Reparative potential of mesenchymal stem cells and platelet-rich plasma on irradiated submandibular glands of male albino rats

To appraise and compare the reparative role of bone marrow-mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) against irradiation damage on albino rats’ submandibular gland. Seventy four male albino rats were used, one for BM-MSCs harvesting, 10 for PRP preparation, seven as control group (Group 1). The remaining 56 rats were subjected to single dose (6 Gy) gamma irradiation and were divided into equal four groups; (Group 2): received no treatment, (Group 3): each rat was injected with 1 × 105 BM-MSCs, (Group 4): each rat was injected with 0.5 ml/kg PRP, and (Group 5): each rat was injected with 1 × 105 BM-MSCs and 0.5 ml/kg PRP. Each group was further subdivided into two subgroups in which rats sacrificed after one and two weeks from irradiation. Any structural changes were examined histopathologically, immunohistochemically using proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and CD31 primary antibodies and histochemically using picrosirius red (PSR) stain, then analyzed statistically. Histopathological examination of Group 2 showed atrophied acini, with nuclear changes and signs of degeneration in duct systems. Treated groups revealed signs of regeneration in form of uniform acini and regenerated duct systems especially in Group 5 and in a time depended manner. Immunohistochemical examination revealed increased immunoexpression of PCNA and CD31, while histochemical examination showed decreased PSR in all treated groups in relation to the irradiated group and this was proved statistically. BM-MSCs and PRP are effective as treatment for irradiation-induced submandibular gland damage. However, the combined therapy is recommended over each one separately. •Irradiation had damaging effects on the submandibular salivary gland.•Stem cells or platelet-rich plasma preserved irradiated gland structure.•Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells improved cellular proliferation.•Platelet-rich plasma accelerated angiogenesis and collagen formation.