Effect of sodium arsenite on indomethacin induced ulceration in wistar rats

Arsenic acid is a major contaminant of various water sources used for human and industrial activities, hence its being a public health concern. In this study, we report the results of our findings on the effect of Sodium arsenite on experimental gastric ulceration was in rats. Sixty male wistar rats were divided into four groups (n = 15) viz; Groups 1-control, 2- ulcer alone (Indo), 3 and 4 -sodium arsenite (5 mg/kg and 10mg/kg p.o respectively for 2 weeks). Gastric ulcer was induced in Groups 2, 3 and 4 (after exposure) using indomethacin and animals were duly examined. Gastric acid secretion, ulcer score, Alanine transaminase (ALT), Aspartate transaminase (AST) and histological analysis were evaluated. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and p≤0.05 was considered significant Mean basal gastric output in 5 and 10 mg/kg in SA+ Indo (0.17 ± 0.037 and 0.26 ± 0.023 mEq/L) compared with control (0.09 ± 0.037 mEq/L) and ulcer group (0.14 ± 0.004 mEq/L). Histamine (1 mg/kg i.m) significantly increased basal gastric output in 5 and 10 mg/kg SA+Indo (0.19 ± 0.019 and 0.11 ± 0.005 mEq/L) compared with ulcer and control (0.09 ± 0.0003mEq/l) . Ulcer score was significantly high in both 5 and 10 mg/kg SA+indo groups (10.00 ± 0.88 and 14.33 ± 1.58 respectively) compared with ulcer group (7.83 ± 0.54). The ALT and AST values were significantly increased in Group 3 compared with other groups . Parietal cells count significantly increase in both Groups 3 and 4 compared with ulcer group. Histological evaluation revealed hyperplasia of parietal cells with moderate epithelial erosion of Groups 3 and 4 gastric mucosa with damages to the kidney and liver tissues. The implication of these findings will be discussed.