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Tongue, Epithelium - Degeneration

Image of degeneration in the tongue epithelium from a male F344/N rat in a chronic study
Tongue, Epithelium - Degeneration in a male F344/N rat from a chronic study. An area on the tongue has epithelial cells that are pale and swollen (arrow).
Figure 1 of 2
Image of degeneration in the tongue epithelium from a male F344/N rat in a chronic study
Tongue, Epithelium - Degeneration in a male F344/N rat from a chronic study (higher magnification of Figure 1). The degenerating epithelial cells are pale and swollen.
Figure 2 of 2
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comment:

Degeneration of cells is a fundamental expression of cell injury that is considered to be reversible. It can manifest in many ways, including increased cell size and volume resulting from an overload of water caused by a failure of the cell to maintain normal homeostasis and regulate the ingress and excretion of water. This may also cause the cytoplasm to appear paler than that of undamaged cells ( Figure 1image opens in a pop-up window and Figure 2image opens in a pop-up window ). The cytoplasm of affected cells may contain translucent vacuoles that represent swollen mitochondria and dilated cisternae of the Golgi and endoplasmic reticulum. Subjacent tissue can be variably infiltrated with inflammatory cells.

recommendation:

Degeneration should be diagnosed and graded whenever present. If the epithelium has been lost, exposing the underlying dermis, then "ulcer" is diagnosed. The severity grade for degeneration is based on the degree of cellular swelling and extent and number of areas affected. Associated lesions, such as inflammation, should not be diagnosed unless warranted by severity.

references:

Myers RK, McGavin MD. 2007. Cellular and tissue responses to injury. In: Pathologic Basis of Veterinary Disease, 4th ed (McGavin MD, Zachary JF, eds). Mosby, St Louis, MO, 12-62.

National Toxicology Program. 1993. NTP TR-423. Toxicology and Carcinogenesis Studies of 3,4-Dihydrocoumarin (CAS No. 119-84-6) in F344/N Rats and B6C3F1 Mice (Gavage Studies). NTP, Research Triangle Park, NC.
Abstract: https://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/go/5990

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Web page last updated on: November 24, 2014