Methods: Changes in the protein profiles of the enlarged parotid tissue and saliva produced by the gland were monitored by microchip technique using the Agilent 2100 Bioanalyzer (Germany) and its Protein 230 Kit. Data analyses were performed automatically by 2100 Expert Software of the system.
Results: In addition to the native controls, rats with isoproterenol-induced parotid gland hypertrophia/hyperplasia (IPR) were also included to make further comparisons between the data. Compared to the controls, significant alterations in the parotid tissue proteins of SF animals were detected. However, nearly the same polypeptide patterns were seen when the data of SF and IPR-treated animals were compared. In the SF group the relative amount of the 89.5kDa protein fraction was markedly increased (from 3.0% to 13.9%), while the rate of the 44.6kDa was significatly decreased (from 16.6% to 3.7%). The rate of 53.9kDa protein (amylase) was only slightly decreased (from 43.1% to 38.0%). New major bands at 62.6kDa and 109.1kDa (15.2% and 23.9%) respectively have appeared in the SF samples. In addition, the quantity of proteins at 179.7, 84.7, 63, 19.4, 21.9 and 17.4kDa were decreased below 2% or the detection limit. Changes in protein composition and distribution of parotid saliva were also evident. The rate of 170.4, 85.2, 72.8, 60.1, and 44.6kDa proteins were below 2% or undetectable. The amount of amylase was increased from 22.2% to 38.3%. A new fraction was detected at 62.9kDa (20.5%).
Conclusion:The similarities between marked changes in tissue and saliva protein distribution caused by either SF or IPR treatment strongly suggest a common role of the β-adrenergic mechanisms in these models.
Supported by ETT-247/2003-5, OTKA T-046511