Lingual Papillae Research Articles

Chapter 6: Vitamins and Oral Health.

Vitamins are essential organic compounds that catalyze metabolic reactions. They also function as electron donors, antioxidants or transcription effectors. They can be extracted from food and supplements, or in some cases, synthesized by our body or gut microbiome. Severe vitamin deficiencies result in systemic complications, including the development of scurvy, rickets, pellagra, and beriberi. Some moderate and severe deficiencies also result in oral conditions. A lower intake of vitamin A has been associated with decreased oral epithelial development, impaired tooth formation, enamel hypoplasia and periodontitis. Vitamin D deficiency during tooth development may result in non-syndromic amelogenesis and dentinogenesis imperfecta, enamel and dentin hypoplasia, and dysplasia. Clinical studies have demonstrated an association between vitamin D's endocrine effects and periodontitis. On the other hand, no significant association has been found between cariogenic activity and vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin C deficiency results in changes in the gingivae and bone, as well as xerostomia; while vitamin B deficiencies are associated with recurrent aphthous stomatitis, enamel hypomineralization, cheilosis, cheilitis, halitosis, gingivitis, glossitis, atrophy of the lingual papillae, stomatitis, rashes around the nose, dysphagia, and pallor. The effects of vitamins E and K on oral health are not as clear as those of other vitamins. However, vitamin K has a systemic effect (increasing the risk of haemorrhage), which may affect individuals undergoing oral surgery or suffering an oral injury. Health care professionals need to be aware of the effects of vitamins on oral health to provide the best available care for their patients.

Morphological study of the lingual papillae in the fruit bat (Rousettus amplexicaudatus) by scanning electron microscopy and light microscopy.

This study was carried on the tongues of ten normal, healthy and adult fruit bats (Rousettus amplexicaudatus, also known as the nyap biasa bat) in Yogyakarta, Java Island, Indonesia. The tongue was protrusible, elongated and flat with a rounded apex, and its width and thickness increased gradually towards to lingual root. There were two main types of lingual papillae, mechanical (filiform) and gustatory (fungiform and circumvallate). The tongue was divided into three parts (apex, corpus and radix), and then, each part was subdivided into three regions (two lateral regions and a median region). There were six subtypes of the filiform papillae-three types on the anterior part (small, scale-like and giant), one type on the middle part (leaf-like papillae) and two types on the posterior part (rosette-shaped filiform and conical filiform papillae)-in addition to transitional papillae presented on the corpus and radix. Two types of gustatory papillae were represented by a small number of fungiform papillae that are scattered among the filiform papillae on the lingual apex and corpus, while three circumvallate papillae on the posterior part are arranged in a "V" shape pointing directly at the larynx.

CORRELATIVE HISTOLOGICAL AND UMAMI TASTE ASSESSMENT STUDY OF GUSTATORY PAPILLAE ON THE DORSAL LINGUAL MUCOSA IN DIFFERENT ANIMAL SPECIES..

Background: A correlative characterization of oral mucosa was carried out in common animal species. Objective: This work aimed to correlate the histological structure of lingual gustatory papillae as well as the immunohistochemical reactivity to a particular umami receptor among different animal species to categorize the best experimental animal models for research. Methods: The dorsal lingual mucosal specimens were obtained from four species (orders) including; chicken (Galliformes), frogs (Anura), camels (Artiodactyla) and rabbits (Lagomorpha). They were processed for routine histological examination; histochemical staining using periodic acid Schiff (PAS) and Masson’s trichrome in addition to immunohistochemical localization of umami metabotropic glutamate receptor-4 (mGluR4) antibody. Results: Chicken, camels and rabbits exhibited keratinized stratified epithelium on the dorsal lingual mucosa with statistically greatest thickness in anterior lingual epithelium of chicken. For frogs, filiform and fungiform papillary walls were formed of mucous secreting columnar monolayer epithelium with a subjacent spindle cell layer. Insignificant differences in PAS staining intensity of dorsal lingual epithelium were noted between chicken anteriorly and rabbits as well as between chicken posteriorly and camels with the greatest significant intensity in frogs reflecting the highest content of glycogen and mucin. Likewise, the density of lamina propria and degree of collagen fibers bundling detected by Masson's trichrome were significantly different among species greatest in chicken and least in frogs. Intraepithelial taste buds were found in chicken while frogs displayed on top of fungiform papillae the largest gustatory disc among vertebrates. Camels and rabbits presented conventional papillary taste buds with the absence of foliate papillae in camels. Chicken and camel were negatively immunoreacted to mGluR4; frogs and rabbits were positively immunoreacted with the strongest reaction in rabbits. Conclusion: It was concluded that the direct association between histological variations of masticatory lingual mucosa and diverse environmental factors would reflect the adaptation capability of the lingual tissue.

