ABSTRACT
This study was done to investigate the effect of 9, 10 dimethyl 1-2 benzanthracene [DMBA] on rat buccal mucosa of the cheek pouch and to evaluate the possible protective role of vitamin C against this effect. Thirty male albino rats were used in this study. They were divided into three groups; 10 animals each. Group [1] was used as control. Group [2]: The animals buccal mucosa was topically treated with [DMBA] 3 times/week for 6 weeks. Group [3] was injected with Vitamin C via the caudal vein and DMBA was applied concomitantly in the same mentioned dose and duration as used in group two. This study showed that DMBA caused increase in the thickness of oral epithelial mucosa in most of the studied animals. Enzymological study of acid phosphatase revealed increased activity which interpreted to be due to DMBA effect in the initiation of the lysosomal acid phosphatase enzyme activity and this was considered as a precursor of the oral lesion. The animals treated with DMBA plus vitamin C showed markedly improved histological and enzymological alterations evidenced by significant decrease in epithelium mucosal thickness and keratinization associated with a decrease in acid phosphatase activity when compared with the DMBA treated group. The results indicated that vitamin C played an important role as an antioxidant in the inhibition of abnormal cell growth