Blood glucose analyzer

Diabetes causes changes in salivary secretion and composition, usually leading to dry mouth and/or hyposalivation.16 (link)–18 (link) Therefore, the anti-inflammatory effects of DM-sol and DM-gel were assessed in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice after removal of submandibular glands, the major salivary glands in the mouth. Thirty-two female BALB/c mice were assigned to four groups (n=7–8 per group) to balance body weights (22–24 g). Mice were anesthetized by intraperitoneal injection of urethane (1.5 mg/kg), and then the submandibular gland, located beneath the lower jaws, was surgically removed using biopsy forceps. One week after excision of the submandibular gland, mice were intra-peritoneally administered 60 mg/kg streptozotocin (0.1 M citrate buffer, pH 4.5). Induction of diabetes was confirmed by monitoring the blood glucose level 72 h after injection of streptozotocin, using a blood glucose analyzer (Roche-Diagnostics 1, Mannheim, Germany). Mice with glucose levels >300 mg/100 mL were regarded as diabetic. About 20 μL of DM-sol, DM-gel, and normal saline as negative control were applied to the inner surface of the cheek using a micropipette four times per day for 4 weeks. The sham group received only normal saline and underwent neither removal of the submandibular gland nor injection of streptozotocin during the same period.