Antiapoptic Activity of Cinnamon on Some Organs of 18 Days Rat Fetuses of Diabetic Mother

Diabetes is a public health problem affected pregnant rats associated with developmental defects of their growing fetuses and histopathological abnormalities of their body organs. The traditional application of phytotherapy encourages author to develop the more safety plants which exerts antidiabetic activity and improve the histological structure. The present study aimed to evaluate the intensity of lesions induced in liver, kidney, heart and lingual mucosa of 18-day old fetuses of diabetic mother. Also, how can cinnamon-extract supplementation exert antiapoptic activity and improved the histological picture during in utero treatment. Twenty pregnant rats were used in the present work. They were categorized into four groups (n = 5); control, cinnamon extract group, diabetes, diabetes and cinnamon supplementation. Diabetes was developed by single i.p. administration of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg in citrate buffer pH 4.5 plus 100mg/kg nicotinamide). Cinnamon watery extract (300mg/kg body weight) was daily orally administrered from 6th day of gestation until 18th day of gestation. At the end of treatment, the mother was sacrificed, and their fetuses were removed and liver, kidney, heart and tongue were dissected and preserved in 10% phosphate buffered formalin pH 7.4. Also, immunohistochemistry of caspase 3 and P53 were carried out. At 18th day of gestation, maternal blood glucose levels were monitored in the investigated groups. The present findings revealed that diabetes induced damage of hepatocytes, deformation of renal tubules and renal corpuscles, fragility of myocardial muscles and damage of epithelium lining the lingual mucosa and retarded the differentiation of lingual papillae especially fungiform papillae. Increase average of apoptic cells were detected in the examined tissues of diabetic mother. Cinnamon-treatment reduced the incidence of apoptosis and improved the histological picture of liver, kidney, heart and tongue of fetuses maternally diabetic compared to the control. Image analysis revealed overexpression of immunohistochemical reaction of caspase 3 in liver, kidney and heart as well as caspase 3 and p53 in heart of fetuses of diabetic mother compared to those of diabetic mother supplemented cinnamon extract and control. The authors finally concluded that cinnamon extract showed a hypoglycaemic activity, reduced the streptozotocin associated diabetes and ameliorated the fetal liver, kidney, heart and tongue histological and immunohistochemical picture.

Effect of irinotecan on the tongue mucosa of juvenile male albino rat at adulthood.

Irinotecan is one of the most important anti-tumour drugs against a broad spectrum of malignancies, but is known to be associated with possible oral complications. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of irinotecan on the tongue mucosa of juvenile male albino rat at adulthood using different histological and immunohistochemical methods. Twenty juvenile male albino rats were divided equally into two groups: control and irinotecan-treated group (single injection of 200mg irinotecan/kg, then kept for fourweeks without treatment). The tongue specimens were processed for light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The irinotecan-treated group showed statistically significant shortening and thinning of the lingual papillae. There was loss of the normal appearance of the filiform papillae with focal cell loss alternating with areas of hyperkeratosis. Focal separation of the keratin layer, some nuclear changes and vacuolation of some epithelial cells were detected. Dilated congested blood vessels and mild mononuclear cellular infiltration were encountered. Atrophic fungiform papillae with ill-defined taste bud cells were observed. A statistically significant decrease in the pattern of Ki67 immunohistochemical staining reaction was detected in comparisionto the control group. Scanning electron microscopy revealed different signs of atrophy of the tongue papillae. Focal areas of desquamation of lingual papillae were observed revealing some filiform papillae with desquamated surface, bisected tips and evident thinning. Some extravasated red blood cells could be detected. Thus irinotecan caused significant morphological and morphometrical alterations of the tongue mucosa in particularly the filiform papillae.

