Histomorphological effects of nicotine on the kidney

Emmanuel Igho Odokuma, Joan Eseoghene Adogbeji

Annals of Bioanthropology 2017 5(1):9-13

Introduction: This experimental animal study was designed to investigate the histomorphological effects of nicotine on the kidneys of matured adult Wistar rats. Materials and Methods: Permission for the study was obtained from the Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Biology Ethics Committee (DELSU/CHS/ANA/68/43), and it involved 36 rats which were randomly assigned into three test and one control group. While animals in the control group (Group A) received only water and feed, 2 mg/day, 4 mg/day, and 6 mg/day of pure nicotine in solution was orally administered to test Groups B, C, and D, respectively (dose: 50 mg/kg/day). At the end of 7, 21, and 42 days, one experimental animal was selected from each of the groups at random, euthanized, and the harvested kidneys processed by standard techniques The obtained tissue samples were viewed with a digital light microscope (Scopetek DCM 500, 20.0 mega pixel) connected through a USB to an HP computer. Results: The control group showed normal histomorphologic features, but the test groups which were dose and time dependent showed progressive histological alterations. Glomerulosclerosis and widening of the glomerular space were observed following acute and subacute exposure unlike with the chronically exposed rats in which an intact renal structural integrity was documented. Conclusion: This study that prolonged exposure to orally administered nicotine within normal doses had minimal effects on the kidneys of adult Wistar rats.

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