Abstract:

Objective To investigate the efficacy of deferoxamine (DFO) for the regeneration of radiation damaged salivary glands. Methods C57BL/6 mice were divided into normal control group, irradiation group, D+IR group (DFO 3 d+irradiation), D+IR+D (DFO 3 d+irradiation+DFO 3 d), IR+D (irradiation+DFO 3d), and relative control groups (distilled water injection). Saliva flow rates were measured on day 30, 60, and 90 after irradiation. On day 90 after irradiation, the mice were sacrificed. Submandibular glands were resected and weighed, then, followed by histological and immunohistochemical analysis. Real-Time PCR and Western blotting were performed to measure expressions of HIF-1α protein and VEGF mRNA. Results Compared to relative control groups, saliva flow rates increased remarkably in D+IR, D+IR+D, and IR+D groups (P<0.05), where the highest was in D+IR+D group. In D+IR and D+IR+D groups, a small amount of saliva stem cells were observed. Compared to relative control groups, expressions of HIF-1α protein and VEGF mRNA were significantly higher in D+IR, D+IR+D, and IR+D groups. Conclusion The results indicated that DFO might prevent irradiation-induced hyposalivation by promoting the formation of capillaries.

Key words: salivary gland, radiotherapy, deferoxamine