Aquaporins in Salivary Glands: From Basic Research to Clinical Applications

Int J Mol Sci. 2016 Jan 27;17(2):166. doi: 10.3390/ijms17020166.

Abstract

Salivary glands are involved in saliva secretion that ensures proper oral health. Aquaporins are expressed in salivary glands and play a major role in saliva secretion. This review will provide an overview of the salivary gland morphology and physiology of saliva secretion, and focus on the expression, subcellular localization and role of aquaporins under physiological and pathophysiological conditions, as well as clinical applications involving aquaporins. This review is highlighting expression and localization of aquaporins in human, rat and mouse, the most studied species and is pointing out possible difference between major salivary glands, i.e., parotid, submandibular and sublingual glands.

Keywords: aquaporin; expression; pathophysiology; physiology; saliva secretion; salivary gland; subcellular localization.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Aquaporins / genetics
  • Aquaporins / metabolism*
  • Genetic Therapy
  • Humans
  • Mouth Diseases / metabolism*
  • Mouth Diseases / therapy
  • Oral Health
  • Saliva / metabolism
  • Salivary Glands / cytology
  • Salivary Glands / metabolism*

Substances

  • Aquaporins