This study examined morphofunctional changes in the parotid salivary gland in white rats with intestinal microflora imbalance. The dysbiosis model was created using combination antibiotic therapy, which caused significant changes in the composition of the intestinal microbiota and the functional state of the digestive system.A comprehensive morphological and morphometric analysis was conducted, examining the structure of the acini, duct system, connective tissue components, and cellular composition of the gland. The following features were noted: decreased acinar size, decreased secretory cell density, increased interacinar space, and changes in the nucleus and cytoplasm of secretory epithelial cells. Signs of a compensatory response in the connective tissue and changes in blood vessels were also recorded.Functional impairments were manifested by a decrease in the secretory activity of the gland, which may be related to the direct influence of intestinal microflora imbalance on the endocrine-metabolic mechanisms of the salivary gland. The data obtained confirm a close relationship between the state of the intestinal microflora and the morphofunctional state of the salivary glands, which is important for understanding the pathogenesis of oral pathologies, as well as digestive and immune dysfunction.The study's results have practical implications for developing methods for the prevention and correction of salivary gland dysfunction in dysbacteriosis and other pathological conditions associated with changes in the intestinal microbiome.

Parotid salivary gland, morpho functional changes, white rats

Dawes C, Pederson AM. Salivary secretion and composition in health and disease. Oral Dis. 2019;25(1):3–16.

Proctor GB, Carpenter GH. Regulation of salivary gland function by the autonomic nervous system. Auton Neurosci. 2014;183:7–18.

Belstrøm D, Holmstrup P, Bardow A, et al. The influence of intestinal microbiota on salivary glands and oral health. Front Cell Infect Microbiol. 2016;6:108.

Langman LJ, Harnett JE. Experimental models of intestinal dysbiosis and systemic effects. J Exp Biol Med. 2018;243(7):584–593.

Humphrey SP, Williamson RT. A review of saliva: normal composition, flow, and function. J Prosthet Dent. 2001;85(2):162–169.

Sczepanski MJ, Miyasaki KT. Morphometric analysis of salivary glands under pathological conditions. Anat Rec. 2015;298(6):1051–1062.

Sekirov I, Russell SL, Antunes LC, Finlay BB. Gut microbiota in health and disease. Physiol Rev. 2010;90(3):859–904.

Baum BJ, Cruz S, Cotrim P, et al. The effects of gut microbiota alteration on salivary gland morphology and function in animal models. Oral Dis. 2017;23(5):581–590.