Methacrylate-induced changes in metric parameters of rat palatine glands

Abstract

Application of removable acrylic dentures causes complaints of xerostomia, caused by the inadequate function of minor salivary glands. The paper was aimed to determine the dynamics of methacrylate-induced changes in metric parameters of terminal parts and ducts of rat palatine glands. The morphometric study has established that use of 1% methacrylic acid methyl ether solution to rats to reproduce experimental hypofunction of palatine salivary glands does not affect the parameter of lumen diameter of terminal parts, whereas other rates have shown a significant decrease in metric parameters ( outer diameter, height of epithelial cells and diameter of duct lumens) before the 30 day of the experiment, as compared to the rates in intact group of animals. The detected phenomena are caused by the direct irritative effect of 1% methacrylic acid methyl ether solution on mucosa of glandular area of rat hard palate, as well as inadequate mucosal blood supply, leading to terminal parts trophism and duct system of rat palatine glands impairments.