Effect of Nicotine on the Structure of Gastric Mucosa of Adult Male Albino Rats and the Possible Protective Effect of Royal Jelly (Light and Scanning Electron Microscopic Study)

Background: The smoking effects on human health are well known and its impact on vital organs can leads to death in many cases. There is a strong association between cigarette smoking and gastric lesion especially gastric erosions .Nicotine is the main component of cigarette, and it is the cause of most of gastrointestinal hazards from erosions  to cancers. Royal jelly is one of the attractive ingredients of healthy food. It has also antioxidant effect against many toxins. Its anti-inflammatory role and its role in protection from  erosions and ulcers is due to its components.Aim of the Work: To examine the role of royal jelly in protection against lesions on gastric mucosa caused by nicotine intake. Materials and Methods: Thirty rats were used for the study equally divided into 3groups: 1st group (10 rats) were used as a control, 2nd group (10 rats) were administrated nicotine I.P in a dose of 0.5 mg/kg body weight  for 30 days , and 3rd group (10 rats) were administrated  nicotine as previously +royal jelly with a dose of 300 mg/kg/ body weight every day orally for 30 days. Then they were dissected 24 hours after last dose, the stomach was prepared for examination with Haematoxylin and Eosin, Masson Trichome, Periodic Acid Schiff (PAS) stain and scanning electron microscope.Results: The rats that were injected with nicotine showed multiple histolopathological changes: erosions on the surface epithelium, degeneration of cells and distortion of the shape of the gland. Collagen fibers are more in the nicotine group, and the thickness of mucosa decreased in this group. The covering mucous layer is defective in the nicotine group, rats treated with nicotine with royal jelly the stomach appeared nearly normal.Conclusion: Nicotine is a toxic substance to the stomach causing histopathological changes, and the  royal jelly ameliorates these changes.