Larval anatomy of Dendropsophus decipiens (A. Lutz 1925) (Anura: Hylidae: Dendropsophini) with considerations to larvae of this genus.

The Dendropsophus decipiens clade comprises four species: D. berthalutzae, D. decipiens, D. haddadi, and D. oliveirai. Tadpoles of these species were described, but data on their internal morphology are lacking. We provide the first description of the buccopharyngeal anatomy, chondrocranial morphology, and cranial, hyoid and hyobranchial musculature of the tadpole of D. decipiens. Larvae of D. decipiens are characterized by the absence of lingual papillae, presence of fan-like papilla on the buccal floor, presence of a single-element suprarostral cartilage, presence of a small triangular process at the basis of the processus muscularis, m. levator mandibulae lateralis inserted on the nasal sac, and m. subarcualis rectus II-IV with a single, continuous slip. Tadpoles are likely macrophagous, although not as specialized as those of other species of the genus, suggesting some degree of diversification on the feeding habits within Dendropsophus.

Morphological and functional comparison of lingual papillae in suckling and adult feral cats: Forensic evidence.

Feral cats are considered as strays and are more likely to hunt in the street. We investigated the effect of environmental adaptations on the structures of lingual papillae in feral cats, which could be used as forensic evidence for their identification. There are no reported studies about the structural comparison of lingual papillae between suckling and adult feral cats. The present study described the lingual papillae of both suckling and adult cats macroscopically and microscopically via light and scanning electron microscopy. A total of nine tongue samples each for suckling and adult feral cats were examined grossly and histologically. Papillae distributions of suckling cats were similar to those observed in adult cats. Meanwhile, the shapes of those papillae were markedly different from that of corresponding papillae in adults. The change in taste bud position and size seemed to be related to the progressive growth of the papillae between adult and suckling cats; absence of taste buds in foliate papillae of feral cats at any stage; and marginal papillae which were a characteristic feature for all suckling cats. All previous elements could be affected by the specific feeding behaviour and mastication mode adaptation in suckling and adult feral cats which might help to identify suckling and adult feral cats among other breeds and animal species. We anticipate these findings may provide promising forensic evidence to discriminate between adult and suckling feral cat remains as well as prediction of environmental harshness and feeding behaviour.

ATROPHIC GLOSSITIS AS A CLINICAL SIGN FOR ANEMIA IN THE ELDERLY (Case report)

Background: Atrophic glossitis is caused by nutritional deficiencies and this condition commonly affects elderly patients. It may be the first sign of more serious systemic diseases or condition like anemia. Aim: Describe about the atrophic glossitis in an elderly woman as a first clinical sign of anemia and the treatment. C ase: The patient was a 74-year-old woman with complaints of pain, burning sensation and numb of the tongue for the last 3 months. The patient has gone to the general dentist and given some medicines but the complaint still persists. Case management: Extra oral examination showed the conjunctiva was anemic, and from intraoral examination found depapillated and glossy tongue. Then the laboratory tests showed haemoglobin, haematocrite and the number of erythrocytes were decreased, while MCV and MCH level were increased. The patient's tongue abnormalities were diagnosed as atrophic glossitis associated with anemia Vitamin B (B12 dan folate) deficiencies. Patients were given high dose of folic acids and vitamin B12 per oral, and mouthwash containing hyaluronic acid as anti inflammation alternating with chlorhexidine gluconate 0,2% mouthwash as an antiseptic. The tongue was repaired after 1 month therapy and healed in 2 months. Discussion : Atrophic glossitis is considered as one of the the clinical signs of anemia, that appears as areas of complete or irregular partial loss of papillae of the tongue, which is caused by atrophy of the lingual papillae. The analysis of the appropriate diagnose and causative factors can be assisted through a complete blood examination and will help us to decide the appropriate therapy. Conclusion : Dentists must be aware of the clinical signs of atrophic glossitis, because it can be an indication of a major health problem especially anemia.

