Immunohistochemical distribution of platelet-derived growth factor-C and platelet-derived growth factor receptor-alpha in small intestine of rats treated with capsaicin

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of capsaicin administration immunohistochemically on platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-C and platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR)-alpha release in the small intestine tissues of rats. Rats were divided into three groups: group 1 (subcutaneous drug administration), group 2 (oral drug administration), and group 3 (subcutaneous sham administration). Histometric measurements and counts were performed in order to determine whether there was a difference between groups in terms of height of villi, depth of crypts, and goblet cell count in small intestine. The small intestine was examined by Crossman's triple staining method and streptavidin-biotin peroxidase complex method. As a result of statistical analysis, it was found that body weight increased in group 3, while it decreased in groups 1 and 2. Capsaicin administration increased height of villi, depth of crypts, and count of goblet cells located on villi and crypts. Immunohistochemical examinations revealed that capsaicin administration increased PDGF-C and PDGFR-alpha release. It was concluded that capsaicin has a stimulatory effect on growth and is an enhancer for PDGF-C and PDGFR-alpha release.