Rat Gingiva Histology: Comparison of two Histological Stains

Objectives: Describe rat gingiva histology with a traditional hematoxylin-eosin stain and non-traditional Goldner trichrome stain technique. Materials and Methods: Samples of gingiva of adult Wistar rats were processed for histological purposes. The classic hematoxylin and eosin stain and Goldner trichrome stain technique were applied to the tissue. Digital microphotography of the three parts of the gingiva were obtained. Results: For the free gingiva its oral, sulcular and junctional epitheliums were described. For the attached gingiva, its oral epithelium and for the interdental gingiva, its particular epithelium was detailed as well. Each layer of the stratum of the five epitheliums were specified and the cellular morphology explained. The gingiva lamina propria was also detailed. Among others, structures such as the gingival groove, the collagen fibers corresponding with the transseptal fibers, the bone on the alveolar crest, the enamel space, the dentin and the pulp were also identified. Conclusions: Goldner’s trichrome stain allows simpler tissue identification, easier epithelium stratum establishment and detailed cellular morphology observation for the rat free, attached and interdental gingiva.