Ameliorating the toxic effect of the immunosuppressive drugs (Tacrolimus) on male Albino rat tongue by mesenchymal stem cells versus platelet rich plasma (histological, immunohistochemical and scanning electron microscopic study

Abstract

: Background: Toxic effects on the tongue caused by Tacrolimus remains a major problem. Therefore, the aim of this research was to evaluate the potential therapeutic bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and platelet rich plasma (PRP) impact on tongue of albino rat. Materials and Methods: 40 Albino male rats were divided into four equal groups. Group I (control group) received no treatment. Group II received daily subcutaneous injections of 1 mg/kg/day of Tacrolimus for 30 days. Group III received Tacrolimus for 30 days then a single PRP injection. Group IV received Tacrolimus for 30 days then a single injection of MSCs. In all groups the rats were scarified after sixty days from the beginning of the experiment. For demonstration of the collagen fibers, tongue sections were stained with Mallory Trichrome and were stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin for histological analysis. Electron microscopic scans were used in this study and immunohistochemistry using anti-PCNA primary antibody were used to examine the tongue. Results: Histological and immunohistochemical examination of Tacrolimus group tongues showed poorly defined filiform papillae, some epithelial cells appeared degenerated with pyknotic nuclei, however tongue sections of Gr. II and Gr. IV showed marked tongue histological structure improvement and up regulated expression of PCNA, compared to the Gr. II. Scanning electron microscope supported these results. Conclusion: MSCs and PRP have good effects in reduction of the toxic effect of Tacrolimus administration on the rat tongue with insignificant difference between the two methods.