Objective: To clarify the initial mechanisms underlying virally mediated salivary gland hypofunction.
Method: A mouse model of viral salivary gland infection was developed by local injection of Poly I:C into the submandibular glands.
Result: Injection of a single PolyI:C dose locally into the submandibular gland induced rapid hyposecretion. By 24hr following injection, the submandibular gland showed an overall preserved morphology albeit the obvious loss of acinar attachments and inflammatory cell infiltration. Marked hyposalivation proceeded until 72 hrs, during which the submandibular gland revealed considerable widespread destruction, acinar cell loss and predominance of duct like structures. Finally, submandibular saliva flow rate re-approached the mean normal levels after one week following Poly I:C infusion. Future experiments will confirm the role of TLR3 in the current model.
Conclusion: It is provisionally concluded that a single exposure to Poly I:C can induce secretory hypofunction and inflammation followed by tissue regeneration and functional recovery