Microliths in the parotid of ferret investigated by electron microscopy and microanalysis

Abstract

The present investigation is an attempt to determine the occurrence, elemental composition and formation of microliths in the parotid of ferret. Parotids from four normal ferrets were examined by electron microscopy and X-ray microanalysis. Crystalline microliths were found in phagosomes of acinar cells, which occasionally contained secretory material, and in phagosomes situated between mitochondria of striated ductal cells. Crystalline microliths and microliths that consisted of granular material either without crystals or mixed with a component of crystals were found in lumina, where they were often associated with cellular debris. The crystals contained calcium and phosphorus. Phagy and stagnation related to pockets of inefficient secretory activity have been previously found to be features of the parotid of ferret. Thus, possibly persistent degradation of redundant cellular material, particularly secretory granules, in phagosomes results in accumulation of calcium and leads to calcified microliths, whereas consolidation of stagnant debris extracellularly does not involve such accumulation and leads to non-calcified or mixed microliths.

Salivary stones: symptoms, aetiology, biochemical composition and treatment

“…This microobstruction may cause atrophic foci and chronic sialendenitis. 1,33,34,38 These microobstructions may clump together into a salivary stone. However, the incidence of sialomicroliths is not related to the duration of symptoms of sialolithiasis.…”

Soft Tissue Surgery

“…3,26,28 The zygomatic and molar (buccal) glands are most commonly affected. 45,46 Aspiration may provide temporary relief from the swelling, but treatment should involve marsupialization or surgical removal of the involved gland or glands.…”

Peri̇odontoloji̇de Deney Hayvani Ve Hastalik Modelleri̇

“…Ayrıca feretler sialolit çalışmaları için dünyada yaygın kullanılan modellerdir. 46 Ratlar ve hamsterlar incelenen modeller arasında en sık çalışılan hayvan modelleridir. Rat ve hamsterların bakterisiz ortamda spesifik türler olarak yetiştirilebilme avantajı mikrobiyoloji ve immünoloji çalışmaları için onları eşsiz kılmaktadır.…”