Effect of Acrylamide on the Tongue Musculature of Adult Male Albino Rat and the Possible Protective Role of Vitamin E: Light and Electron Microscopic Study

Abstract Background: Acrylamide is a potent toxin and carcinogen, its hazards result from its increased accumulation in the process of cooking food materials. Aim of Study: This study aimed to demonstrate the effects of acrylamide on the skeletal muscle fibers of adult male albino rat tongue for two different durations, using light and electron microscopic study and to investigate the possible protective effect of Vitamin E co-administration. Material and Methods: Sixty adult male albino rats were divided into six groups, each group included ten rats. Group I (control). Group II (Sham control). Group III received acrylamide for 20 days. Group VI received acrylamide for 40 days. Group V received acrylamide and Vitamin E, with 30 minutes interval between the two doses, for 20 days. Group VI received acrylamide and Vitamin E with 30 minutes interval between the two doses, for 40 days. All medications were given orally by gastric gavage. At the end of the experiment the tongue was dissected out for light and electron microscopic studies. Results: Light microscopic examination revealed that acrylamide lead to skeletal muscle damage in rat tongue. In the form of, fragmentations, splitting and inflammatory cellular infiltrations. Electron microscopic study of Group III revealed degeneration of mitochondria, these changes became worse with prolonged duration of exposure. This toxic effect of acrylamide could be minimized when Vitamin E is given concomitantly with it. Conclusion: Acrylamide lead to histological changes in rat tongue. Vitamin E minimized this changes due to its antioxidant effect.