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Villous damage induced by suction biopsy and by acute ethanol intake in normal human small intestine

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Abstract

Previous studies by us indicated that ethanol in concentrations of 2.0–4.8% produced subepithelial blebs in the jejunum of the hamster. In the rat, due to rupture of the blebs, there was denudation of the villus tip epithelium. There are no similar data on humans. Ethanol, in quantities equivalent to 4.8–6.4 ounces of 80 proof whiskey (diluted to 20% w/v), was infused into stomachs of 20 normal human volunteers. Subjects were divided into groups (Gr) according to the amount or type of alcohol given, and the site of biopsies (SB). Gr 1∶60 g ethanol, SB=jejunum. Gr 2∶45 g ethanol, SB=jejunum. Gr 3∶45 g ethanol, SB=duodenum. Gr 4∶45 g ethanol as 4.8 oz 80 proof whiskey, SB=duodenum. To compare the morphology in the absence and presence of ethanol, biopsies were obtained from each volunteer before ethanol administration (control period). immediately after peak ethanol concentration in the duodenum or jejunum (ethanol period), and when intraluminal ethanol concentration fell towards zero (recovery period). The mean peak intraluminal ethanol concentrations in the four groups varied between 5.69% and 9.37% (w/v). Ethanol-induced damage was evaluated using strict preset criteria. Coded slides were evaluated by two observers. Suction biopsy damaged 18% of the villi even in biopsies obtained during the control period. Ethanol produced a statistically significant increase in the number of damaged villi (mean of all groups 45%, range∶32% in Gr 2 to 62% in Gr 3). During the recovery period the number of damaged villi fell to that seen in control period biopsies. Ethanol, in quantities equivalent to those ingested during moderate drinking, may produce transient damage to the upper small intestine of man. Conversely, ethanol may simply increase the susceptibility of the mucosa to the unavoidable trauma of suction biopsy. However, the histological and ultrastructural changes were similar to those induced by ethanol in small laboratory animals.

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Author notes

  1. M. S. Millan MD, FRCP (C) (Research Fellow)

    Present address: Queen's University Medical Research Council of Canada, Kingston, Ontario, Canada

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Digestive Diseases Unit, Hotel Dieu Hospital, Queen's University, K7L 3H6, Kingston, Ontario, Canada

    M. S. Millan MD, FRCP (C) (Research Fellow), G. P. Morris PhD,  I. T. Beck MD, PhD, FRCP (C), FACP (Director) & J. T. Henson BSc

  2. Department of Medicine and Department of Biology, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada

    M. S. Millan MD, FRCP (C) (Research Fellow), G. P. Morris PhD,  I. T. Beck MD, PhD, FRCP (C), FACP (Director) & J. T. Henson BSc

Authors
  1. M. S. Millan MD, FRCP (C)
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  2. G. P. Morris PhD
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  3. I. T. Beck MD, PhD, FRCP (C), FACP
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  4. J. T. Henson BSc
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Additional information

This study was supported by MRC of Canada Grants Nos. MA 4257 and MA 5939.

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Millan, M.S., Morris, G.P., Beck, I.T. et al. Villous damage induced by suction biopsy and by acute ethanol intake in normal human small intestine. Digest Dis Sci 25, 513–525 (1980). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01315213

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01315213

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