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Diabetes causes morphological changes in human submandibular gland: a morphometric study
Author(s) -
Lilliu Maria Alberta,
Solinas Paola,
Cossu Margherita,
Puxeddu Roberto,
Loy Francesco,
Isola Raffaella,
Quartu Marina,
Melis Tiziana,
Isola Michela
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
journal of oral pathology and medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.887
H-Index - 83
eISSN - 1600-0714
pISSN - 0904-2512
DOI - 10.1111/jop.12238
Subject(s) - submandibular gland , serous fluid , diabetes mellitus , salivary gland , pathology , electron microscope , endocrinology , biology , medicine , physics , optics
Background Dataon structural alterations in human diabetic salivary glands are scanty and conflicting. The goal of this study is based on the evaluation of the morphological changes in submandibular glands of subjects with well‐controlled diabetes and without evident salivary malfunctions. Methods Submandibular gland pieces from diabetic and non‐diabetic patients were fixed, dehydrated, and processed to obtain sections for light and electron microscopy. Randomly selected micrographs were statistically analyzed to reveal variations in serous acini. Results Morphometrical evaluation allowed us to reveal significant changes such as enlargement of acinar and granule size, reduction of mitochondrial size, increased density of microbuds and protrusions along luminal membranes. Conclusions The results indicate that diabetes affects submandibular gland structure even when glandular function appears unaltered and suggest that morphological changes reflect functional changes chiefly regarding the secretory activity.