Voluntary exercise increases IgA concentration and polymeric Ig receptor expression in the rat submandibular gland |
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| Authors: | Yuki Kurimoto Masahiro To Yuko Yamamoto Koji Kimura Keiichi Tsukinoki |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Division of Environmental Pathology, Department of Oral Science, Graduate School of Dentistry, Kanagawa Dental University, Yokosuka, Japan;2. Division of Salivary Gland and Health Medicine, Department of Oral Science, Graduate School of Dentistry, Kanagawa Dental University, Yokosuka, Japan;3. Department of Junior College, School of Dental Hygiene, Kanagawa Dental University, Yokosuka, Japan;4. Department of Dental Education, Graduate School of Dentistry, Kanagawa Dental University, Yokosuka, Japan |
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| Abstract: | Salivary IgA—a primary factor in local immunity of the oral cavity—plays an important role in maintaining local immune function in the oral cavity and prevent upper respiratory tract infections. Oral IgA levels are known to fluctuate in an exercise-dependent manner; thus, we investigated the effects of voluntary exercise on salivary IgA secretion in rats to better understand the mechanism by which this occurs. Six-week-old male Wistar rats were placed in individual cages with or without access to exercise wheels for three weeks. Notably, animals who engaged in voluntary exercise demonstrated significant increases in IgA concentration in saliva and submandibular gland tissue, as well as a markedly higher salivary IgA flow rate. Moreover, active rats also exhibited elevated polymeric Ig receptor (pIgR) mRNA expression in submandibular gland tissue. Collectively, these results suggest that voluntary exercise may increase salivary IgA concentration and boost immune function in the oral cavity. |
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| Keywords: | IgA polymeric Ig receptor: pIgR rat saliva voluntary exercise |
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