“Structural, morphometric, and serum biochemical effects of 5-hydroxytryptophan on submandibular salivary glands in aged male rats”
Reem M. Abbas, Dina H. Gomaa, Hend El-MessiryContext
The study addresses a hypothesis regarding the potential role of the serotonergic system in mitigating age-related decline in salivary gland homeostasis.
Aims
This study investigated the effects of oral 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), a serotonin precursor, supplementation on the structural and morphometric parameters of the submandibular salivary glands (SMSG) in aged male rats.
Settings and design
Fourteen aged male Albino rats were randomly divided into two groups (
Patients and methods
SMSG were examined histologically and ultrastructurally. Morphometric measurements included acinar and granular convoluted tubule dimensions, quantification of fibrosis, and intralobular capillary density. Biochemical assays for serum superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities were performed.
Statistical analysis used
The Unpaired Student
Results
Compared to aged controls, 5-HTP-treated glands exhibited reduced acinar atrophy, increased acinar and granular convoluted tubule dimensions, higher acinar cell counts, greater intralobular capillary density, and reduced collagen deposition. Ultrastructurally, acinar cells displayed more euchromatic nuclei and increased rough endoplasmic reticulum. Serum superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase levels were significantly elevated.
Conclusion
Oral administration of 5-HTP was associated with improved structural integrity and morphometric parameters in SMSG, as well as increased serum antioxidant capacity in aged rats.