Beneficial effects of methylene blue on the acute phase of corrosive esophageal burn in rats.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the article is to investigate the beneficial effects of methylene blue (MB) on the acute phase of experimental corrosive esophageal burns. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 21 male Sprague-Dawley rats were allocated into three groups with an equal number in each group. In Group 1 (control), the esophageal lumen was irrigated with saline. In Groups 2 (untreated) and 3 (MB treatment), the distal esophagus was burned with 30% NaOH solution. In Group 3, MB was applied locally on the distal esophageal lumen (30 mg/kg) 90 minutes after the burn. In all the groups, animals were humanely killed at the end of the 7th day. Distal esophageal specimens were obtained for histopathological and biochemical examinations. RESULTS: MB increased the tissue superoxide dismutase levels and the total antioxidant status, whereas it decreased the levels of the total oxidant status with significant attenuation of histopathological damage. CONCLUSION: MB might have reduced the tissue damage in corrosive esophagitis because of its antioxidant effects.