A Histological Study of the Effect of Aspartame Versus Sucralose on the Spleen of Adult Male Albino Rats

Introduction: Aspartame (ASP) is one of the most widely artificial sweeteners consumed worldwide.
Some studies declared that administration of ASP even at the Food and Drug Administration
permitted level causes oxidative stress by altering the oxidant /antioxidant balance in immune organs of
the rats. On the other hand, sucralose is another artificial high-potency sweetening compound. It has been
branded under the name Splenda. It is found in many food and beverage products. Studies observed that
sucralose administration caused reduction of weight of the spleen and histopathological changes in the
thymus of rats.
Aim of the work was to study the histological and ultrastructural changes of the spleen of adult male
albino rats, upon exposure to ASP and sucralose.
Materials and Methods: thirty male albino rats were divided into three groups Group I control
group: ten adult rats received 1 ml distilled water daily for 3 months. Group II (Aspartame group):
ten adult rats administered aspartame (40 mg/kg) daily dissolved in 1 ml distilled water daily for 3
months. Group III (sucralose group): ten rats received sucralose 15 mg/kg daily dissolved in 1 ml
distilled water daily for 3 months. At the end of the experiment, spleen specimens were dissected and
processed for Both light microscope and ultra-structural examination.
Results: Histological examination of Hx. & E sections of the spleen of ASP group revealed loss of
architecture of the spleen accompanied by partial disappearance of demarcation between white and
red pulps. Lymphoid follicles showed depletion of lymphocytes. Examination of the ultrathin sections
showed degenerated lymphocytes in the white pulp, with highly condensed pyknotic nuclei. In addition,
cytoplasm revealed the presence of vacuoles. On the other hand, examination of Hx. & E of the spleen
of sucralose group revealed complete loss of architecture of spleen with disappearance of demarcation
between red and white pulps. Marked areas of depletion of lymphocytes in both red and white pulps
and elongated and thickened fibrous tissue strands were observed. Examination of the ultrathin sections
showed extensive red pulp with degenerated white pulp. Degenerated lymphocytes with irregular
indented nuclei with widening of peri-nuclear space. In addition degenerated cytoplasm, many vacuoles
and esinophil infiltration.
Conclusion: The present study clearly points that both ASP and sucralose can influence the structure of
the spleen within the acceptable daily consumption. Whereas sucralose had more degenerative effects
on the spleen.