Quantitative study on the rat parotid gland after orchiectomy

In this study the reaction of the rat parotid acini, duct system and the glandular connective tissue was analysed at various times after orchiectomy. Mature Fisher rats were sacrificed at 12 hours and at 3, 8, 15, 30 and 60 days after orchiectomy. Following the removal of parotid glands, histological sections were made and stereologically analysed by Weibel's multipurpose test system. When compared to controls, the volume of the parotid acini (per mm(3) of the tissue) in orchiectomized rats was significantly decreased, whereas the volume of the connective tissue (per mm(3) of the tissue) was significantly increased from day 8 to day 60 of the experiment. The significantly lower volume of the ductal system (per mm(3) of the tissue) was noted only 60 days after orchiectomy. The statistically significant shortening of the intralobular ducts (per mm(3) of the tissue) was found from day 8 to day 60 after the operation. Interlobular ducts were significantly shorter from day 8 to day 15 after orchiectomy. The shortening of the rat parotid duct system and the changes of the parotid acini and the connective tissue after orchiectomy may be provoked by a lack of testosterone or some other substance which depends on androgens, such as epidermal growth factor (EGF).