Histological changes in adult rat pancreas upon chronic administration of aspartame

Aspartame is the most popular artificial sweetener consumed by many individuals worldwide. Yet, there is still a debate on its consumption as an alternative to sugar. Further studies are warranted to assess the effects of aspartame on pancreas morphodynamics. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of chronic aspartame administration on the histological structure of rat pancreas. Twenty male albino rats aged 3 months were divided into two equal groups: a control group [group I] and an experimental group [group II], which included rats that received 250 mg/kg/day aspartame once daily for 6 months. The pancreatic tails were processed for light and electron microscopy. The pancreatic islets were evaluated by immunohistochemical stain for the identification of insulin-secreting beta cells. In group II, binucleated acinar cells, prominent nucleoli, and a relative decrease in secretory granules were observed. Some islet cells showed an acidophilic granular cytoplasm and deeply stained nuclei. A strong positive immunoreaction for insulin was observed in beta cells. Ultrastructurally, acinar cells showed euchromatic nuclei with multiple nucleoli. The proliferation and dilatation of rough endoplasmic reticulum had occurred with disturbed cell polarity. Secretory granules were deficient in most acinar cells. beta Cells showed an apparent increase in the amount of secretory granules, especially immature ones, and a variable degree of vacuolation. Chronic administration of aspartame to adult rats could exert a hyperstimulatory effect on pancreatic acinar and beta cells, leading to the risk of development of pancreatitis and/or diabetes

Evaluation of the role of garlic on the structure of liver and gastric mucosa in aged male albino rat: a histological and histochemical study

Age related changes in the hepatic and gastric tissues have been discovered and are considered to be implicated in the pathogenesis of some diseases. To evaluate the effect of garlic as a prophylactic or a therapeutic tool against age related changes in the liver and stomach. 80 male albino rats were used. Classified into four groups: group 1: 15 rats served as control adult, group 2: 15 rats served as control aged, group 3: 25 adult rat treated with Tomax in a dose of 100 mg/kg orally daily till aging and group 4: 25 aged rats treated with Tomax in the same previous dose for 4 months. Animals were sacrificed and specimens from the liver and stomach were prepared for light and electron microscopy. Light and electron microscopic examination of liver and stomach of group 1 revealed the normal structure. Age related changes were detected in group 2 in the form of vacuolation of cells lining the gastric glands and disturbed hepatic architecture. Ultrastructurally, degenerative changes in parietal and chief cells were observed. Hepatocytes showed variable sized nuclei with marginated hetero chromatin clumps, areas of rarified cytoplasm, fragmented endoplasmic reticulum and interrupted cell membrane. Tomax treatment in group 3 greatly improved the aging changes in liver and gastric mucosa. Decreased vacuolation of gastric epithelial cells and restored hepatic architecture were observed. Ultrastructural degenerative changes were less pronounced in both tissues. In group 4 there was no obvious improvement but they were more or less similar to group 2. It could be concluded that garlic could be used as a prophylactic measure against age induced structural changes in the liver and stomach rather than being used as a therapeutic one