Possible Protective Effect of Fish Oil on Parotid Salivary Glands in Adult Male Albino Rats With Ptu - Induced Hypothyrodism (Histological and Ultrastructural Study)

Abstract

Introduction: Propylthiouracil is used to treat hyperthyroidism and to induce the hypothyroidism in experimental animals. Hypothyroidism has a negative impact on many body organs. However, few studies were done to evaluate the effect of hypothyroidism on parotid glands. Fish oil has an important antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.Aim: This study aimed to investigate the effect of Propylthiouracil induced hypothyroidism on the histological and ultrastructure features of parotid glands of rats and the possible prophylactic effect of fish oil.Materials and Methods: 30 adult male albino rats were divided equally into 3 groups. Control group (A), hypothyroidism induced group (B) and hypothyroidism induced + fish oil group (C). Hypothyroidism was induced in group (B) and (C)using 10 mg / kg body weight Propylthiouracil. For group (C), fish oil was given with Propylthiouracil as 0.5ml/100gm body weight daily for 28 days. At the end of the study the parotid glands were harvested and prepared for histological and ultrastructure examination. Results:In group (B) the acinar cells illustrated signs of cytotoxicity including cytoplasmic vacuolations, separation between acini, dilated ducts with abnormal epithelial lining. Moreover, the ultrastructure results revealed shrunken nuclei, swelling in the rough endoplasmic reticulum, and scattered apoptotic bodies. Relative improvements in these features have been noticed in the fish oil treated group (group C). Conclusion:Hypothyroidism represents an important risk factor for parotid salivary gland dysfunction. Fish oil may have significant protective capacity not only to improve salivary glands structure, but also to help in prophylaxis against hypothyroidism.