HISTOCHEMICAL STUDY OF MUCOSUBSTANCES OF NORMAL HUMAN PAROTID SALIVARY GLAND

INTRODUCTION: The oral cavity is one of the important routes for infections and infestations. Majority of the infections occur through food and air. The oral cavity is said to be even worst than anal canal due to its direct exposure to atmosphere and the moist condition, which facilitate the bacterial growth. Plenty of lymphoid tissue and glandular secretions protects the mucosa of oral cavity. Glandular secretions are serous and mucous in nature and are rich in Mucosubstances which protect the oral mucosa from bacteria and viruses. They help to lubricate the oral mucosa. In unstimulated state major bulk of secretion is from parotid salivary gland. METHODS: In the present study Mucosubstances present in parotid salivary gland are studied. 30 normal human parotid salivary glands were collected and fixed in 10% formalin with 2% Ca acetate and pinch of phosphotungstic acid. 4 to 5 micron thick sections were cut and blocks were prepared. The sections were stained with periodic acid Schiff (PAS), alcian blue (AB) at different pH and Aldyhyde fuschin (AF) individually and in combinations. Confirmatory tests were carried out. RESULTS: the normal parotid salivary gland shows presence of neutral Mucosubstances with very trace amount of sialomucins and sulphomucins. Presence of neutral mucins indicates that the secretions of parotid salivary gland are rich in enzymes.