Sequential histologic alterations of mouse gastric mucosa following long-term simulation of betel addiction

Abstract

The histopathological effect of chewing of betel quid without tobacco was studied by simulating 14 different chewing habits using the mouse glandular stomach mucosa as a model mammalian system. chronic oral administration for 8 to 10 months resulted in marked architectural atypia in animals receiving extracts of Areca Catechu L. Red Nut, with Piper Betle L. varieties and a combination of nut, leaf and lime. the initial histologic changes were erosions and regenerative hyperplasia of the pyloric glands. after atrophy and erosion of the mucosa, regenerative glandular hyperplasia developed in animals receiving lime suspension while marked adenomatous hyperplasia exhibiting excessive glandular proliferation, often with peripheral growth into the stomach cavity, with few cellular atypism developed in animals receiving combinations of P. Betle Var. Bangla, A. Catechu and low concentration of lime (B Bn Lmn) and A. Catechu with low concentration of lime (Cbn Lmn). High dose of lime together with P. Betle L.Var. Bangla probably played a protectant role by reducing the dysplastic changes and metaplasia. The leaf Var. Bangla alone was found to be an irritant and increased the mitotic index.