[Morphologic and morphometric study of changes in the mouse parotid gland in the acute phase of Chagas' disease]

In the present study we describe the morphological and morphometric alterations induced by Bolivia strain of the Trypanosoma cruzi in the mouse parotid gland during the acute period of infection. The acinar cells exhibit reduced eosinophilia, greater chromatin condensation, reduced height and consequent dislocation of the nucleus towards the basal pole. Then lumen is reduced. The ducts are dilated and lined with low cylindrical epithelium. The septa are wider. An intense lymphoplasmocytic infiltrate is present. Amastigotes was found in glandular acini cells, striated duct cells, inter and intralobular connective tissue, muscle walls of blood vessels, and inside the striated duct lumen.