Morphology and microstructure of the tongue of the lesser bamboo rat (Cannomys badius)

AbstractThe first detailed morphological description of the tongue and lingual papillae of the lesser bamboo rat, a fossorial rodent distributed in Indochina, is presented. Twelve tongues were examined by light, stereo‐ and scanning electron microscopy. The elongated tongue possessed an intermolar prominence and terminated in a rounded apex with a median sulcus. The dorsal surface of the tongue bore three types of papillae: filiform, fungiform and vallate, the first two of which were also observed on the ventral lingual surface. The filiform papillae varied in form and arrangement depending on the tongue region, although the majority of them were multifurcate, fork‐like papillae. The fungiform papillae were randomly scattered among the filiform papillae, with the highest density and number of taste pores (up to 12) at the ventral lingual apex. On the posterior tongue, two oval vallate papillae with numerous taste buds on their lateral epithelium were surrounded by a circumferential trench into which the serous von Ebner's glands’ ducts opened. The mucosal surface of the lingual radix was uneven without papillae, but contained mucous openings of Weber's glands. The tongue and lingual papillae of the lesser bamboo rat are similar to those of the large bamboo rat and show structural adaptations to the diet and food manipulation.

Comparative morphology of the lingual papillae and their connective tissue cores in the tongue of the Abyssinian black-and-white colobus (Colobus guereza).

We observed the morphology of the lingual papillae (filiform, fungiform, foliate, and vallate) and their underlying connective tissue cores (CTCs) in Abyssinian black-and-white colobus monkeys using light and scanning electron microscopy. The tongues of both juvenile and senescent individuals were relatively short in the rostro-caudal direction, with a rounded apex. Lingual tori were absent. Numerous filiform papillae were distributed over the entire tongue, except at the lingual root. A pair of foliate papillae was present on both the lateral and caudal margins of the corpus. Three vallate papillae were distributed on the boundary between the caudal part of the body and the root in both juvenile and senescent individuals. Based on scanning electron microscopy observations, the morphologies of the filiform papillae differed between juvenile and senescent individuals. The epithelial surface of juvenile filiform papillae had a main process, but the associated processes were weak and the underlying CTCs displayed immature morphology. In contrast, the epithelial surface of senescent filiform papillae was associated with several accessory processes, and their underlying CTCs consisted of several auxiliary cores that nearly encircled the main core, forming a concavity in the papilla. CTCs of the filiform papillae showed variable morphology. Juvenile filiform CTCs exhibited a rather primitive morphology, resembling those of the hamster, mole, and Cape hyrax while, conversely, despite the basically folivorous diet of the Abyssinian black-and-white colobus, senescent filiform CTCs resembled those found in omnivorous primates, including members of the Callitrichinae and Homoidea, and also those in Carnivora (e.g., Canidae and Felidae).

