Hormonal changes in exfoliated normal buccal mucosal cells

AIMS: The present study was undertaken as a baseline study to evaluate the nuclear diameter (ND), cell diameter (CD) and nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio (N:C) and their variation with age in normal buccal smears of female subjects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Buccal smears were collected from 400 apparently healthy individuals. After fixation in 95% alcohol, the smears were stained using the standard Papanicolaou laboratory procedure. The CD and ND were measured using a stage micrometer and an ocular micrometer. Statistical analysis of the data was performed using the one-way analysis of variance to evaluate the difference in the ND, CD and N:C with age in females. Multiple range tests by Tukey-honestly significant difference procedure were performed to evaluate the significance between various age groups. RESULTS: The results showed an increase in ND and CD from the 5-10 age groups to 15-35 age groups. In the 15-35 age groups, there was a decline in ND and CD when comparing the first and the second half of the menstrual cycle, but the difference was not significant. There was further decline in ND and CD in the 45-60 age groups. Variations were also seen in ratio N: C. Pattern of exfoliation also varied in each age group. CONCLUSION: Age-related alterations are observed in buccal smears.