Effect of Estradiol and Diethylstilbestrol upon the Atrophic Human Buccal Mucosa with a Preliminary Report on the Use of Estrogens in the Management of Senile Gingivitis

Abstract

IT HAD BEEN noted by one of us (A. R. A) that many climacteric patients complain of a dryness or burning sensation in the mouth. Following therapy with estradiol or diethylstilbestrol, these symptoms would disappear. An investigation of the literature disclosed that the reports on this subject were few. Nathanson and Weisberger (1) clearly described the associated gross lesions before and after treatment with estradiol, but they made no report of a microscopic study. In the castrated female monkey, Ziskin described stimulation and growth of the gingival mucosa following treatment with estrone and estradiol (2). In the human female, on the basis of a single biopsy specimen from each of 3 patients receiving estradiol, Ziskin concluded that estrogen stimulates growth and keratinization of the gingival mucosa (3). These studies were made in view of the incomplete reports on mucosal response to estrogens in human beings. Estradiol and diethylstilbestrol were used in order to determine if there was any difference in their action.