Salivary glands in alcoholism: a histologic and sialographic study

A qualitative and quantitative histological analysis of minor salivary glands was carried out in 60 alcoholics (20 alcoholics with liver damage, 20 without liver damage, 20 young alcoholics) and 20 matched control patients. A sialographic study was carried out in the same 60 alcoholic patients and in 40 non-alcoholic control individuals. Minor salivary gland biopsies were obtained and samples were processed for light microscopy. A quantitative morphometrical assessment was carried out by counting the number of acinar cells with a squared grid eye-piece. Both experimental and control samples presented very similar results demonstrating that, at least in this study, minor salivary glands do not develop hypertrophic, atrophic or hyperplastic changes. We detected a statistical difference between adult alcoholics without liver damage and adult alcoholics with liver damage. A diffuse mononuclear inflammatory cell infiltrate was distributed through the stroma or concentrated around the salivary ducts in both experimental and control samples. Acinar degeneration and hyperaemia were common changes observed in both experimental and control samples. Sialographic images from alcoholics demonstrated a similar morphology when compared with control patients, perhaps a reduction in secondary ducts diameter was observed in alcoholic patients. From this study we may conclude that minor salivary glands are scarcely affected by alcoholism, even when this disease has progressed to liver damage.