| Abstract: | Rats were given xylitol or sorbitol perorally during a 150-day period in drinking water. The polyols were given in equimolar concentrations and their average daily consumption was 2.0 g per kg body weight. At the end of the feeding schedule the submandibular, parotid and lacrimal glands of the animals were studied for the levels of peroxidase, alpha-amylase, proteases and protein. The sorbitol-fed rats had lower body weights compared with the xylitol-fed siblings, but the differences were not significant. The same concerned the fresh weights of the glands studied. The levels of the enzymes and protein determined did not differ significantly between the feeding groups. The results provided further support to the idea that sorbitol and xylitol may not differ with regard to their effects on the peroxidase, amylase and proteinase levels of the three exocrine glands studied in rats, and that the xylitol-associated increase of the lactoperoxidase levels, previously observed with saliva, may confine to primates only. |
