Background and aim: Lead poisoning is a threat to public health due to its permanent health consequences. Since antioxidant integration is considered as the most effective therapy sesame oil has been recommended for preventing lead-induced poisoning. The purpose of this research is to examine the ultrastructural changes that may develop in the acini and duct system of the parotid salivary glands of adult albino rats after exposure to lead acetate, and to identify the possible protective effect of sesame oil.
Materials and Methods: This research included 24 adult male albino rats weighing between 180-200g. Randomly, the rats were separated into three equal groups: Group I (Control), Group II (Lead acetate), and Group III (Lead acetate + Sesame oil). After five weeks of experimentation, blood was drawn and tested using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) to determine the blood lead level. After euthanization, glands were dissected for transmission electron microscopy analysis.
Results: Group (II) blood results demonstrated a rise in blood lead levels, but group (III) blood lead levels were midway between groups (I) and (II), demonstrating the therapeutic impact of sesame oil. Group (II) revealed acinar cells with evidence of cytotoxicity, including degenerated mitochondria, apoptotic nuclei, whereas the ducts had lumens with stagnant secretion. The ultrastructure of their acinar cells and duct system improved significantly in group III.
Conclusions: Sesame oil reduced the lead acetate toxicity in rats, which may be utilized as a prophylactic strategy in order to avoid the permanent negative effects of lead acetate exposure.