Histological and Biochemical Evaluation of the Effect of Desloratadine Drug in Parotid Gland Tissues

Abstract

Background: The functional deterioration of salivary glands is a consequence of a wide range of factors and significantly interfered with life quality. Desloratadine (an antihistamine) is among the drugs listed to cause dry mouth; however, its effect on major salivary gland tissues has not been well studied. Objectives: To evaluate the effects of desloratadine treatment on parotid gland tissues, histological features, and their impact on serum oxidative and antioxidant markers. Materials and Methods: Thirty rats were used in this study. They were divided into three groups (each containing ten rats). Group A: control rats. Group B and C have received desloratadine at dose 0.142 and 0.245 mg/kg of body weight respectively for three weeks. After three weeks, serum levels of sialic acid, malondialdehyde, catalase, lactate dehydrogenase, superoxide dismutase, creatin kinase, and glutathione were estimated for three groups. Then, animals were sacrificed and five µm formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue sections were prepared routinely from parotid glands for histological evaluation under light microscope. Results: The histological evaluation of salivary gland tissues in both treated-groups was revealed a remarkable cytoplasmic vacuolization, atrophy, and degranulation in acinic cells. The serous acinar cells were showed autolysis and nuclear changes (pyknosis, karyorrhexis, and karyolysis). There was an increase in the interstitial spaces between each parenchymal element associated with few mononuclear cell infiltrations. The intra-lobular ducts were reduced in size and were indistinct throughout lobes. The severe changes were associated with higher desloratadine dose. Regarding biochemical analysis, the treated-groups had significantly increased serum levels of malondialdehyde, sialic acid, lactate dehydrogenase and creatin kinase, and significantly reduced serum levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione. Conclusions: Desloratadine administration produces noticeable histological changes in a dose-dependent manner associated with increased oxidative stress markers and decreased antioxidative activity.