A new experimental model of intrinsic denervation in ileum from wistar rats through intramural microinjections of benzalkonium chloride

Extensive literature is available about the intrinsic denervation of segments of the digestive tube through the application of CB in the serosa of the viscera. However, this technique has some disadvantages like causing peritonitis, flanges and high mortality, limiting its use in humans. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the feasibility of benzalkonium chloride (CB) to induce intrinsic chemical denervation, through applications of CB in the intramural ileum of wistar rats, as well as deepen the knowledge about the evolution of neuronal injury caused in the process. We used 40 rats, divided into two groups (control-GC and benzalkonium-GB) of 20 animals each, divided into four sub-groups according to the time of postoperative assessment of 24, 48 hours, 30 and 90 days. The animals were submitted to intramural microinjections of sterile saline solution 0.9% (GC) or benzalkonium chloride (GB) in ileal portion, and subsequent histopathological analysis and immunohistochemistry for evaluation of neuronal injury. A significant decrease (p