Research Article
Umoren EB and Osim EE
Abstract
Background: Nevirapine (NVP) is an antiretroviral medication that prevents human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cells from multiplying in the blood. This study was undertaken to ascertain whether NVP administration affects intestinal morphology using albino Wistar rats. Materials and methods: Sixty adult albino Wistar rats were used for the study. Rats in the control group (n=30) were fed normal rodent chow, while the NVP group (n=30) were fed by gavage NVP (0.4 mg/kg body weight) twice daily (7:00 am and 6:00 pm) in addition to normal rodent chow for 12 weeks. All animals were allowed free access to clean drinking water. Morphological examination of tissues (duodenum, jejunum and ileum) was done. Results: Gross morphology of the duodenum in the NVP-treated group showed hypertrophy of the Bruner’s glands within the sub-mucosa as compared to control where the tissues appeared intact. Gross morphology of the jejunum in the NVP-treated group showed hyperplasia of mucosal cells and mild desquamation of epithelia, when compared to control the tissues appeared intact. Gross morphology of ileum in the NVP-treated group showed reductions in the density of Payer’s patches and diffused areas of necrosis of mucosal epithelium when compared to control where tissues appeared intact. Conclusion: From the result of the study, long term administration of NVP may cause disorganization of the morphology of small intestine in albino Wistar rats.