Assessment of radiation effects on apoptosis in parotid gland acinar cells during radiographic examination

Radiographic examination plays a crucial role in dentistry for establishing diagnoses and developing treatment plans. Dental X-rays utilize ionizing radiation, which can induce ionization in exposed tissues. The salivary glands, particularly the parotid gland composed of serous acinar cells, are commonly affected during exposure. These parotid acinar cells are highly sensitive to radiation, making them susceptible to DNA damage and triggering programmed cell death (apoptosis). This in vivo study was conducted using male rats as animal models. Eighteen rats, each weighing between 200–250 grams, were divided into three groups: a control group, a group exposed to a periapical radiation dose, and a group exposed to a panoramic radiation dose targeted at the parotid region for approximately one second. Parotid gland tissues were collected on the third day following radiation exposure and prepared for histological examination using hematoxylin-eosin staining. The apoptotic index was evaluated under a light microscope at 400x magnification by two independent observers. A statistically significant increase in apoptotic index was observed in the irradiated groups compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Thus, radiation exposure during dental radiographic procedures leads to an elevated rate of apoptosis in the parotid acinar cells of male Wistar rats.