In the present work it is worth noting that some

In the present work, it is worth noting that some acini of the capsaicin group showed a similar pattern to mucous acini with basally situated nuclei and foamy cytoplasm in both light and TEM. This could be due to the transformation of some seromucous acini into pure mucous. This assumption comes in agreement with a study conducted by Ref. [13] who reported that capsaicin and chili increased the secretion of mucus from the stomach. The authors suggested that this increase of mucus production upon exposure to capsaicin is the reason for its gastroprotective effect. Therefore, it could also be presumed here that a protective mechanism may be mediated by the mucous transformation of some acini in the submandibular salivary gland. In the present study, H&E stained sections of the capsaicin group showed GCTs with ill-defined cell outlines, increased eosinophilia and clumping of granular content. The TEM examination of GCTs also revealed that the secretory granules were ill-defined, fused with less electrondensities than the control. Normally, GCTs of rat submandibular salivary gland are known to secrete many growth factors [7]. Moreover [11], reported presence of digestive enzymes, antimicrobial substances and mucins synthesized and secreted by the GCTs cells. Based on previous studies reporting the induction of a cystatin S substance in the saliva of rats consuming dietary capsaicin [9,10] and on studies reporting the immunohistochemical detection of cystatin within GCT glycosylase inhibitor of submandibular glands of rats treated with isoproterenol (the sympathetic beta-agonist) [3], it could be predicted that histological and ultrastructural changes found in GCTs cells of the present work could be associated with biochemical changes in the secretory product of such cells. In 2002, Katsukawa et al. further investigated the physiological role of the salivary cystatin S, they reported that these proteins contributed to enhanced ingestion of the capsaicin diet. The same researchers also suggested that induction of salivary cystatin S substance may be triggered by irritation of the oral mucosa caused by capsaicin. Transmission electron micrographs of the capsaicin group presented ill-defined secretory granules with fused outline in GCT cells. In such cells, the mitochondria were frequently swollen with loss of cristae. The accumulation of these granules appeared to be due to the inhibition of exocytosis, as described by Ref. [6]. Knowing that, ATP is essential for granule priming prior to exocytosis [5]. Additionally [18] noticed that mitochondrial affection led to depletion of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) leading to failure of membrane pumps with subsequent no energy for secretion. By examination of transmission electron micrographs, variable grades of mitochondrial affection were detected primarily in cells of the striated ducts and to a lesser extent in acini, GCTs and excretory ducts. This foregoing observation comes in agreement with [2] who stated that capsaicin was found to inhibit the respiratory response of rat liver mitochondria. Also, it was found to depress the 2, 4-dinitrophenol (DNP) activated adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) activity of rat liver mitochondria. These previous studies indicated that capsaicin has profound effect on the energy linked functions of isolated mitochondria [14]. reported mitochondrial swelling with rarified matrix and disorganized cristae as an immediate effect of capsaicin on duodenal absorptive cells following its intraduodenal and intragastric administration. The same investigators also reported dilatation of endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi complex. They suggested that these cellular alterations reflected altered function and physiology of the absorptive cells. Such findings also come in agreement with ultrastructural results of the present study showing dilated RER in acinar cells of the capsaicin group.
Conclusions
Introduction Gingival overgrowth (GO) is defined as abnormal growth of maxillary and mandibular gingiva. It may causes aesthetic changes and clinical symptoms such as pain, speech disturbances, abnormal tooth movement, dental occlusion problems, enhanced risk of caries and periodontal disorders [1,2].