Background
Aspartame is the most popular artificial sweetener consumed by many individuals
worldwide. Yet, there is still a debate on its consumption as an alternative to sugar.
Further studies are warranted to assess the effects of aspartame on pancreas
morphodynamics.
Aim of the study
The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of chronic aspartame administration
on the histological structure of rat pancreas.
Materials and methods
Twenty male albino rats aged 3 months were divided into two equal groups:
a control group (group I) and an experimental group (group II), which included
rats that received 250 mg/kg/day aspartame once daily for 6 months.
The pancreatic tails were processed for light and electron microscopy.
The pancreatic islets were evaluated by immunohistochemical stain for the
identification of insulin-secreting β cells.
Results
In group II, binucleated acinar cells, prominent nucleoli, and a relative decrease in
secretory granules were observed. Some islet cells showed an acidophilic granular
cytoplasm and deeply stained nuclei. A strong positive immunoreaction for insulin
was observed in β cells. Ultrastructurally, acinar cells showed euchromatic nuclei
with multiple nucleoli. The proliferation and dilatation of rough endoplasmic reticulum
had occurred with disturbed cell polarity. Secretory granules were deficient in most
acinar cells. β Cells showed an apparent increase in the amount of secretory
granules, especially immature ones, and a variable degree of vacuolation.
Conclusion
Chronic administration of aspartame to adult rats could exert a hyperstimulatory
effect on pancreatic acinar and β cells, leading to the risk of development of
pancreatitis and/or diabetes