ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the histopathologic changes in rat soft palate and base of tongue by performing experimental polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and menopause models. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental study. SETTING: The study was conducted at the animal care facility of Haydarpasa Numune Education and Research Hospital. SUBJECT AND METHODS: Thirty healthy female Albino Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups (PCOS study group [n = 10], per oral letrozole given; PCOS control group [n = 6], per oral saline given; menopause study group [n = 8], ovariectomized; menopause control group [n = 6], sham operated). At the end of the follow-up periods, all animals were euthanized, and soft palates and base of tongues of all groups were removed to observe the histopathologic changes. RESULTS: When we compared the PCOS study group with the PCOS control group, submucous gland hypertrophy, mast cell infiltration, vascular engorgement, and acanthosis were significantly different in the soft palate (P < .05), and in addition to these findings, lymphocyte infiltration, subepithelial edema, and dilated glandular excretory duct were significantly different in base of tongue (P < .05). When we compared the menopause study group with the menopause control group, only vascular engorgement was significantly different in the soft palate (P < .05), and in addition to this finding, submucous gland hypertrophy, lymphocyte infiltration, polymorphonuclear leukocyte infiltration, and subepithelial edema were significantly different in base of tongue (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that PCOS and menopause induce significant histopathologic changes in the soft palate and base of tongue that are similar to the histopathologic changes seen in the soft palate and base of tongue of patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.
