Penetration of Carcinogenic Hydrocarbons into Oral Tissues as Observed by Fluorescence Microscopy

Abstract

The physical property of fluorescence excited by ultraviolet irradiation is characteristic of certain of the polycyclic aromatic carcinogenic hydrocarbons. This property has been utilized to trace these compounds in tissue sections. A total of 130 albino hamsters was topically treated on the mucosa of the cheek pouch, palate, tongue and intrascapular area of the back with either 9,10-dimethyl-1, 2-benzanthracene or 3,4-benzpyrene and after successive sacrifice, frozen sections of these anatomical sites were examined with a fluorescent microscope. Results of this investigation demonstrated that carcinogenic hydrocarbons gain access to oral tissues through intact epithelia and in areas devoid of epithelial adnexa. Skin specimens on the other hand exhibited initial carcinogenic penetration into sebaceous glands after one application. Oral tissue penetration required three to four applications. No differences were noted in distribution of the two compounds, nor was there any significant variation between the mucosa of the cheek pouch, palate or tongue.