Saliva Secretion in Engrafted Mouse Bioengineered Salivary Glands Using Taste Stimulation

In the 2014 study, researchers investigated the functionality of bioengineered salivary glands in mice, particularly in response to taste stimulation. They found that both natural and bioengineered glands secreted saliva when stimulated by sour and bitter tastes, with similar saliva flow rates and protein concentrations. However, the protein composition and alpha-amylase levels differed between the two gland types. The study also noted a higher presence of neuropeptide Y-positive sympathetic nerves in the bioengineered glands, suggesting a different balance of nerve signals compared to natural glands. The findings indicate that while bioengineered glands can secrete saliva and proteins in response to taste, further research is needed to understand the differences in nervous regulation. The study contributes to the field of organ regeneration and the understanding of salivary gland development.