gms | German Medical Science

Radiation treatment in patients with head and neck tumors commonly results in hyposalivation leading to xerostomia due to the loss of the fluid secreting salivary acinar cells. Patients develop susceptibility to oral infections, dental caries, as well as impaired speech and swallowing, leaving them with a diminished quality of life. Clinical management for xerostomia in these patients is largely unsatisfactory. The development of a tissue-engineered, implantable salivary gland will greatly benefit patients suffering from xerostomia. This lecture demonstrates the ability of hyaluronic acid (HA) based culture systems to support functional salivary units capable of producing fluid and protein. Cells seeded on HA hydrogels, self-assemble into acini-like structures and express neurotransmitter receptors. Treatment of acini-like structures with β-adrenergic agonists and M3 muscarinic agonists activate their protein and fluid production pathways. To assess the long-term survival and retention of acini-like structures, in vivo hydrogels have been implanted in an athymic rat model. Salivary biomarkers are identified. This report identifies a novel hydrogel culture system capable of supporting functional 3D-salivary spheroid structures. The hydrogel culture system reported here will aid the development of a tissue-engineered salivary gland device for patients suffering from xerostomia.

Supported by: National Institute of Health (NIH-USA).

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