Apoptosis during the salivary gland enlargement

Aims: A close relationship between cell proliferation and subsequent apoptosis has been established in several organs and tissues. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether there is an increased apoptotic activity in the hypertrophy/hyperplasia of the rat parotid and submandibular glands induced by the β-agonist stimulation (isoproterenol, IPR) and soy feeding. In both experimental models hypertrophy and hyperplasia developed simultaneously. Material and methods: Female Wistar rats weighing 200–250g were used. The level of apoptosis was measured by the activity of caspase-3/7 (effector caspase) fro…