Effects of basic fibroblast growth factor on a model of submandibular gland atrophy produced by ductal ligation in the rat.

We ligated the duct of the rat submandibular gland and to prepare a model of submandibular gland atrophy. Two weeks after ductal ligation, the effects of bFGF on the regeneration of salivary gland tissue were investigated.1) Two-week ductal ligation caused severe atrophy of acini, and the glandular weight decreased up to 26%.2) Isoproterenol and bFGF administration significantly increased the number of PCNApositive cells.3) The proliferative effect of bFGF in vivo was peak at a dose of 1 ng/gland.4) Although isoproterenol stimulated cell proliferation, especially in the ductal region, bFGF promoted the proliferation of various kinds of cells, including acini.5) Two weeks after bFGF administration, the glandular weight increased and the tissue recovered, especially in the acinic region, as compared with the control group. Our results indicate that bFGF may accelerate the regeneration of atrophic salivary gland tissue.