Subcellular Localization of β-catenin in Submandibular Salivary Glands in Diabetic Male Rats

Background: Submandibular salivary gland (SMG) is a major salivary gland that is specialized for synthesis and secretion of saliva. The structure of the acini and duct system is impaired in SMG of diabetic subjects. Wnt/ꞵ-catenin signaling pathway is one of the regulators of the SMG development and regeneration. Objective: Is to assess the distribution patterns of ꞵ-catenin in adult male SMG of diabetic rats. Material and method: Immunohistochemistry for ꞵ-catenin was used to localize ꞵ-catenin the glandular tissue. Results: ꞵ-catenin immunostaining showed different patterns of localization in the mucous membrane, cytoplasm, and nuclei of the acini and duct system in control SMG. Interestingly, robust ꞵ-catenin reaction was detectable in the striated ducts masking the nuclei. The excretory duct showed strong cytoplasmic immunostaining and moderate staining of the nuclei; however, some nuclei were masked. By contrast, the SMG of the diabetic rats displayed apparent decrease in the membranous, cytoplasmic, and nuclear ꞵ-catenin immunostaining in the granular convoluted tubules, striated and excretory ducts. Conclusion: ꞵ-catenin immunoreaction is decreased in the duct system of SMG of diabetic rats suggesting impaired role of Wnt/ꞵ-catenin in the ducts. Wnt/ꞵ-catenin pathway may be target in drug therapy of the SMG in diabetic subjects. Keywords: submandibular salivary gland, diabetes, ꞵ-catenin, rats