[Comparative histological studies of mouth mucosa, gingiva and desmodont in normal guinea pigs and guinea pigs fed a vitamin C deficient diet].

The changes occurring in the oral mucosa, gingivae and periodontium of guinea pigs fed a vitamin C-deficient diet were determined by means of histological comparison with animals on a normal diet. The following results were obtained from the scorbutic guinea pigs: --detachment of the horny layer from the underlying epithelium, --bullous cells in the spinose and the granular layer, --formation of periodontal pockets, --reduction in number and disorientation of collagenous fibres of the periodontium associated with loosening of the molars.