Radioautography of dexamethasone in rabbit gingiva and buccal mucosa.

The localization of 3H-dexamethasone in gingiva and in buccal mucosa was investigated radioautographically after systemic administration of the labeled glucocorticoid to rabbits. Tissue samples were processed for dry radioautography of diffusible substances. This study demonstrates localization of 3H-dexamethasone in the nuclei of target cells in the gingival epithelium, stromata, and the walls of blood vessels, and to a lesser degree in the buccal mucosa cells. The findings support the possibility of a direct effect of glucocorticoids via specific hormone cytosol-nuclear receptors in oral tissues.