Effect of Aspartame on Histology and Histomorphometry of Stomach in Balb/C Mice

Abstract

the necessary and the histomorphometric examination was conducted using an optical microscope equipped with Axiovision The thickness of mucosa, submucosa, musculature, and depth of pits was measured and the frequency of parietal cells was calculated in the dimensions of × code: 7506001/6/7) Findings: Histological results indicated destruction and disruption of the mucosal epithelium and gastric pits and atrophy of gastric glands including glandular cells. In the histomorphometric examination of the non-glandular part, only the thickness of the mucosa had a significant difference in the group receiving the highest dose of aspartame compared to the control group (P<0.05). However, in the evaluation of the glandular part, mucosal and muscle thickness in all three experimental groups and the submucosa thickness in the glandular and non-glandular parts in the experimental group (400 mg body weight) showed a significant increase compared to the control group (P<0.05). Moreover, the depth of gastric pits increased significantly and the frequency of parietal cells had a significant decrease in the experimental groups compared to the control group (P<0.05). Discussion & Conclusion: Although aspartame may partially play a protective role by decreasing parietal cells, it should be noted that higher doses of aspartame could induce tissue changes in different layers of the stomach. Therefore, it is recommended to use it with more caution.