EFFECT OF MATERNAL INTAKE OF FRIED POTATO CHIPS ON THE TONGUE DEVELOPMENT IN THE NEWLY BORN ALBINO RATS: HISTOMORPHOMETRIC, HISTOCHEMICAL AND SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPIC STUDY

Introduction:Fried potato chips contain high amount of acrylamide which predisposes developmental and health complications. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the teratogenic effects of fried potato chips on the tongue development innewly bornalbino rats. Materials and Methods: Fourteen female rats were housed with four male rats for mating. The female rats were dividedto 2equal groups (while the offspring?s tongues were studied). Control group: received normal diet and experimental (chips) group:received diet containing 50% fried potato chips. The tongues of the neonates were measured by weight and size. Histomorphometric analysis and Masson trichrome stain examination in addition to scanning electron microscopic (SEM) evaluation were performed. Results: The tongues of the chipsgroup were significantly decreased in size and weight. Histological examination revealed distorted filiform papillae, poorly developed fungiform papillae, slight decrease in the mucosal thickness and minor degeneration in some salivary aciniin addition to fibroticand fatty degenerative changes in the muscle layer. Masson trichrome stained sections showed increased collagen to muscle fiber ratio in the chips group. SEM examination of the chips group presented irregular filiform papillae,depressed fungiform papillae, totally lost circumvallate papillae and almost normal foliate papillae. Conclusions:Friedpotato chips adversely affect the tongue development ofnewly born albino rats. The most affected tissue is the muscle layer followed by the lingual papillae. The lingual salivary glands are minimally affected.