Histological and Ultrastructural Study Of Silver Nanoparticles Toxicity and The Possible Protective Effect Of Vitamin C On Submandibular Salivary Glands Of Albino Rats

Introduction: Despite silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) beneficial effect in many fields, it has been shown that AgNPs can induce toxic effects. Cytotoxic effect of AgNPs is related to the increased release of reactive oxygen species (ROS) which may lead to cell death. Natural antioxidant scavengers like vitamin C have the capacity to bind and neutralize ROS thus having a vital role in cellular defense against oxidative stress. Objective: The objective of the current study was to assess the cytotoxic impact of AgNPs on the submandibular salivary glands of Albino rats and to reveal the potential antioxidant influence of vitamin C to counteract this toxicity. Materials and methods: Eighteen albino rats were used in this study and were divided in to three groups, group I: control group, group II: Rats injected with AgNPs in a dose of 2 mg/kg once daily for 28 days and group III: rats injected with AgNps as in group II in addition to vitamin C in a dose of 100 mg/kg. Histological and ultrastructural examinations were performed on the dissected submandibular salivary glands. Results: Histological and ultrastructural results showed destructive changes to the acini and ducts of the submandibular salivary glands of rats receiving AgNPs. In group III which received vitamin C, nearly normal histological and ultrastructural features were observed in the parenchymal elements of the glands. Conclusions: AgNPs produced substantial toxic histopathological changes in the submandibular salivary glands of albino rats while the administration of vitamin C has proven to be effective in counteracting these toxic effects through its powerful antioxidant properties