Introduction: The skin is the largest organ in body subjected to external and internal stressors. Methyl methacrylate compounds have proven to be hazardous in many professionals dealing with them. These compounds are mainly used by dentists, nail salon technicians and some orthopedic surgeons.
Aim of Work: to explore the cellular alterations occurring in the skin at the histological and ultrastructural levels due to usage of methyl methacrylate compounds.
Material and Methods: Twenty mature male albino rats weighing 200 grammes were used for 2 weeks. The skin on the abdominal region of each rat was shaved. Rats were divided into 2 groups: Control (without intervention) and experimental (topically administered a 2 ml of methyl acrylate).
Results: Sections of the experimental group displayed thinning of the epidermis with relatively increased thickness of keratin layer. The dermis showed wide spacing of collagen fibres. Increased hair follicles and sebaceous glands was noted. Collagen bundles appeared loosely arranged in Masson's trichrome sections. Experimental group displayed marked loss of elastic fibres in sections stained with Orcein. Strong immunostaining to iNOS in epidermal melanocytes was also seen. Ultrastructural study showed keratinocytes with multiple cytoplasmic vacuoles. Melanocytes also revealed cytoplasmic extensions containing melanin granules. Dermis of skin displayed a degenerating fibroblast. Morphometric analysis confirmed the microscopic findings.
Conclusion: Several cellular effects of methyl methacrylate compounds on adult male albino rats' skin was demonstrated in the current work. It is highly advised that further research be done on the many methods that may be utilized to safeguard employees from such threats.