Effect of ciprofloxacin on the submadibular salivary gland of adult male albino rat: a light and electron microscopic study

ABSTRACT

Ciprofloxacin is a synthetic antimicrobial agent with a wide spectrum of antibacterial activity. This work was done to evaluate the histological and histochemical changes induced by ciprofloxacin administration on the structure of submandibular gland of rats. It also aimed to predict the possibility of recovery after drug withdrawal. Twenty-four adult male albino rats were used in this study. They were divided into three equal groups 8 rats each. Group I was the control group. Group II included animals, which received the therapeutic dose of ciprofloxacin [90 mg/kg/day] for 10 days. Group III consisted of animals, which received the therapeutic dose of ciprofloxacin for 10 days and left to recover for 4 weeks. At the end of the experiment, the animals were decapitated and the submandibular glands were dissected out. They were prepared for light and electron microscopic examination. In Group II there were focal areas in the submandibular gland where the acini were almost disorganized. The acinar cells showed variable degrees of degeneration. The striated and convoluted ducts as well were affected. Some of their lining epithelium showed cytoplasmic vacuolations. There was a noticeable diminution in both the mucopolysaccharides and protein contents in the gland. However, these changes were seen to be reversible and the submandibular gland of rats in group III appeared more or less similar to the control