All experimental protocols were performed in accordance with the
guidelines for the humane use of laboratory animals established at our
institution. After acclimatization of rats for a period of one week, the
procedure was started. Each animal was weighed before and at the end
of the study. Weight was recorded on an electronic scale (Sartorius
Precision Balance, Gennany) and the findings were recorded. Rats were
divided into four equal groups by using random number generator; control
group A and negative control group D containing 13 rats each and
the next two experimental groups B and C containing 13 rats each.
The experimental groups B and C, which contained 13 rats each,
were injected with 0.25 mg of nicotine per 100 gm of body weight daily
subcutaneously341. Rats in experimental group C were given nicotine
along with green tea extract 40 mg/Kg351 orally once in a day for 12
weeks. The rats in negative control group D were given just green tea
extract orally (40 mg/Kg) daily for 12 weeks (table 1).
Collagenous changes within the buccal mucosa (lamina propria) of
albino Wistar rats of all four groups were studied and interpreted
accordingly after 12 weeks of study by means of histological examination