Effects of ovariectomy and estrogen replacement on rat oral mucosa

Although a close relationship between the oral discomfort and the menopause is suggested, it is not clear if the alteration of sex steroids would cause any histological or even pathological change in the oral mucosa. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible effect of sex steroid deficiency on the rat oral mucosa as well as the effect of its replacement.

The oral mucosa of ovariectomized rats was compared to that of sham-operated rats both histologically and immunohistochemically. The same evaluation was also performed after hormone replacement therapy for the ovariectomized rats.

The ovariectomized animals presented reduced thickness of the mucosal epithelium with an irregular corneal (keratinised) surface. Partial disappearance of lingual papilla with irregular lete-peg was also noted. The corneal (keratinised) layer in the sublingual region was significantly thinner in ovariectomized animals. The results from immunohistochemistry showed the possibility that the turnover period was prolonged in ovariectomized rats. Estrogen replacement could compensate for the reduction in mucosal thickness in the animal model.

The overall results suggest that sex steroids have a specific role in the maintenance of normal oral mucosa, and its deficiency possibly leads to the onset of oral discomfort in postmenopausal women.