[The histopathological observation of the salivary gland in hamsters with streptozotocin induced diabetes].

It has been reported that the natural defence mechanisms against bacterial infection decreases in diabetic patients. Saliva and salivary gland have an important role to keep healthy condition in oral cavity. Thus, it is possible that saliva from diabetic subject may influence to a development of dental caries. The purpose of this study is to examine the histopathological changes and excretory function of the salivary glands of hamsters with streptozotocin (SZ) induced diabetes. Male hamsters were provided in this experiment at 8 weeks after a single i.p. injection with a dose of SZ (65 mg/kg b. wt.). The flow rate of saliva was determined by stimulation with pilocarpine (8 mg/kg b. wt.). Three major salivary glands and pancreas were obtained from these animals. No difference between diabetic and non-diabetic animals in the flow rate of saliva and wet weight of submandibular and sublingual gland was observed. Pathological finding of salivary gland was not observed in both of the 2 groups of animals but the wet weight of the parotid gland of diabetic hamsters was heavier than that of the non-diabetic hamsters. Moreover, an enlargement of some acinus cells was observed only in the parotid gland of diabetic hamsters.