Histological Characterization of Small Intestinal Tissue Changes Resulting from Chloroquine Treatment in Wistar Rats

This study investigated the histological effects of chloroquine on the small intestine of Wistar rats, with emphasis on chloroquine-induced alterations in intestinal structure and function. Twenty adult Wistar rats (190–250g) were randomly allocated into four groups of five. The control group received distilled water, while the experimental groups were administered oral chloroquine at doses of 10mg/kg, 25mg/kg, and 50mg/kg body weight for 21 days. Body weight was recorded throughout the study. At the end of the exposure period, the rats were sacrificed, and their small intestines were dissected, measured, and processed for histological assessment using hematoxylin and eosin staining. Data were expressed as mean, and expressed in chat using Microsoft Excel version 16. Chloroquine-treated rats demonstrated a clear dose-dependent reduction in body weight, intestinal length, and intestinal weight compared with controls. Histological evaluation revealed progressive structural deterioration characterized by villous atrophy, epithelial degeneration, mucosal erosion, ulceration, and inflammatory cell infiltration, with these alterations becoming more pronounced at higher chloroquine doses. These findings highlight the importance of cautious chloroquine use and the need for further studies into its long-term effects on the gastrointestinal system.