TY - JOUR T1 - Re-distribution of Tenascin-C in the Parotid Acinar Cells. An Early Marker of Radiation-induced Damage of Salivary Glands? JF - Anticancer Research JO - Anticancer Res SP - 2841 LP - 2846 VL - 24 IS - 5A AU - S. G. HAKIM AU - I. LAUER AU - R. NADROWITZ AU - A. BERNDT AU - H. KOSMEHL AU - P. SIEG Y1 - 2004/09/01 UR - http://ar.iiarjournals.org/content/24/5A/2841.abstract N2 - 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 ER -