Morphological tools to evaluate the digestory apparatus in rocky cavy (Kerodon rupestris)

This research describes for the first time the complete morphology of the digestive apparatus of rock cavies. Dissection, light microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy were performed. The oral cavity has: the hard palate without palatine wrinkles and the soft palate; the tongue composed by striated musculature, with presence of vallate, foliated, and fungiform papillae with taste buds and filiform papillae with mechanical function; and, 20 teeth of the hypsodonts type. Esophagus, stomach, small intestine (duodenum, jejunum, and ileum), and the large intestine (cecum, colon, and rectum) are found. The anus is present at the end of the alimentary channel. Organs of digestive tube are composed by four tunics: mucosa, submucosa, muscular, and serosa. The duodenum, jejunum and ileum have villi. Jejunum, ileum and cecum present Lieberkühn crypts. The cecum has mucous glands. Colon and rectum are folded and have goblet cells. Anus presents sebaceous glands. As associated glands it is found the liver with six lobes and gallbladder; a lobulated pancreas; and a pair of each major salivary gland (parotid, mandibular, and sublingual). Parotid glands have serous acini and mandibular and sublingual glands have mucous acini. Pancreas has adenomers. The liver has hepatocytes and portal vein, hepatic artery, and bile duct (portal triad), separated by sinusoids. It is concluded that the digestive apparatus of the rock cavy has variations in the dentition, lingual papillae, and acini of the salivary glands when compared to other rodents. Other variations refer to the well-developed cecum characteristic of herbivorous behavior.

Features of filiform papillary lesion of the tongue and its mucosal microflora biofilm in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease

To identify filiform papillary lesions, localization changes, and the composition of the microflora of the dorsal lingual surface in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Dorsal lingual surface biopsy specimens were investigated in 7 patients with GERD (3 men, 4 women) and in 6 individuals without digestive diseases (3 men, 3 women). The diagnosis of GERD was based on a set of clinical data, daily pH-metry, EGDS, and the specialized GerdQ questionnaire. Scanning electron microscopy and fluorescence confocal microscopy were used. Intact filiform lingual papillae had a complex structure and consisted of primary and secondary papillae. Foci of increased epithelial desquamation with partial or complete loss of secondary papillae were detected in patients with GERD. There was a microflora biofilm only on the epithelium of the secondary papillae in the intact areas and in the areas with preserved secondary papillae in patients with GERD. On the contrary, the foci of lesion and those with completely lost secondary papillae in GERD patients exhibited the microflora (more diverse in its morphological characteristics) on the surface of the epithelial cells of primary papillae, except for their cup-shaped hollows in the area of the lost secondary processes. These cup-shaped hollows preserved dense intercellular contacts of epithelial cells. The lingual mucosal filiform papillae in GERD patients are characterized by the appearance of areas with partial or complete loss of secondary papillae and with increased desquamation of epithelial cells. There is microflora biofilm translocation to the primary papillae, except for their cup-shaped hollows (an area of the lost secondary papillae). Translocation of the microflora increased its morphological diversity.

The morphological development of lingual papillae at prenatal, postnatal, young and adult stages of white albino mouse

Abstract Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to describe the morphological structure of white albino mice lingual mucosa at the ultra structural level by scanning electron microscopy. Specimens taken from tongue of

Determining salivary and serum levels of iron, zinc and vitamin B12 in patients with geographic tongue

Background. Benign migratory glossitis or geographic tongue, whose cause still remains a mystery, emerges as annular lesions on the dorsal surface of the tongue. Several reasons have been reported for this condition, including vitamin deficiencies, digestive disorders, emotional stress and nutritional deficiencies. In order to introduce an efficient treatment for the geographic tongue, the present study investigated the levels of iron, zinc and vitamin B12 in the blood and saliva. Methods. The present study evaluated 40 subjects. The oral disease specialists examined the patients in the Dental School, Tehran University International Campus and Mashhad Dental School. Accordingly, inclusion and exclusion criteria were used to enroll the patients. The blood and salivary samples were collected from the case and control groups. Finally, independent t-test was used to analyze the data. Results. Overall, 20 subjects suffered from geographic tongue. They consisted of 8 females and 12 males, with a mean age of 33.5±4.8 and age range of 19‒49 years. Moreover, the mean age and age range of the healthy subjects were 29.40±7.5 and 24‒25 years, respectively. It should be pointed out that the subjects were equally divided into 10 males and 10 females. There was no difference between other variables in the blood and saliva. Conclusion. The results showed that patients with geographic tongue had lower levels of salivary zinc, compared to the control group. Although iron and vitamin B12 affect the lingual papillae, their serum and salivary levels did not change.

