Figure 1:

NIS expression and function in normal and inflamed salivary glands. (a) NIS immunostaining (brown color) is detected in the basolateral membranes of the normal striated ducts; (b) NIS immunostaining (brown color) is heterogeneously decreased or absent in inflamed striated ductal cells during sialoadenitis ; and (c) Technetium-99m pertechnetate (TPT) time activity graph shows normal uptake and secretory clearance of the TPT radioisotope in the functioning left parotid (curve of green color). The inflamed right parotid (curve of blue color) had minimal uptake and no secretory clearance, indicating reduced salivary NIS expression and salivary ductal obstruction, respectively. Lemon candy was given at frame 20 to stimulate secretory clearance.