Effects of alloxan diabetes and insulin in vivo on rat parotid gland

Abstract

Parotid gland growth and secretory enzyme levels were studied in male Sprague-Dawley rats following the induction of alloxan diabetes. Diabetes resulted in a retardation of parotid gland, as well as body growth, and in a reduction of parotid gland DNA, RNA, and total protein compared with control rats. Morphologically, parotid glands of diabetic animals were characterized by an intracellular accumulation of lipid within acinar and intercalated ductal cells. Parotid amylase was reduced 40% in diabetic rats compared with control rats. In contrast, peroxidase levels increased by 54%, and DNase was unaffected. Insulin treatment of diabetic rats led to a restoration of gland and body growth. Parotid gland DNA, RNA, total protein, and secretory enzyme levels returned to control values within 7 days. Thus, insulin in vivo may play a major role in the regulation of parotid gland growth and function.