Effect of experimentally induced portal hypertension on the fundic mucosa of adult male albino rats and the possible protective role of quercetin supplementation: histological, immunohistochemical, and biochemical study

ABSTRACT

Portal hypertension [PHT] is a hyperdynamic circulation disorder. Its precise effect on the fundic mucosa remains a matter of controversy Evaluation of the effect of long -term experimental induction of PHT on the rat fundic mucosa and the possible protective role of quercetin. Forty rats were divided into the following three main groups; control, partial portal vein ligation [PPVL] and PPVL receiving 50 mg/kg /day of quercetin given intraperitoneal. After ten weeks from PPVL induction, samples from fundus of stomach were prepared for light and electron microscope. Tissue and blood samples were examined for inflammatory, oxidative stress and antioxidant markers. The number of parietal cells, area% of collagen fibers, PAS -alcian blue reaction, nitrotyrosine- and caspase-3 positive reaction were measured morphometrically and statistically analyzed. Fundic mucosa of PPVL group showed loss of normal architecture, exfoliation of the surface epithelium, inflammatory cellular infiltration and congestion of blood vessels in lamina propria. Parietal cells showed dilatation of their intracellular canaliculi. Many mucous cells had apoptotic nuclei. Chief cells had few secretory granules and dilated RER. Statistically, there was significant increase in the area% of collagen fibers, nitrotyrosine, caspase- 3 and inflammatory markers while area% of PAS-alcian blue reaction, number of parietal cells and tissue antioxidant enzymes showed significant reduction comparing with the control. Quercetin markedly protect fundic mucosa from histological and biochemical deleterious effects of PHT. PHT exerts a deleterious histological and biochemical effects on the fundic mucosa. Both antioxidant and antiinflammatory effects of Quercetin offer degree of protection for fundic mucosa, therefore, it may protect from gastropathy resulted from PHT