Tartrazine (TAZ) Facilitates Small Intestinal Transit in Male Albino Rats through Modulation in the Contractile Activity of the Small Intestinal Visceral Smooth Muscle

Tartrazine (TAZ), a synthetic azo dye extensively used for its vibrant yellow color in food products, remains prevalent in the food industry despite restrictions in several countries. Continuous or long-term exposure to TAZ through adulterated or contaminated foods has raised significant concerns about its potential effects on gastrointestinal function. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effects of TAZ on the gastrointestinal transit in male albino rat. We have found significant increase in the percent gastrointestinal transit on application of TAZ in a dose response manner. It could be suggested that the TAZ induced increase in the gastrointestinal transit might be due to facilitation of the contraction of the visceral smooth muscles present in the muscularis externa of the small intestine that provides motility to it. This increased motility facilitates the gastrointestinal transit. From this result, it could be hypothesised that the TAZ induced potentiation of the contraction of the SiVSM might be due to facilitation of the cholinergic myenteric activity and/or inhibition of the nitrergic and/or adrenergic myenteric activity in the SiVSM. The alteration in the contraction of the SiVSM could result in impaired digestive and absorptive functions of the small intestine. Keywords: Tartrazine, gastrointestinal transit, acetylcholine, atropine, cholinergic pathway, azo dye, motility