Int J Oral Biol.  2019 Jun;44(2):62-70. 10.11620/IJOB.2019.44.2.62.

Xylitol stimulates saliva secretion via muscarinic receptor signaling pathway

• Park E
• Na HS
• Jeong S
• Chung J

• KMID: 2452749
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.11620/IJOB.2019.44.2.62

Abstract

Xylitol is well-known to have an anti-caries effect by inhibiting the replication of cariogenic bacteria. In addition, xylitol enhances saliva secretion. However, the precise molecular mechanism of xylitol on saliva secretion is yet to be elucidated. Thus, in this study, we aimed to investigate the stimulatory effect of xylitol on saliva secretion and to further evaluate the involvement of xylitol in muscarinic type 3 receptor (M3R) signaling. For determining these effects, we measured the saliva flow rate following xylitol treatment in healthy individuals and patients with dry mouth. We further tested the effects of xylitol on M3R signaling in human salivary gland (HSG) cells using real-time quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, immunoblotting, and immunostaining. Xylitol candy significantly increased the salivary flow rate and intracellular calcium release in HSG cells via the M3R signaling pathway. In addition, the expressions of M3R and aquaporin 5 were induced by xylitol treatment. Lastly, we investigated the distribution of M3R and aquaporin 5 in HSG cells. Xylitol was found to activate M3R, thereby inducing increases in Ca²âº concentration. Stimulation of the muscarinic receptor induced by xylitol activated the internalization of M3R and subsequent trafficking of aquaporin 5. Taken together, these findings suggest a molecular mechanism for secretory effects of xylitol on salivary epithelial cells.

Keyword

Calcium signaling; Aquaporin 5; Saliva; Human salivary gland cells; Dry mouth

MeSH Terms

Aquaporin 5
Bacteria
Calcium
Calcium Signaling
Candy
Epithelial Cells
Humans
Immunoblotting
Mouth
Polymerase Chain Reaction
Receptors, Muscarinic*
Saliva*
Salivary Glands
Xylitol*
Aquaporin 5
Calcium
Receptors, Muscarinic
Xylitol