[Histochemical and morphometric study of the changes induced by the absorption of sodium fluoride on the submaxillary and sublingual glands in the rat].

Three groups of Osborn Mendel rats received for two weeks either drinking water without addition of fluorides (control rats) or drinking water containing respectively 50 and 100 ppm of sodium fluoride. The histochemical study of the submaxillary and sublingual glands showed a very strong decrease in the polysaccharide and protein stainings in the 100 ppm group, whereas the 50 ppm group showed similar reactions to the control group. The morphometric study showed a strong decrease of the acinar and canalicular surfaces mainly in the submandibular gland. Thus the absorption of high doses of sodium fluoride induced in these two salivary glands morphological changes of the secretory cellular units. An indirect way of action can thus be exerted in the oral cavity.