Effects of ibuprofen on gastric mucosa of albino rats and the protective role of L-arginine, a morphological study under light microscope

ABSTRACT

To observe the effects of Ibuprofen on the gastric mucosa of albino- -rats and the protective role of L-Arginine [if any] under light microscope A prospective experimental study. This study was conducted at the Department of Anatomy, Basic Medical Sciences Institute, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre Karachi from 0 1.04.2008 to 31.05.2008. This study was conducted in the Department of Anatomy, Basic Medical Sciences Institute Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center Karachi where 45 albino rats of either sex between 90-120 days were selected and were divided into three groups, 'A', 'B' and 'C', containing 15 animals each and were further sub-divided into three sub-groups containing 5 animals, according to time of sacrifice, i.e. 4, 6, and 8 weeks respectively. Group 'A' served as control. Group 'B' received ibuprofen, 70 mg/kg body weight and group 'C' received ibuprofen, 70mg and L-Arginine 300 mg, per kilogram body weight per day with feed. Animals were sacrificed at their respective time. The abdomen was opened, stomach was removed and opened along the greater curvature, divided into cardiac, body and pyloric parts, which in turn were fixed in Buffered neutral formalin for 24 hours. Tissues were processed in ascending strength of alcohol, cleared in xylene and infiltrated and embedded with paraffin. Five micron thick sections were made on the rotatory microtome and were stained with Haematoxylin and eosin, Periodic Acid Schiff Orange-G and Alcian blue-Periodic Acid Schiff. Group A No ulceration and erosion was found and no abnormality was noted in gastric mucosa Group B With regards to ulcers and erosion the results were moderately significant [P<0.001] in B1 and B2 and highly significant [P< 0.0001] in B3 when compared to control. Mucosal thickness was decreased, in B1 results were moderately significant [P<0.001] and in B2, B3 results were highly significant [P<0.0001]. Group C No difference in results was noted when compared to group A. The damaging effects of Ibuprofen on gastric mucosa are minimized when given with L-Arginine