Abstract

SERUM AND GASTRIC TISSUE ELECTROLYTE LEVELS IN CARBIMAZOLE-TREATED AND LEVOTHYROXINE-TREATED MALE NEW ZEALAND WHITE RABBITS

Ajayi Ayodeji Folorunsho*, Akhigbe Roland Eghoghosoa, Ajayi Lydia Oluwatoyin, Adeleye Gbenga Sunday and Adebayo-Gege Grace Iyabo

ABSTRACT

Thyroid and gastrointestinal tract functions are connected in both health and disease conditions. Thyroid hormones regulate metabolic function; therefore its disorders are associated with electrolyte imbalance. This study provides scientific information on gastric tissue electrolyte level, and its relationship with serum electrolyte level in altered thyroid state. It also documents the effect of dysthyroidism on adherent gastric mucus content, a gastro protective factor, and gastric architecture. Fifteen healthy male New Zealand White Rabbit of comparable weight were randomly allocated into three (3) groups (n=5), Control, Carbimazole-treated (5mg/250g bw) and Levothyroxine-treated (5μg/100g bw) groups. Treatments were given orally for 35 days. Thyroid function test, body weight change, serum and stomach tissue electrolyte, adherent gastric mucus content, oxidative stress parameters and histology of the stomach were assessed at the end of the treatments. There was a significant rise in gastric levels of chloride and bicarbonate in hyperthyroidism. These electrolytes significantly declined in hypothyroidism. However, gastric sodium level significantly declined in hyperthyroidism. Adherent gastric mucus content significantly increased in hyperthyroidism, but reduced in hypothyroidism. Dysthyroidism led to significant rise in MDA and depletion of catalase and GSH. Hypothyroidism also led to loss of parietal cells and marked gastric ulceration. It was concluded that the alteration in the gastric levels of electrolytes explains the gastric dysfunction seen in altered thyroid state. This is associated with lipid peroxidation.

Keywords: Oxidative stress, antioxidant, dysthyroidism, gastric ulcer, parietal cell, electrolytes.