Influence of laser photobiomodulation (GaAlAs) on salivary flow rate and histomorphometry of the submandibular glands of hypothyroid rats

The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of laser photobiomodulation in salivary flow, weight, and histomorphometry of the submandibular glands of hypothyroid rats. Fifty-six male Wistar albino rats were divided in euthyroid group and hypothyroid group, treated with propylthiouracil (PTU) to induce hypothyroidism. Each group was divided into control (without laser) and laser groups (GaAlAs): λ660 nm (40 mW), λ780 nm (40 mW), and λ780 nm (70 mW). The laser application on the submandibular gland occurred after 2 weeks of PTU treatment and repeatedly during 2 weeks every 48 h. The rats were anesthetized, tracheostomized, and the evaluation of the salivary flow rate (μL/min/100 g body weight) was made by the weight of the saliva collected for 15 min from the first drop. After the animals’ death, the glands were dissected and processed for histological analysis. There was an evident reduction of the salivary flow of hypothyroid rats in all groups in comparison to euthyroid group (Mann-Whitney test, p < 0.05). No significant difference was found in the salivary flow of rats that received laser photobiomodulation compared with their control groups. Histological analysis revealed a decrease in the parenchyma of the salivary glands of hypothyroid rats, but the laser was not able to reverse this process. Hypothyroid rats irradiated or not with laser showed acini and acinar cells with significantly smaller areas than euthyroid groups. The laser photobiomodulation protocol used was not able to change salivary flow or reverse the acinar atrophy process in the submandibular glands of hypothyroid rats.