Age and AgNor- A Morphometric study

Abstract

To investigate and correlate total AgNOR area/Total nucleus area (TAA/TNA ) values in buccal epithelial cells of healthy individuals in different age groups. Material and Methodology:- In present study 50 healthy individuals are included with age ranging 10 to 60 years. These are divided into 5 groups.Group1-10-20year, Group2-20- 30year, Group3-30-40year, Group4-40-50year, Group5-50-60year. Oral epithelial cells collected with the help of cyto brush from buccal mucosa. Smears were prepared on clean glass slides and fixed with 95% alcohol. Fixed slides Smears were stained with AgNOR stain. Results: Statistically significant correlations were found between mean TAA/TNA values and age p < 0.001 for linear and p < 0.0001 for polynominal regression, and between AgNOR number and age, p < 0.001 for linear. Conclusion: There is a significant correlation between age and AgNOR amount (ribosome biosynthesis rate) in buccal epithelial cells of healthy individuals. AgNORs in buccal epithelial cells may be used for detection of age.