الفهرس 
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Abstract
The epigenetic nature of development mandates the observation of effect of any exogenous substance especially those with estrogenic activities during critical phases of development. Submandibular gland (SMG) presents a great model due to extensive postnatal development. In this study pre-pubertal development following low dose of Biochanin a (BCA) and 17beta estradiol (E2) application was observed. The gland was assessed histologically for morphogenesis, Ultrastructurely, immunohistochemically for estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) and the relative gene expression of epidermal growth factor and caspase 3 were assessed by real time PCR. The SMG morphogenesis was altered with the compounds of concern both on histological and ultrastructural level. The granular convoluted tubules were absent in all experimental groups. The nuclear expression of estrogen receptors beta ER-β was up-regulated by BCA while down-regulated by E2. The opposite effect was also demonstrated with caspase 3 (cas 3) gene expression assessed by RT-PCR. Only at the 30th PND was a significant decrease of epidermal growth factor (EGF) gene expression observed. The results presented by this study give supplementary data to argue that the effect of a postpubertal exposure to Biochanin a on the SMG developmental programming could be linked to sex hormone–dependent disorders.