Introduction: Methotrexate (MTX) is widely used as chemotherapy drug in the treatment of rheumatoid disease. MTX is known for its common effect in causing intestinal mucosal injury. Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), an ancient grain, has been domesticated since 8000 B.C. possesses significant antioxidant, antiradical potentials and
antiulcerative activity.
Aim of the Work: To investigate the Potential protective effects of barley's grains on methotrexate induced jejunal mucosal damage in male albino rats by light and scanning electron microscope and morphometric study.
Material and Methods: thirty adult male rats weighting 150-200 gm were used and randomly divided into three equal groups: Control group; MTX group was given 6 mg/kg body weight of Methotrexate for 5 days intraperitoneal injection; the third group was given barley grains at a dose of 200g /kg/day beside the usual food for 30 days plus intraperitoneal injections of methotrexate on the day 25, at the dose 6mg/kg /day for 5 days then sacrificed by cervical dislocation. Jejunal samples were excised for light and scanning electron microscopic study and morphometric study.
Results: intraperitoneal administration of methotrexate induced marked changes in jejunal mucosa detected by both light and scanning electron microscope with severe erosions, exfoliation and ulcer formation. The addition of barley significantly decrease jejunal damage and could protect intestinal mucosa against the injurious effects of methotrexate.
Conclusions: These results concluded that methotrexate combined with barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) in comparison with methotrexate induced less intestinal mucosal damage and this protective effect might be due to the anti-inflammatory and antiulcer activity of barley.