Effect of Sodium Diphenylhydantoinate on Oral Mucosa of Rats.

Summary and Conclusions Intraperitoneal injections of 100 mg/kg body weight of dilantin sodium to young rats resulted in significant increase in keratinization of the oral epithelium. Connective tissue of oral mucosa showed elevated fibroblastic activity with pronounced collagen fiber formation. Histochemical staining reactions suggested a substitution of glycoproteins for mucopolysaccharides in the epithelial cell layers. Increase in the glycoprotein and mucopolysaccharide staining material in the connective tissue was noted. This investigation suggested a relation between the severity of microscopic changes in the oral mucosa and dose and duration of dilantin therapy.