ABSTRACT
Background: Bisphenol A (BPA), an endocrine disruptor, is a chemical widely used in the manufacture of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins found in many consumer products and dental sealants. Concerns were raised against the excessive usage of such substances. Consumption of BPA has been associated with several diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus and reproductive problems. Oxidative toxicity, on numerous tissues in the body, has also been stated after BPA exposure.
Materials and methods: Twenty adult male albino rats (180-200 gm in weight) were used in this study. They were randomly separated into 2 equal groups: Group I (control group), Group II (BPA group). In group I, rats received 1 ml corn oil as a vehicle. In group II, rats received 50 mg/kg body weight of BPA dissolved in corn oil and administered orally once daily for six weeks. The animals were euthanized at the end of the experimental. Right parotid glands were taken out and prepared for light microscopic analysis.
Results: Control group showed normal histological features of parotid gland. Regarding the BPA group, there were changes in the parotid glands' histological structure. The serous acini showed structural disorganization as well as loss of their cell boundaries. According to body weight changes, there was a considerable increase in body weight within the group receiving the BPA.
Conclusion: BPA oral administration for six weeks in adult male rats led to significant histological changes in the parotid salivary glands and thus oral homeostasis disruption.