Aspectos histológicos e ultraestruturais da língua em ratos desnutridos

Biological aspects of the tongue morphology of wild-captive WWCPS rats: a histological, histochemical and ultrastructural study

The aim of this study was to characterise the tongue in wild-type rats using several microscopic techniques. Warsaw Wild Captive Pisula Stryjek (WWCPS) rats belong to a lineage of wild-caught rats. The study was carried out on tongues of 15 male and 15 female WWCPS rats. Histological, histochemical and ultrastructural studies were carried out. There were no significant differences between the male and female WWCPS rat tongues. There was a median groove approximately 1 cm long in the apex of the tongue that faded caudally. The intermolar prominence was clearly marked in the distal part of the lingual body. Lingual mechanical papillae located on the surface of the tongue formed four subtypes based on their shape: small filiform papillae, giant filiform papillae, thin elongated filiform papillae and wide filiform papillae. Gustatory papillae formed the second group of papillae and were divided into bud-shaped fungiform papillae, a single vallate papilla surrounded by an incomplete papillary groove and foliate papillae, which were a well-formed and composed of several pairs of folds divided by longitudinal grooves. In the posterior lingual glands (mucoserous and serous), acidic sulphated mucin-secreting cells gave a strong AB pH 2.5 positive reaction, and a positive reaction with the AB pH 1.0 stain for acidic carboxylated mucin. Double AB/PAS staining showed the presence of the majority of mucous cells with predominant of acidic mucins. Positive PAS staining showed the presence of neutral mucin. HDI staining demonstrated a weak positive reaction within Weber’s glands of the WWCPS rat tongue.

Effect of early undernutrition on masticatory morphophysiology: review of the literature

INTRODUCTION

Certain periods of development of the nervous system are critically vulnerable to environmental insults because of the processes involved that cycle very quickly. Morphologic and functional development of mastication occurs coincidently during these stages. Early environmental insults during critical periods can cause permanent effects on both structures and functions of organic systems that can have lasting repercussions in adulthood.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we investigated, through a literature review, the possible effects of perinatal calorie and/or protein low diet on structural and physiological development of mastication.

DESIGN

A systematic literature search was conducted from in the PUBMED electronic database. In collecting literature we used the keywords: "undernutrition" and "stomatognathic system". Criteria used in the selection of articles for inclusion were: studies evaluating the effects of perinatal calorie and/or protein low diet on masticatory morphology and function. Exclusion criteria included, short communications and nonavailability in full text format.

CONCLUSION

Undernutrition during critical periods of life causes changes in the key structures of masticatory function. This fact can affect the selection of essential nutrients, thereby interfering with the process of satiation.

Papillary atrophy of the tongue and nutritional status of hospitalized alcoholics

BACKGROUND

Atrophy of the papillae, mucosa, and dorsum of the tongue are considered classical signs of nutritional deficiencies.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the nutritional status of hospitalized alcoholics with or without papillary atrophy of the tongue.

METHODS

This study was performed with 21 hospitalized alcoholics divided into Atrophic Glossitis Group (n=13) and Normal Tongue Group (n=8). Healthy, non-alcoholic volunteers composed the Control Group (n=8). Anthropometry and bioelectric impedance were performed, and serum vitamins A, E, and B12 were determined.

RESULTS

There were no statistical differences in relation to age (46.7 ± 8.7 vs. 46.8 ± 15.8 years) or gender (92.3% vs. 87.5% male), respectively. Control Group volunteers were also paired in relation to age (47.5 ± 3.1 years) and male predominance (62.5%). In relation to hospitalized alcoholics without atrophic lesions of the tongue and Control Group, patients with papillary atrophy showed lower BMI (18.6 ± 2,5 vs 23.8 ± 3.5 vs 26.7 ± 3,6 kg/m(2)) and body fat content 7.6 ± 3.5 vs 13.3 ± 6.5 vs 19.5 ± 4,9 kg). When compared with the Control Group, alcoholic patients with or without papillary atrophy of the tongue showed lower values of red blood cells (10.8 ± 2.2 vs 11.8 ± 2.2 vs 14.5 ± 1,6g/dL) and albumin (3.6 ± 0.9 vs 3.6 ± 0.8 vs 4.4 ± 0.2g/dL). The seric levels of vitamins A, E, and B12 were similar amongst the groups.

CONCLUSION

Hospitalized alcoholics with papillary atrophy of the tongue had lower BMI and fat body stores than controls, without associated hypovitaminosis.