Histopathological and Ultrastructural Effect of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles on Male Wistar Rats Submandibular Glands

Abstract

Nanotechnology applications have occurred rapidly. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) have useful effects for their less hazards on the environment and for their application usages: paints, cosmetics, biomedicine and food as zinc supplements. ZnO NPs toxic effect is due to their tissue accumulation ability. Four ZnO NPs concentration levels effect was investigated on 75 male Wistar rats submandibular gland for 8 weeks. Treated groups histopathological sections showed progressive atrophy and degenerative changes in acini and striated ducts dilatation. Treated groups ultrathin sections showed small irregular nucleus, degenerated mitochondria, few zymogen granules, dilated rough endoplasmic reticulum and plenty of phagocytosed apoptotic bodies and lysozomes. Study results proved ZnO NPs toxicity as their doses are one of critical factors which are influencing their toxicity.