The apoptotic effect of midazolam on the salivary gland of rats and the reversal effect by pilocarpine.

To evaluate the apoptosis in parotid glands of rats treated with midazolam associated or not with pilocarpine, 60 Wistar rats were assigned to 6 groups: control groups received saline solution for 30 days (S) and 60 days (S) and the other groups received pilocarpine for 60 days (P), midazolam for 30 days (M), midazolam for 30 days and 30 days of saline (M + S), and finally midazolam for 30 days and 30 days of midazolam and pilocarpine (M + MP). Histological sections were subjected to the TdT-mediated dUTP-biotin nick and labeling technique. The number of positive and negative cells was quantified, calculating the apoptotic index.

Effects of Benzodiazepines on Acinar and Myoepithelial Cells.

Background: Benzodiazepines (BZDs), the most commonly prescribed psychotropic drugs with anxiolytic action, may cause hyposalivation. It has been previously shown that BZDs can cause hypertrophy and decrease the acini cell number. In this study, we investigated the effects of BZDs and pilocarpine on rat parotid glands, specifically on acinar, ductal, and myoepithelial cells.

Myopericytoma of the lip: report of case.

Background: Myopericytoma is a recently delineated entity showing a hemangiopericytoma-like vascular pattern. This rare mesenchymal neoplasm arises within the subcutaneous tissue of the extremities. Only 3 cases of myopericytoma involving the soft tissues of the mouth have been reported, and this case is the first, to the best of our knowledge, that involves the lips.