Early Alterations of Cytoskeletal Proteins Induced by Radiation Therapy in the Parenchymal Cells of Rat Major Salivary Glands: A Comparative Immunohistochemical Analysis

The positive immunostaining in control salivary glands suggests that small amounts of intermediate filaments are essential for saliva secretion. Radiotherapy significantly disrupts the cytokeratin arrangement and density in major salivary glands, impairing saliva production. The most prominent changes occurred in the submandibular gland, followed by the parotid gland, with the sublingual gland showing the least impact. However, CK17 intensity in acinar cells was highest in the parotid, then submandibular, and lowest in the sublingual gland. Further research is needed to assess the short- and long-term effects and potential for recovery over time.