[Fatty degeneration of the parotid gland after ovariectomy]

We investigated the influence of ovariectomy on the salivary glands. Thirty-six rats received ovariectomies at the age of 15 weeks, and removal of parotid, submandibular and sublingual glands at the ages of 18, 21, 25, 27, 33, and 39 weeks. The weight of each gland and the total body were measured. Histological examinations noted the point of fatty degeneration. Twelve female rats were used as controls, each gland being observed at the age of 19, 28, and 41 weeks. Body weights of the ovariectomized rats were greater than those of the controls, but neither the weights of the parotid gland nor the submandiblar-sublingual gland were different. Fatty degeneration was observed only in the parotid glands and it increased gradually. There was no change in the parotid gland of the control group. The ratio of the area of fatty tissue showed a statistically significant increase over time. These results suggest that the parotid gland requires ovarian hormone to maintain its tissue.