Cathartic Effect of Magnesium Sulfate

Cathartic Effect of Magnesium Sulfate

• Purpose: Observe the cathartic effect of magnesium sulfate and its mechanism.
• Mechanism: Magnesium ions (Mg²⁺) and sulfate ions, after oral administration, create a high osmotic pressure in the intestines. This inhibits water absorption, expands intestinal lumen volume, and promotes peristalsis, resulting in a cathartic effect.

Observation Content

• Advance Percentage of Carmine: Calculated by dividing the distance carmine traveled in the bowel by the total intestinal length, then multiplying by 100%. This measures the speed of intestinal movement.
• Fecal Form and Features: Observations include whether feces are solid, shaped, sparse, or shapeless.

Materials, Methods, and Procedure

• Materials: Mice, carmine solution, syringes, scissors, electronic balance, carmine-magnesium sulphate solution.
• Experimental Procedure:
  • Step 1: Select and weigh two mice per group, labeling them A and B with picric acid.
  • Step 2: Administer treatments. Group A receives 0.8ml carmine-saline solution. Group B receives 0.8ml carmine-magnesium sulfate solution.
  • Method of Administration: Intragastric gavage using a ball-tipped feeding needle. The needle is placed into the stomach through the pharynx and esophagus along the oral palate.
  • Step 3: Record data and analyze the cathartic effect over 30 minutes.

Observation After Drug Treatment

• Procedure: Kill mice via cervical dislocation. Cut the abdomen, expose the intestines, observe peristalsis and intestinal expansion. Remove and measure intestines. Determine the distances from the pylorus to the front and end of the carmine dye.
• Calculation: Determine the advance percentage of carmine (I/L x 100%), where I is the distance to the front of the dye and L is the distance to the end of the intestine.

Data Analysis

• Table: The table will record the results of the advance percentage of carmine and fecal traits for each group.
• Key Point: Intragastric administration via gavage is crucial for the experimental procedure.

This quiz explores the cathartic effect of magnesium sulfate on intestinal movement, emphasizing the mechanism by which magnesium and sulfate ions affect bowel physiology. Participants will delve into the observational methods, including fecal form and the measurement of intestinal transit speed through carmine dye. Join to test your knowledge on this scientific experiment!