Salivary gland metabolism in an animal model of chronic kidney disease Publication date: August 2019 Source: Archives of Oral Biology, Volume 104 Author(s): R.A. Carvalho, A.C. Romero, F.K. Ibuki, F.N. Nogueira Abstract Objective The aim of this study was to determine the effects of experimental CKD into the metabolism of parotid and submandibular glands of rats. CKD was induced by 5/6 nephrectomy. Design Serum analyses of BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen) and creatinine concentrations were performed. Major salivary glands metabolism was investigated in vivo, both at rest and during salivary stimulation conditions by NMR isotopomer analysis, using [U-13C]glucose as metabolic tracer. Results CKD increases BUN and serum creatinine concentrations (p < 0.001). Multiple metabolic alterations were detected in the parotid glands of this animal model, including decreased concentrations of alanine (p < 0.05) and creatine (p < 0.05) and increased lactate/alanine ratios (p < 0.05). The salivary stimulus fostered accumulations of acetate at both analyzed glands of the CKD model (p < 0.05), indicative of disruption of the oxidative metabolic process. Conclusions Experimental CKD induced by 5/6 nephrectomy altered the parotid salivary gland function, since glucose metabolism is clearly affected after stimulation for salivation in this gland.