Investigation on the mechanisms of salivary gland tissue regeneration and effect of somatic stem cell transplantation

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The regeneration of complex organ such as gland is still difficult. For the regeneration of organ, one of the most promising strategies is the acceleration of naturally existing regeneration capability. Although several approaches to enhance salivary gland regeneration have been reported, those cell based therapy are not sufficient so far. Accordingly, it was our aim to investigate a potential of salivary gland regeneration by use of somatic stem cells, which posses differentiating capability to virtually all salivary gland cells. First, we have investigated the effect of cell transplantation to irradiated salivary gland. Rat submandibular gland function was damaged after 20Gy irradiation. Allogenic mononuclear cells from bone marrow were transplanted to submandibular gland. The recovery of salivary gland secretion was observed and the treatment window was at least 1-14 days after transplantation. On the other hand, differentiation from mononuclear cells to parenchymal cells was not observed. Second, we have investigated the potential of stem cell culture from salivary gland, which can differentiate into all components of salivary gland. In this culture, possible salivary gland stem cells can be retained for relatively longer period and the cultured cells showed differentiation into acinar and duct. The possible trigger for the development has been investigated and the potential of autocrine or paracrine mechanisms were suggested.