The possible protective effect of vitamin C on Cisplatin induced apoptosis in rats’ submandibular salivary glands (Histological and immunohistochemical studies)

Abstract

Background/ Aim: Cisplatin is widely used as an effective chemotherapeutic agent, but it affects normal tissues by generating reactive oxygen species and free radicals. Vitamin C is one of the most available potent antioxidant agents. It can counteract the damaging effect of free radicals and harmful oxygen-derived species in the tissues. The aim of this study was to evaluate the apoptosis induced by cisplatin in rats’ submandibular salivary glands and the possible protective effect of Vitamin C.

Materials and methods: We divided the rats into: Control group, Cisplatin group and Vitamin C with Cisplatin group. All groups were further subdivided where half the animals was terminated 3 days, while the other half was terminated 5 days after the injection. Sections of the processed submandibular salivary glands were examined to detect the histological changes induced by Cisplatin and the possible protective effect of vitamin C.

Results: The subgroups received Cisplatin revealed degenerative changes in the acini and ducts as numerous intracellular vacuoles and pyknotic nuclei. While those received Vitamin C and Cisplatin revealed more or less normal glandular structure. Immunohistochemical examination revealed that the positive reaction to Anti-active Caspase 3 in cisplatin subgroups was significantly higher than the control subgroups indicating severe apoptotic changes while Vitamin C and Cisplatin subgroups revealed significant reduction in the apoptotic activity in comparison with Cisplatin subgroups.

Conclusion: Vitamin C had a protective effect against cytotoxic and apoptotic changes induced by Cisplatin in rat submandibular salivary glands.