%0 Journal Article %A S. G. HAKIM %A I. LAUER %A R. NADROWITZ %A A. BERNDT %A H. KOSMEHL %A P. SIEG %T Re-distribution of Tenascin-C in the Parotid Acinar Cells. An Early Marker of Radiation-induced Damage of Salivary Glands? %D 2004 %J Anticancer Research %P 2841-2846 %V 24 %N 5A %X Purpose: In order to investigate the early changes in the expression of tenascin-C, following irradiation and the associated functional impairment of salivary glands. Materials and Methods: Fifteen rabbits were used for the study. Five provided control parotid gland tissue and a further 10 rabbits were scintigraphically examined prior to and 24 h after 15/30 Gy. Glands were studied histologically using HE-staining and tenascin-C antibodies. Results: Reduction in the salivary ejection fraction (SEF) was observed in all irradiated glands. Simultaneously, a marked re-distribution of tenascin-C expression was noticed. Reactivity detected in the intercalated, secretory ducts and perineurinal regions prior to radiation was noticed intracellularly after 24 h. Furthermore, nerves showed tenascin-C expression in the Schwann cells, but no longer perineurinally. Myofibroblasts were also observed in the stroma. Conclusion: This study proves the ability to predict functional disorders of salivary function as early as 24 h after radiation and provides evidence of the participation of tenascin-C in the pathological process of radiation-induced damage in salivary glands. Copyright© 2004 International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. John G. Delinassios), All rights reserved %U https://ar.iiarjournals.org/content/anticanres/24/5A/2841.full.pdf