Effect of caffeine on the secretion of peroxidase in rat submandibular gland: A study of its mechanism of action

ObjetiveIn this work, we analysed the mechanism of action of caffeine on peroxidase secretion in the female rat submandibular gland. The signaling molecules cAMP and nitric oxide were monitored as potential mediators.DesignThe salivary gland peroxidase secretion of female albino Wistar rats was assessed by a spectroscopic method.ResultsCaffeine was found to exert an increase on peroxidase secretion in a concentration-response manner: the peroxidase secretion stimulation index (SI) (secreted peroxidase from treated/secreted peroxidase from basal) for caffeine 10 μg/ml: 2.2 ± 0.18 (P < 0.05); caffeine 100 μg/ml alone: 3 ± 0.18 (P < 0.01); +LNMMA (LN monomethyl arginine): 1 ± 0.1 (P < 0.05); caffeine 1000 μg/ml alone: 5 ± 0.35 (P < 0.01); +LNMMA: 2 ± 0.2 (P < 0.05). These results were associated with an increase in cAMP and total nitrites production. Total nitrites, SI caffeine 100 μg/ml alone: 2.8 ± 0.2 (P < 0.01); +LNMMA: 1 ± 0.08 (P < 0.05); caffeine 1000 μg/ml alone: 4.8 ± 0.3 (P < 0.01); +LNMMA: 2.3 ± 0.18 (P < 0.05).ConclusionIt could thus be concluded that cAMP and NO are involved in the mechanism of action displayed by caffeine. This is the first report on the mechanism of action of caffeine on peroxidase secretion.