Acinar autolysis and mucous extravasation in human sublingual glands: a microscopic postmortem study

Authors

  • Luciana Reis AZEVEDO-ALANIS Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná; Escola de Saúde e Biociências
  • Elen de Souza TOLENTINO Universidade Estadual de Maringá; Departamento de Odontologia
  • Gerson Francisco de ASSIS Universidade de São Paulo; Faculdade de Odontologia de Bauru; Departamento de Ciências Biológicas
  • Tânia Mary CESTARI Universidade de São Paulo; Faculdade de Odontologia de Bauru; Departamento de Ciências Biológicas
  • Vanessa Soares LARA Universidade de São Paulo; Faculdade de Odontologia de Bauru; Departamento de Estomatologia
  • José Humberto DAMANTE Universidade de São Paulo; Faculdade de Odontologia de Bauru; Departamento de Estomatologia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/1678-775720150139

Abstract

Although some morphological investigations on aged human sublingual glands (HSG) found eventual phenomena identified as autolysis and mucous extravasation, the exact meaning of these findings has not been elucidated.Objective The aim of this work is to investigate whether acinar autolysis and mucous extravasation are related to the aging process in human sublingual glands. We also speculate if autolytic changes may assist forensic pathologists in determining time of death.Material and Methods 186 cadavers’ glands were allocated to age groups: I (0–30 years); II (31–60), and III (61–90). Time and mode of death were also recorded. Acinar autolysis and mucous extravasation were classified as present or absent. Ultrastructural analysis was performed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Data were compared using Mann-Whitney U, Spearman’s correlation coefficient, Kruskal-Wallis, and Dunn tests (p<0.05).Results There was correlation between age and acinar autolysis (r=0.38; p=0.0001). However, there was no correlation between autolysis and time of death. No differences were observed between genders. TEM showed mucous and serous cells presenting nuclear and membrane alterations and mucous cells were more susceptible to autolysis.Conclusion Acinar autolysis occurred in all age groups and increased with age while mucous extravasation was rarely found. Both findings are independent. Autolysis degrees in HSG could not be used to determine time of death.

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Published

2015-10-01

Issue

Section

Original Articles

How to Cite

Acinar autolysis and mucous extravasation in human sublingual glands: a microscopic postmortem study . (2015). Journal of Applied Oral Science, 23(5), 459-466. https://doi.org/10.1590/1678-775720150139