Breakthrough Made in Efforts to Heal Damaged Salivary Glands
Scientists at the Scripps Research Institute and National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research have found a new type of cell, called an ionocyte, that is integral to the health of salivary glands. Ionocytes ensure that enough ions of potassium, calcium, and chlorine are present in saliva, in addition to producing a growth factor protein—FGF 10—that may help heal damaged salivary glands, a frequent side effect of cancer treatment. The research was recently published in the journal Cell Reports. Click here to read more.
