Morphological Study of the Palatal Gingiva of the Maxillary First Molar in the Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Model Rat

Abstract

Summary: We studied morphological changes at the maxillary first molar in a model rat for type 2 spontaneous diabetes mellitus (DM), the Goto-Kazizaki (GK) rat, vs. the normal 8-week-old Wistar rat. Serial frontal sections of the gingiva of the maxilla with the bone were prepared from the rats. Image analyses, performed on light micrographs of the hematoxylin-eosin stained specimens, allowed comparison of the thickness of the keratinized, granular, prickle, and basal layers. In addition, the cell population of the granular and prickle layers and the cross-sectional area of the connective tissue beneath the mucosal epithelium were examined. The thickness of the capillary of the maxillary first molar was determined by image analysis of scanning electron micrographs of microvascular corrosion cast specimens. We found that the thickness of the keratinized, granular, and prickle layers was significantly higher in the DM vs. normal group, as were the cell population of the granular and prickle l ayers. In contrast, the cross-sectional area of the connective tissue beneath the mucosal epithelium, and the thickness of the capillary were significantly lower in the DM vs. normal sections. Therefore, we consider that the DM-associated hyperglycemia causes hypertrophy of the mucosal epithelium, atrophy of the connective tissue beneath the mucosal epithelium, and microangiopathy of the capillary of the palatal gingiva of the maxillary first molar in the GK rat.

The number of microvascular complications is associated with an increased risk for severity of periodontitis in type 2 diabetes patients: Results of a multicenter hospital‐based cross‐sectional study

“…Thickening of the capillary basement membrane and appearance of microaneurysms are morphological hallmarks of diabetic microvascular complications. Thickening of the capillary basement membrane has been observed in the gingiva, muscle and heart, and capillary microaneurysms have been noted in the hearts of diabetes patients and in the gingivae of type 2 Goto‐Kakizaki diabetic rats.…”

Morphological Changes Caused by Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes in the Healthy Gingiva of Rats

“…There are literature reports, which support our findings. Yasuda et al [23] suggested that hyperglycaemia causes the hypertrophy of the epithelium. Monea et al [24] reported that the rate of mitosis may increase in the basal epithelial layer.…”

“…Although the difference between the diabetes group and the control group for this parameter was statistically insignificant, this finding was still considered to be important in that it supports the hypothesis that diabetes may impair the structure of connective tissue fibrils and reduce collagen synthesis. Some other research suggests that hyperglycaemia may cause the atrophy of the connective tissue [23].…”

Psychological Stress and Diabetes Mellitus As Complicating Factors in Management of Pemphigus Vulgaris

“…23 Another study by Yasuda et al found that DMassociated hyperglycemia causes atrophy of the connective tissue beneath the epithelium and microangiopathy of the capillary of the palatal gingiva in diabetic rats. 24 Patients with diabetes mellitus have greater risk of infections. The main reasons for the increasing risks are immune dysfunction, micro and microangiopathies, neuropathy, decrease of antibacterial activity, dysmotility of gastrointestinal and urinary systems, and side effects from antidiabetic in oral tissue such as xerostomia.…”