AbstractBackground and Objectives: Methotrexate had been used for many years and complications usually encountered during treatment especially in cancer patients. The aim of the present study was to determine the early-stage anti cytotoxic effects of green tea on the histology of the submandibular gland of rats treated by high single dose of methotrexate. Materials and methods: The study included 30 Albino rats. Twelve animals were used in the pilot study to found the maximum toxic dose, and the other eighteen were divided into three groups, control group, methotrexate treated group, and methotrexate and green tea extract treated group. Submandibular gland excision was then performed. Histopathological examination was performed with hematoxylin-eosin, Masson’s trichrome, and PAS staining. Cell proliferation was examined using the Ki-67 antibody and anti apoptotic effect was determined based on Bcl-2 staining. Results: In the methotrexate and green tea extract treated group a non significant change in the Ki 67 expression and a significant increase in Bcl- 2 expression were seen in comparison with the methotrexate treated group. Conclusion: Green tea aqueous extract in ratio 1:10 produced protection against methotrexate induced cytotoxicity in rat submandibular gland by increasing the expression of Bcl-2.
Keywords: Methotrexate; Salivary gland; Chemotherapy.