Hypothyroidism alters salivary secretion and composition in septic rats

Authors

  • Flávia Oliveira de Lima
  • Maria José Pedreira Ramalho
  • Maria do Carmo Oliveira Rummler
  • Tania Tavares Rodriguez

Keywords:

Saliva, hypothyroidism, sepsis

Abstract

Purpose: We investigated the effects of hypothyroidism on salivary flow rate, total protein and electrolytes concentrations (Na+, K+ and Ca+2) in septic rats. Methods: Male Wistar rats (200-280g) were thyroidectomized (TX) or sham operated (N) and treated with lypopolysaccharide (LPS) (250μg/100g b.w.; i.p.) or saline (SL), 90 min before salivary stimulation with pilocarpine (5mg/kg; i.p.). Saliva was collected over 15 min (μL/min/100g of b.w.). Total proteins were analyzed by Lorwy method and electrolytes concentrations were determined by flame fotometry (Na+, K+) and colorimetric test (Ca+2). Results: Hypothyroidism and sepsis by LPS injection caused a decrease in salivary flow rates (Mann-Whitney Test, P < 0.05). LPS injection decreased salivary total protein concentration in TX rats and sodium concentration in N rats. Sepsis and thyroid hormones do not participate in the molecular mechanism of potassium transport, but hypothyroidism increased calcium concentration in saliva. Conclusion: Salivary flow rate and composition are modified by hypothyroidism in rats with sepsis. Key words: Saliva; hypothyroidism; sepsis

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