Effect of Energy drink and its withdrawal on Dorsal Surface of Albino Rat tongue (Histological & Immuno-histochemical study)

Aim: To study the effect of intake and withdrawal of EDs on the histological structure of dorsal surface of the tongue of adult male albino rats. Materials and Methods: 30 adult male albino rats were divided into 3 groups; 10 rats each. Group I (control group), group II (Redbull group), the rats received 2 ml/200gm of Redbull twice daily orally for 4 weeks. Group III (Withdrawal group) the rat received Redbull in the same dose and duration as group II then sacrificed after further 4 weeks without treatment. Paraffin sections of dorsal surface of the tongue were stained by H & E, Masson trichrome and Caspase-3 immuno-histochemical study. Statistical analysis on area% of collagen fibers and apoptotic cells outcomes was performed. Results: H & E results of group II revealed atrophied blunt ended filiform papillae with hyperplastic changes and elongated rete ridges. Focal areas of dysplastic changes were detected in the epithelium. Loss of taste buds occurred in both fungiform and circumvallate papillae. Lamina propria showed mononuclear cellular infiltration in some areas. Group III regained the normal appearance of tongue papillae. However, some hyperplastic and dysplastic changes in the epithelium remained. Significant decrease in area % of collagen fibers was detected in group II compared with other groups. Whereas Caspase-3 positive reaction showed significant increase in group II compared with other groups. Conclusion: Redbull induced structural changes in the dorsal surface of albino rats’ tongue which were partially improved by its withdrawal. Excessive intake of Redbull considered as health hazard.