Histopathological changes of the small intestine using a standard dose of copper sulfate in rats (feed supplement dose)

Abstract

Background & aim: Data from human studies indicate that gastrointestinal symptoms may occur due to consuming beverages or drinking water containing high levels of copper. Therefore, the current study aimed to determine the histological effects of copper sulfate on the small intestine tissue structures.

Materials and Methods: Forty-five rats were used for the current study. They were divided into two main groups: the control group and the copper sulfate group. The rats were given 8 mg/kg B.W./day of a copper sulfate solution dissolved in distilled water.

Results: Histological examination of copper sulfate groups shows that the mucosa of the small intestine contains short villi on its surface, degeneration of simple columnar epithelial cells, and their scarcity, with a large number of mucosal cells and droplets. The core of the villi contains massive infiltration of white blood cells extending to the bases of the villi. The basal plate of the small intestine contains intestinal glands with degeneration of main cells and mucus droplets of different sizes, along with white blood cells between the glands. The area between smooth muscle fibers contains degenerated ganglionic nerve cells. Thickening of the surface of the villi includes large numbers of mucus droplets from goblet cells and loss of epithelial cells. The core of the villi contained white blood cells spread to the basal lamina around apparent intestinal glands, with residual cells. There was a disintegration of the interstitial tissue between the glands in the basal lamina.

Conclusions: It is concluded that copper sulfate has very harmful effects on intestinal tissues, including the degeneration of simple columnar epithelial cells, with the presence of mucus droplets of different sizes and the appearance of white blood cells between the glands.