Ediz Yorgancilar; Selcuk Tunik; Engin Deveci; Ramazan Gun; Salih Bakir; Vefa Kinis; Ercan Ayaz & Ismail Topcu

Summary

The objective of this study was to evaluate the histopathologic effects of systemic use of nicotine on the rat nasal mucosa. Twelve adult Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 180-220 g, were used as experimental animals. The rats were divided into Nicotine and control groups. The rats of Nicotine groups (n=6) were administered 2mg/kg Nicotine sulphate for 28 days. The rats of control group (n=6) were only administered 1,5 ml physiologic saline solution subcutaneously for 28 days. All animals were sacrified at the end of the study and nasal tissue samples were removed and prepared for histologic examination. The sections were stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin (H-E) and Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) and Trichrome-Masson were observed under light microscope. E-cadherin immunreactivity of pseudostrafied epithelial cells of nasal mucosa was assessed by immunohistochemical staining. There were significant differences in average histopathological score between the groups treated and non-treated to nicotine. In nicotine group, degenerative change of epithelial cells and hypertrophy of goblet cells were observed. Leukocytes infiltration was observed in significant areas of connective tissue. E-cadherin expression was significantly decreased in epithelial cells of the nasal mucosa of Nicotine group.

KEY WORDS: Nicotine; Rat; Nasal mucosa; E-cadherin; Immunohistochemistry.

How to cite this article