Morphology of the Lingual Papillae of the Japanese lesser flying squirrel and four-toed hedgehog.

Author examined the dorsal lingual surfaces of the adult Japanese lesser flying squirrel (Pteromys momonga) and four-toed hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris) by scanning electron microscopy. In the Japanese lesser flying squirrel, the filiform papilla of the lingual body consisted of a large conical papilla. The filiform papilla of the lingual prominence was spoon in shape. The fungiform papillae were round in shape and scattered among the filiform papillae. Many foliate papillae were observed on the posterolateral regions of the lingual body. The foliate papillae had some ridges separated by deep grooves. The vallate papilla was located between lingual body and root. Several long conical papillae derived from the posterolateral margin of the tongue. In the four-toed hedgehog, the filiform papilla of the lingual apex had a conical process. The filiform papilla of the lingual body had some processes. The fungiform papillae were round in shape. The foliate papillae were observed on the posterolateral regions of the lingual body. The papilla was separated from each other by a furrow. The vallate papilla consisted of a central papilla and an annular pad. These findings suggest that in the structure of the lingual papillae of the Japanese lesser flying squirrel there is similar to that of the sugar glider and the lingual papillae of the four-toed hedgehog is different from that of the Japanese lesser flying squirrel.

Light and scanning electron microscopic study of lingual papillae in the wolf (Canis lupus).

In this study, it was aimed to perform light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) investigation of the tongue and papilla belonging to two wolves. Light microscopy and SEM images of tongues were taken. It was observed that papillae filiformes concentrated in apex of these investigated tongues. In addition to, these papillae were observed in the whole tongues. It was also determined that papillae fungiformes were distributed rarely in between papillae filiformes. Papillae foliatae were placed in the lateral side of tongues. There were two papillae vallatae in the median part of tongues. Papillae vallatae was determined in radix linguae. It was observed that papillae vallatae formed circular extensions in many different dimensions and a hole was present in a circular structure in the center. Papillae conicae were seen on dorsal surface of radix linguae. Papillae foliatae were seen four laminal structure and placed on the each lateral side of tongues. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that presents of light microscopy and SEM findings related with the tongues of wolves.

Scanning electron microscopic study on the dorsal lingual surface of the Egyptian little owl, Athene noctua

Tongue in birds has a significant role in feeding mechanism as it greatly differs in the shape and size to help in obtaining, manipulating, swallowing and processing food. However, many details about some species are still missing. Therefore, the present study was designed to investigate the morphological appearance of the dorsal lingual surface of the little owl, Athene noctua using scanning electron microscope. The tongue of the little owl, Athene noctua appears elongated in the antero-posterior direction. The tongue is distinguished into an anterior lingual body and a posterior lingual radix. Lingual body surface is devoid from any type of the lingual papillae which are observed only on the dorsal surface of the lingual radix. The tip of the tongue appeared to be bifurcated. Irregular scaly protrusions of deciduous epithelial outgrowths were observed on the lingual body surface. Several rows of lingual papillae of different sizes were observed on the dorsal surface of the lingual radix. The results showed that the morphological features of the tongue of the little owl, Athene noctua is matched with its feeding habit.

