THE TOXICOLOGICAL INFLUENCE OF NO₂ AND SO₂ GASES ON MAJOR SALIVARY GLANDS: AN EXPERIMENTAL RAT MODEL
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Abstract
This study explores the morphological and morphometric changes in the major salivary glands (parotid, submandibular, and sublingual) of laboratory rats subjected to chronic exposure to nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and sulfur dioxide (SO₂). A total of 30 Wistar rats were divided into control and experimental groups. The experimental group was exposed to a 0.2 ppm gas mixture for 6 hours daily over 90 days. Histological and morphometric analyses revealed substantial degenerative, inflammatory, and atrophic alterations in the salivary glands of exposed animals. Quantitative measurements showed significant reductions in acinar diameter, nuclear volume, capillary density, and the number of secretory cells. These findings suggest that prolonged inhalation of NO₂ and SO₂ compromises glandular structure and function, highlighting the critical need for environmental pollution control strategies.
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