biostudies-literatureUchida HNational Center for Advancing Translational SciencesNIDCR NIH HHSUniversity of RochesterNational Institute of Dental and Craniofacial ResearchMedical Center, University of RochesterNIH HHSdmm049570https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC9683099biostudies-literatureUnknown15(11)Many patients treated for head and neck cancers experience salivary gland hypofunction due to radiation damage. Understanding the mechanisms of cellular damage induced by radiation treatment is important in order to design methods of radioprotection. In addition, it is crucial to recognize the indirect effects of irradiation and the systemic responses that may alter saliva secretion. In this study, radiation was delivered to murine submandibular glands (SMGs) bilaterally, using a 137Cs gamma ray irradiator, or unilaterally, using a small-animal radiation research platform (SARRP). Analysis at 3, 24 and 48 h showed dynamic changes in mRNA and protein expression in SMGs irradiated bilaterally. Unilateral irradiation using the SARRP caused similar changes in the irradiated SMGs, as well as significant off-target, bystander effects in the non-irradiated contralateral SMGs.Disease models & mechanismsShort-term and bystander effects of radiation on murine submandibular glands.PMC9683099UH3 DE027695R90 DE0225291S10OD021548-01T90 DE021985S10 OD021548Ovitt CEMaruyama EOJohnston CJHernady EIngalls MHFaustoferri RCUchida HfalseShort-term and bystander effects of radiation on murine submandibular glands.Many patients treated for head and neck cancers experience salivary gland hypofunction due to radiation damage. Understanding the mechanisms of cellular damage induced by radiation treatment is important in order to design methods of radioprotection. In addition, it is crucial to recognize the indirect effects of irradiation and the systemic responses that may alter saliva secretion. In this study, radiation was delivered to murine submandibular glands (SMGs) bilaterally, using a 137Cs gamma ray irradiator, or unilaterally, using a small-animal radiation research platform (SARRP). Analysis at 3, 24 and 48 h showed dynamic changes in mRNA and protein expression in SMGs irradiated bilaterally. Unilateral irradiation using the SARRP caused similar changes in the irradiated SMGs, as well as significant off-target, bystander effects in the non-irradiated contralateral SMGs.2022-01-01T00:00:00Z2022 Nov2026-06-20T03:14:24.809Z2025-04-05T15:21:30.086ZS-EPMC96830993626362410.1242/dmm.049570