ACUTE EFFECT OF CONSUMPTION OF RELATIVELY LARGE DOSE OF ALCOHOL ON THE SMALL INTESTINE OF WISTAR RATS

*M. O. Odigie., E. S. Ehebha., A. J, Uyovwiesevwa, M. A. Omoirri., N. U. Madubogwu and I. B. Chukwurah

ABSTRACT

Though classified as a depressant, the amount of alcohol consumed often determines the end effect. However, little or no existing record(s) relays this effect on the activity of the gastrointestinal tract. Hitherto was current study undertaken to investigate the acute effects of a relatively large dose of alcohol on the small intestine in wistar rats. Thirty (30) male Albino rats of between 138g and 185g were procured from the breeding colony of the Animal House Division of Emma-Maria Biomedic Laboratories and Consultancy, Abraka, Delta state. The animals were then transported (in plastic baskets) to the Animal House of the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Delta state University, Abraka where they were acclimatized for ten days at 28 ± 2ºC, relative humidity 60-70 % and 12hr light/ dark cycle. During study period, animals were supplied with standard grower mash diet (Composition of the grower‘s marsh: Protein -19.0% Fat -2.85% Fibre -6.00% Calcium -1.00% and phosphate -0.45% Energy -2875 KGC) and water ad libitum, in standard wire meshed wooden cages for 10 days prior to commencement of the experiment, following which they were grouped into; Group I (control group), which received normal feed and water ad libitum for 31, 61 and 91days respectively. Group II (Experimental) rats received 7% alcohol with normal feed and water ad libitum for 31, 61 and 91days respectively. For each treatment per week, animals‘ weights were determined and recorded with the electronic weighing balance every 7 days (weekly). Following period of administration, animals were sacrificed by cervical dislocation and blood samples collected by cardiac puncture, assayed and compared in each rat (with control). In each case, photomicrograph of the small intestine was also obtained, whilst comparing histo-architectural changes. Upon statistical comparison (using the student t-test), study found alcohol to cause a statistically significant decrease in body weights across groups, with an increase in antioxidant enzyme activities in the small intestine.

Keywords: Alcohol, Small Intestine, antioxidant