ABSTRACT
Background: Cisplatin, a platinum-based chemical, is an exceedingly effective anti-cancer medication that is extensively utilized in treating several types of human neoplasms. Nevertheless, this treatment modality exhibits several drawbacks, including the occurrence of dose-dependent adverse effects such as cytotoxicity. The submandibular salivary gland is classified as one of the principal paired glands situated in an extraoral location. In humans, the submandibular glands are around half the size of the parotid gland. However, in rats, the submandibular gland is the largest among the three primary gland types.
Objectives: to evaluate the cytotoxic effects induced by cisplatin on the submandibular salivary glands of albino rats.
Materials and Methods: A total of 30 adult albino male rats were divided into two groups, Gp I (control group) and Gp II (Cisplatin group). Rats in Gp II were administered a single intraperitoneal injection of 8 mg/kg of Cisplatin. At the end of the experiment (4 weeks), all rats were subjected to euthanasia. The submandibular salivary glands were removed and processed for histological and ultrastructural examination.
RESULTS: The submandibular salivary glands of the cisplatin group were observed using histological and ultrastructural analysis, revealing evidence of atrophy and degeneration in the acinar cells as apoptotic nuclei and cytoplasmic vacuolization. Striated and granular convoluted ducts showed pyknotic nuclei, partial loss of basal striations and loss of mitochondrial internal structure.
CONCLUSION: Cisplatin produced obvious degenerative changes on submandibular glands of albino rats.