Effect of Aspirin on Morphometrical Changes of Intestinal Villus Length and Epithelial Thickness in Rat Embryos

Aspirin is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs) that can be used to reduce fever and relieve pains. This study examined the effect of aspirin on morphometrical changes of intestinal villus length and epithelial thickness in rat embryos In this experimental study, thirty female pregnant rats were randomly divided into six equal groups. Control group without any intervention, sham group received 2 ml of distilled water, and all four experimental groups received 75, 100, 200, 300 mg /kg of aspirin from day 8 to 20 of gestation by gavage. On day 20 of gestation,the pregnant rats were killed and the fetuses removed. Fetal weight and crown-rump length of fetuses were measured and recorded. External feature of fetuses were examined. Small intestines of the fetuses were removed, then fixed and processed. Five micrometer thickness sections were prepared and stained with H&E staining. Villus length and thickness of the epithelium of the small intestine in different groups of embryos were measured. Obtained data were compared using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's multiple comparisons test. No obvious external abnormalities were observed in the experimental group. There were no significant differences in the mean Crown-Rump length of experimental groups received 75, 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg when compared to control and sham groups. However, the mean fetal weight of 100 mg/kg of experimental group compared to control and sham groups was significantly increased (p=0.023 and p=0.024).In addition, histomorphometrical studies revealed a significant reduction in the mean length of villi (p=0.027 and p= 0.032) and the mean thickness of the epithelium of the small intestine in the 100 mg/kg of experimental group when compared with control and sham groups (p=0.003 and p= 0.001). It seems that consumption of aspirin during pregnancy reduces intestinal villus length and epithelium thickness in embryos.