Effect of long-term treatment of norethisterone (a progestogen-only contraceptive) on salivary gland activity of the cycling albino rat

Effect of long-term treatment of norethisterone (a progestogen-only contraceptive) on the salivary glands of the cycling albino rats was evaluated from histomorphic and karyokinetic standpoints. Norethisterone increased concentration of zymogen granules in the serous acini and also of mucoid material in the mucous-containing acini in the submaxillary gland. In the parotid gland, the acini were hypertrophied, accompanied by cytoplasmic degranulation. In addition, the mitotic cells were seen in both the glands after the treatment. It is suggested that norethisterone perhaps stimulates the salivary gland activity of the rats.