The role of pilocarpine in the reduction of radiation induced damage to the salivary glands

Regarding late morbidity, hyposalivation is one of the most frequently reported radiation-induced side effects which has a negative impact on health-related quality of life [1;2]. Besides the subjective sensation of a dry mouth (xerostomia), saliva also plays a major role in speech, taste perception, mastication, bolus formation, swallowing, rinsing the mouth, clearing and diluting food detritus and bacterial matter, and mucosal protection [3;4]. In this thesis we investigated the role and the mechanisms of pilocarpine treatment during radiotherapy in the prevention and reduction of radiation-induced hyposalivation.