INTESTINAL LESIONS INDUCED EXPERIMENTALLY BY METHOTREXATE

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  • 1 January 1977
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 58  (6) , 663-669
Abstract
Mice were given up to 9 doses of methotrexate intermittently over a 3 wk period. Mitotic inhibition occurred in the duodenum, jejunum and ileum after the 1st injection, and after 2 doses the crypt epithelium showed megalocytosis and occasional abnormal mitotic figures. Further treatment produced epithelial degeneration of the villi, which became irregular and atrophic, and the amount of crypt tissue was greatly reduced. Focal ulceration and hemorrhage occurred in some animals. Changes in the cecum and colon developed later and were much milder. After methotrexate withdrawal, intestinal mucosa rapidly recovered and was normal 1 wk later.