Ethanol binge drinking during pregnancy and its effects on salivary glands of offspring rats: oxidative stress, morphometric changes and salivary function impairments

Objectives: To investigate the biochemical and morphological effects of ethanol (EtOH) binge drinking during pregnancy on parotid glands (PG), submandibular glands (SMG), and saliva of offspring rats. Methods: Pregnant Wistar rats (n = 8) were exposed to EtOH consumption (3 g/kg/day - 20 % w/v) for three consecutive days. The saliva of 40-day-old offspring rats was collected to determine amylase activity and total protein concentration. PG and SMG were collected to performe oxidative biochemistry, morphometric and immunohistochemistry analyses (Student's t-test, p < .05). Results: EtOH consumption during pregnancy significantly decreased the total protein concentration and decreased amylase activity. In the PG, the EtOH group showed increased lipid peroxidation and decreased antioxidant capacity against peroxyl. In the SMG, the EtOH group showed increased lipid peroxidation and NOx metabolite levels. PG exposed to EtOH showed a decrease of acini, ducts, and total parenchymal area. SMG exposed to EtOH showed an increase in the total stromal area. The expression of CK-19 and Vimentin were found not different between groups. Conclusions: For the first time, a three-day EtOH binge-drinking protocol during pregnancy is associated with oxidative stress and morphometric alterations in the salivary glands of offspring rats and with the functional reduction of the main salivary enzyme (amylase). Clinical relevance: EtOH consumption during pregnancy altered the morphology and physiology of the salivary glands of offspring rats.