The effect of isotretinoin administration and withdrawal on submandibular salivary gland of albino rats (Histological and Immunohistochemical study)

Abstract

Background: Isotretinoin is the most common drug used in acne treatment worldwide, and despite its wide range of dermatological indications, it has many side effects on different body tissues. Aim of the study: To investigate the effect of Isotretinoin on rat submandibular salivary gland histologically and immunohistochemically. Materials and methods: Forty-two adult male albino rats were used, divided into control and experimental groups. The control group (group I) was further subdivided into 3 subgroups: subgroup IA, IB and IC. Referring to the experimental group (group II) was also further subdivided into three subgroups: subgroup IIA received 1.5 mg/kg/day Isotretinoin orally for 28 days, subgroup IIB received same dose as subgroup IIA and duration but were left for recovery for one week and subgroup IIC received same dose and duration but were left for recovery for 2 weeks. Results: Histological examination of the subgroup IIA (Isotretinoin group) showed that acinar cells demonstrated some histological alterations including pyknotic, hyperchromatic and crescent shaped nuclei with variable sized cytoplasmic vacuolations. The ducts showed some signs of degeneration with loss of their normal cellular outlines. However, there was some improvement in subgroup IIB that escalated in subgroup IIC that was almost close to the control group or the normal state. Apoptotic changes expressed by anti-active caspase 3 were highest in subgroup IIA and statistical results showed statistical significance between studied groups. Conclusion: The use of Isotretinoin leads to histological alterations in submandibular salivary glands of rats by inducing apoptotic effect on their cells.