From Redox Imbalance to Tissue Injury: Insights Into Antidepressant Drug Amitriptyline Effects on Salivary Glands

This study aimed to investigate the effects of amitriptyline administration on the salivary glands and saliva of rats. Twenty-eight male Wistar rats (60 days old) were divided into two groups (n = 14 per group): control and amitriptyline-treated (10 mg/kg/day for 30 days). After the treatment period, saliva samples induced by pilocarpine were collected to analyze total protein concentration, amylase activity, and antioxidant capacity, while salivary glands were harvested for assessments of oxidative stress markers and morphological changes. Amitriptyline increased total protein and decreased amylase activity in saliva, with no change in the Trolox-equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC). The drug triggered oxidative stress in both glands by the decrease in TEAC concentration and increased lipid peroxidation. Morphometric analysis showed that amitriptyline increased the total area of stroma and decreased the ductal area in both glands. In the submandibular gland, acinar area was reduced as well. These findings suggest that amitriptyline-salivary gland dysfunction is associated with oxidative imbalance, morphometric, and alterations in saliva composition, contributing to a broader understanding of amitriptyline's adverse effects.