This study was planned to determine the histochemical alterations of the submandibular gland by implantation of long-term GnRH (deslorelin 4.7 mg). Eighteen Wistar albino rats were used in the study. Alcian blue (AB; pH: 2.5), periodic acid–Schiff (PAS) staining was performed to determine the microscopic structure and histochemical structure of the GI submandibular gland. The Avidin–Biotin Complex (ABC) method was used to determine the immunohistochemical reactivity of lectin. After GnRH implantation, the organs were examined and atrophies were observed in organs. In the group in which the implants were removed, it was determined that there was no atrophy; organ structures and microscopic examination were similar to the control group. At the end of the study, submandibular gland was fixed in 10 % buffered formaldehyde. In three groups, PAS and AB histochemical staining revealed similar reactions. Immunohistochemically, lectin activity was found to react positively.
KEY WORDS: Submandibular gland; GnRH; Histochemistry; Lectin; Rat.