SIS-ECM Laden with GMSC-Derived Exosomes Promote Taste Bud Regeneration

Oral cancer has a high annual incidence rate all over the world, and the tongue is the most frequently affected anatomic structure. The current standard care is ablative surgery of malignant neoplasm, followed by tongue reconstruction with free flap. However, such reconstructive modalities with postsurgery radiotherapy or chemotherapy can hardly support the functional recovery of the tongue—particularly, functional taste bud regeneration—in reconstructed areas, thus seriously affecting patients’ prognosis and life quality. Using a critical-sized tongue defect model in rats, we show that combinatory transplantation of small intestinal submucosa–extracellular matrix (SIS-ECM) with gingival mesenchymal stem cells (GMSCs) or their derivative exosomes promoted tongue lingual papillae recovery and taste bud regeneration as evidenced by increased expression of CK14, CK8, and markers for type I, II, and III taste bud cells (NTPdase 2, PLC-β2, and AADC, respectively). In addition, our results indicate that GMSCs or their derivative exosomes could increase BDNF expression, a growth factor that plays an important role in the proliferation and differentiation of epithelial basal progenitor cells into taste bud cells. Meanwhile, we showed an elevated expression level of Shh—which is essential for development, homeostasis, and maintenance of the taste bud organ—in wounded areas of the tongue among animals treated with GMSC/SIS-ECM or exosome/SIS-ECM as compared with SIS-ECM control. Moreover, our data show that GMSCs or their derivative exosomes promoted innervation of regenerated taste buds, as evidenced by elevated expressions of neurofilament and P2X3 at the injury areas. Together, our findings indicate that GMSC/SIS-ECM and exosome/SIS-ECM constructs can facilitate taste bud regeneration and reinnervation with promising potential application in postsurgery tongue reconstruction of patients with tongue cancer.

Histological and Histomorphometric Evaluation of Anterior Part of Rats Tongue Exposed to Passive Cigarette Smoking

Tobacco causes multiple human malignancies including cancers of the lung, oral cavity, pharynx, stomach, liver and cervix. The current study aimed to investigate the effect of passive cigarette smoke on histological feature of anterior part of tongue and filiform and fungiform lingual papillae. Twelve male albino rats were divided in to two groups. One served as control while the other exposed to passive cigarette smoke for 60 days. Tongues specimens underwent histopathological and histomorphometric analysis. The tongue of passive smoking group represented pleomorphic filiform papillae with excessive keratin formation, marked disappearance of secondary papillae with flattening of the basement membrane. The fungiform papillae were smaller in size having thin keratin layer and some of them had degenerated taste bud. The serous acini of the anterior part showed mild vacuolization and inflammatory infiltration in the connective tissue stroma. The ventral surface showed decreased epithelial thickness, basement membrane irregularity and thinning of the keratin layer. Histomorphometric analysis showed decreased diameter of the filiform in response to passive smoking while its length differ according to its location; papillae at tip had normal length, at dorsal surface became elongated while those near the root had a decreased length. In conclusion, passive smoking had a deleterious effects on the histological structure of anterior part of tongue. In addition, it affected the morphology of filiform and fungiform lingual papillae.

Characteristics of lingual papillae in diabetic rats

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder resulting with many different complications including soft tissue abnormalities in the oral cavity such as periodontitis and salivary and taste dysfunction. Previous studies also reported fungal and bacterial infections in oral cavity in these patients. This study aims to represent three dimentional morphologic ultrastructural changes of the diabetic rat tongue via scanning electron microscopy. Twenty-four (24) adult male Spraque-Dawley rats, (weight ranging between 200-250g) included in the study were randomly assigned into two groups: control rats were injected with intraperitoneally saline alone, experimental diabetes group received streptozotocin (STZ) (80mg/kg) administrated intraperitoneally. On month four, by the end of experimental period, all animals of each group were anesthetised. All tongues were dissected totally, postfixed in 2% osmium tetroxide and then dried by critical point drying before SEM analysis. Finally, superficial epithelial configurations of the lingual papillae in experimental diabetic rats were examined by scanning electron microscopy. Diabetes mellitus caused thickness, hyperceratosis and different epithelial changes, We observed yeast-like structures and bacterial colonisations on the papillar and epithelial structure of the tongue. The morphological atrophic changes of lingual mucosa and the median rhomboid glossitis (which is primary finding of candidal infection) are characteristic observations on the lingual mucosa of the streptozotocin treated rats.