Dietary fatty acids modulate the endocannabinoid system in rat submandibular gland

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of dietary fatty acids on endocannabinoid system components in rat submandibular gland. 15 male Wistar rats were fed on commercial diet until the 8th week of life. They were then divided into three dietary groups: Control, continuing with chow diet, and two experimental groups receiving for 30 days a diet containing corn oil or chia oil as lipid source (7%). At that time, animals were sacrificed and salivary glands obtained. Anandamide and 2-arachidonylglycerol endogenous ligands (high performance liquid chromatography) and cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 (immunofluorescence) were quantified. Fatty acid amide hydrolase enzyme activity was analyzed (spectrophotometry). Kruskal Wallis test was applied. 2-Arachidonylglycerol was higher in Corn oil group than in Control and Chia oil groups. The greatest CB1 and the lowest CB2 receptor positively-marked area percentage were found in Corn oil and in Chia oil, respectively. Fatty acid amide hydrolase enzyme activity was higher in Corn oil than in Chia oil. 18:2 n-6 (Corn oil) and 18:3 n-3 (Chia oil) dietary fatty acids modulate endocannabinoid system components in rat submandibular gland, what would have influence on salivary secretion. Dietary n-3 fatty acid could be useful in salivary dysfunctions.