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Infiltrating Gingival Carcinoma in Rats Ingesting N-2-Fluorenylacetamide

Department of Pathology, The Springfield Hospital, Springfield, Massachusetts

Infiltrating gingival carcinoma was observed in W/Fu rats that had ingested 0.03% N-2-fluorenylacetamide added to a low-pyridoxine diet and were later stimulated by diethylstilbestrol. Swelling and superficial erosion of the gingiva were caused by a tumor that infiltrated the bone and teeth in the upper and lower jaws. Histologically the tumor was composed of widely dilated cysts and smaller glandular structures lined by layers of cuboidal epithelium 2–3 cells thick, which were adjacent to squamous epithelium that was cystic in areas. From the histologic pattern and infiltrative nature it was suggested that the tumor arose in either the minor salivary glands or the odontogenic epithelium of the upper and lower incisor teeth.

To evaluate the effect of estrogenic stimulation on the pathogenesis of these tumors, a comparison was made with animals fed a normal diet and treated only with stilbestrol. Alteration of the dental epithelial attachment compromised the integrity of the underlying gingival tissues and created a source of constant irritation. Increased vascularity and fibrosis of the periosteal and peridental tissues also present caused the separation of cell rests from the enamel-forming epithelium.

¹ Previously Trainee under USPHS Grant 5T1 CA-5107-03, Division of Surgical Pathology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University.