Journal of Dental Research, Vol 66, 1445-1448, Copyright © 1987 by International & American Associations for Dental Research Online Journals
Methotrexate-induced changes in rat parotid and submandibular gland function
R. K. McBride, C. Harper and I. A. Siegel
Methotrexate (MTX) was injected intraperitoneally at a dose of 15 mg/kg
into adult rats daily for three consecutive days. When compared with
saline-injected, ad libitum-fed rats or pair-fed saline-injected rats, MTX
decreased unstimulated parotid gland weight, RNA content, and amylase
content. RNA content was also decreased in submandibular glands. The
parotid and submandibular gland outputs of sodium and chloride, but not
that of potassium, were decreased following MTX injection. Ductal perfusion
demonstrated decreased net efflux of sodium and chloride from the excretory
duct of the submandibular gland. The effects of MTX on unstimulated parotid
gland weight, RNA content, and amylase content are consistent with its
ability to inhibit protein synthesis through depletion of folate
co-factors. However, the mechanism by which the alterations in ion
transport occurred is not clear at this time.
