Pathomorphological and biochemical changes in the oral mucosa in simulated atrophy

Oral mucosa atrophy is a widespread phenomenon both in prosthetics and in the maxillofacial pathology, having apoptosis as a fundamental mechanism. Modeling of atrophy processes will allow to study its pathogenesis and optimize therapeutic measures. The aim of the study was to investigate the development of oral mucosa atrophy in an experimental model. The study was performed on 50 Wistar male rats, undergone 37% orthophosphoric acid oral mucosa applications. After 30 seconds’ exposure the defect of the integumentary epithelium was found. 40-second and 45-second exposure additionally provoked desquamation of the stratum corneum. A 50-second application enhanced infiltration, 90- seconds -aroused significant epithelial defects, lymphocytic infiltration of the lamina propria, and fibers’ rupture. The expression of the anti-apoptotic marker bcl-2 remained consistently low in all layers of the integumentary epithelium, regardless of the exposure’s time. The pro-apoptotic cell surface death receptor was positive (2+) in the basal and spiny layers of the epithelium, and in the intrinsic plate of the mucosa. The proposed model is valid, based on the apoptotic mechanisms and can be used in the study of prevention and treatment of atrophic processes in oral cavity, including caused by complete removable plate prostheses.