Chih-Ko Yeh

Oral-pharyngeal dysphagia: A common sequela of salivary gland dysfunction

Saliva plays a critical role in alimentary events, allowing food to be initially processed, formed into a bolus, and subsequently transported through the oral cavity. Patients with salivary gland hypofunction often present with dysphagic complaints. We therefore evaluated the possible relationship between salivary performance and swallowing ability in such patients. Patients subjectively reporting difficulty in swallowing had significantly lower salivary flow rates (1/6–1/3 less) than persons without such complaints. Similarly, patients with documented salivary hypofunction displayed significantly increased duration (more than two-fold) of the oral phase of swallowing for several experimental swallowing conditions. Our results support the hypothesis that dysphagia can result from conditions leading to salivary gland hypofunction.

Kaposi's sarcoma of the parotid gland in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome

A patient with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome complained of a dry mouth and bilateral swelling of the parotid glands. Kaposis sarcoma (KS) was found within the tissue of the parotid gland. Although KS is a common manifestation of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, the presence of KS in the salivary glands is very rare. The human immunodeficiency virus I (HIV-I) genome was not identified in parotid glandular cells or in KS cells in this case, although the virus was detected in infiltrating lymphocytes and in tissue macrophages.

CELLULAR CHARACTERISTICS OF LONG-TERM CULTURED RAT PAROTID ACINAR CELLS

SummaryWe have successfully maintained and biochemically characterized differentiated rat parotid acinar cells cultured for long periods (6 mo.). The cells were cultured on a reconstituted basement membrane matrix in a medium containing a variety of agents that promote cellular proliferation and differentiation. The cultured cells retain the characteristics of the parental parotid acinar cells. They exhibit both secretory granules and abundant cellular organelles required for protein synthesis and secretion. In situ hybridization and immunocytochemistry demonstrate high levels of proline-rich protein mRNA and protein, and lower levels of amylase mRNA and protein, in their cytoplasm. These findings suggest that rat parotid acinar cells can be maintained in a differentiated state in vitro for long periods, and can serve as a useful model system for studying the regulation of exocrine secretory processes.