Oral epithelial response to experimental chronic alcohol ingestion in hamsters.

The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of alcohol on oral epithelium by quantifying epithelial compartment thicknesses after chronic alcohol ingestion with the use of a computerized planimetry system. A 10% solution of absolute alcohol in water was given as the sole source of drinking fluid to young adult Syrian hamsters over a period of 9 months. Quantitative histologic analysis showed significant atrophy of the posterior lateral tongue epithelium. The epithelium of the dorsal tongue showed an increase in the thickness percentage of keratin. No significant change was found in the ventral aspect of the tongue epithelium. It was concluded that such alcohol-related atrophy may render the lateral margins of the posterior tongue more susceptible to carcinogenesis.