Effects of Ethanol on the Gastro-doudenal Wall of Wistar Rats

Abstract

Oral ingestion of alcoholic beverages is implicated in the multiple gastro intestinal disorders and complications in digestion, which commonly accompany alcohol consumption or abuse.

Different concentrations of ethanol in the range of 10%, 20%, and 30% v/v which are experimental equivalents of alcoholic contents of lager beer, whisky and dry gin were orally given to 3 groups of adult Wistar rats A, B and C respectively for 30 days; and thereafter, histological examination of the gastro-duodenal wall was conducted. Excoriations of the wall in addition to gross emaciation and anorexia, severest in the group C rats were observed.

Apart from the well-known effects such as emaciation and nausea, loss of nervous coordination, fluid and electrolyte balance were presently observed, indicative of a possible more serious clinical complications of alcohol abuse.