Immunohistochemical and morphometric investigations of the influence of botulinum toxin on the submandibular gland of the rat

Immunohistochemical methods were used to study the effects of botulinum tox in A on the concentration of acetylcholinesterase in the submandibular glan d of the rat. The toxin was injected into the glands of healthy adult femal e Wistar rats and immunohistochemistry performed on the excised organs. Mor phometric measurements were also carried out to study changes of cell morph ology after local applications of botulinum toxin A. Compared with untreate d glands or glands injected with saline there was a decrease of acetylcholi nesterase in the glands treated with botulinum toxin. As the cholinergic pa thway of the autonomic nervous system plays an important role in eliciting secretion from the salivary glands, inhibition of secretion by local applic ation of botulinum toxin could be considered a therapeutic option for the t reatment of various diseases affecting salivary gland function.