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Age-related changes in human sublingual glands: a post mortem study.
Luciana Reis Azevedo1, José Humberto Damante, Vanessa Soares Lara
1Department of Stomatology, Bauru School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo Al. Dr. Otávio Pinheiro Brisolla 9-75, 17.012-901 Bauru, São Paulo, Brazil. lrazevedo@yahoo.com
Archives of Oral Biology
|April 26, 2005
Summary
Microscopic analysis of human sublingual glands reveals significant age-related changes, including acinar atrophy and tissue replacement, but no gender-specific differences in the aging process.
Area of Science:
- Histology
- Human Anatomy
- Aging Research
Background:
- The sublingual gland, a major salivary gland, undergoes microscopic alterations with age.
- Understanding these changes is crucial for diagnosing age-related oral conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate age- and gender-related microscopic changes in human sublingual glands.
- To identify specific histological features associated with aging in this gland.
Main Methods:
- Histological examination of 186 human sublingual glands from 93 autopsies.
- Specimens were categorized into three age groups (0-30, 31-60, 61-90 years) and analyzed.
- Standard histological processing with hematoxylin and eosin staining was employed.
Main Results:
- Increasing age correlated with acinar atrophy, replacement of parenchyma by fibrous and adipose tissue, oncocytosis, duct-like structures, and congested blood vessels.
- Mononuclear infiltrate shifted from focal to diffuse patterns with advancing age.
- No significant microscopic differences were found between genders.
Conclusions:
- The aging process in sublingual glands is characterized by progressive acinar atrophy, duct-like structure formation, and parenchymal replacement by connective and adipose tissues.
- The inflammatory infiltrate pattern evolves from focal to diffuse with age.
- Sublingual gland aging demonstrates no discernible differences between males and females.
