Transport of α-aminoisobutyric Acid into Rat Parotid after X-irradiation

Summary

Rat parotid gland exposed to 20 Gy X-irradiation exhibits functional alteration 3 days after exposure. The flow rate of saliva and the uptake of α-aminoisobutyric acid by the gland was reduced to 50 per cent of values for the control nonirradiated glands. When the same gland was studied in an in vitro system it functioned normally. K⁺ release and α-aminoisobutyric acid uptake by the irradiated dispersed acinar cells was comparable to the control. Transport alteration from the circulatory system into the parotid gland may cause the initial radiation-induced damage.