Histological Evaluation of The Effect of Pilocarpine on the Lingual Salivary Glands of The Root of the Tongue After X-Ray Irradiation in Rats

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of pilocarpine on the histological changes, induced by exposure to radiation therapy, in the rat’s lingual salivary glands. Subjects and methods: This study was carried on 30 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 150-250 g. That the rats were divided into 3 groups (10 rats per each). Group I: Control group received neither radiation nor drug. Group II: exposed to a single whole body γ-irradiation at dose of 6 Gray (Gy). Group (3): the rats were injected intraperitoneally by a single dose of pilocarpine hydrochloride (0.2 mg/kg) 90 minute before the exposure of the previous dose of radiation. Results: One week after x-ray radiation the glands demonstrated marked destructive changes. These changes comprise in the form of loss of acinar architecture, and acinar degeneration and atrophy. Pilocarpine administration prior to radiation has decreased, but not completely prevents, the harmful effects of radiation. The radioprotective effect of pilocarpine treatment was manifested by the decreased atrophic changes and the absence of degenerated acinar cells. Conclusion: Administration of pilocarpine can protect, to some extent, the lingual salivary glands against radiation histological damage.