Cathartic Effect of Magnesium Sulfate Experiment

Cathartic Effect of Magnesium Sulfate

• Purpose: Observe the cathartic effect of magnesium sulfate and its mechanism.
• Mechanism: Magnesium sulfate, when administered orally, disrupts water absorption in the intestines. Magnesium and sulfate ions create a high osmotic pressure, leading to increased intestinal lumen volume. This causes intestinal peristalsis, resulting in a cathartic effect.

Observation Content

• Advance Percentage of Carmine: Calculated by dividing the distance carmine travels in the bowel by the total intestinal length, then multiplying by 100%. This quantifies the movement of the carmine dye as a measure of intestinal motility.
• Fecal Form and Features: Observations include fecal traits for analysis such as solid/shapeless, sparse/dense

Materials, Methods, and Procedure

• Materials: Mice, carmine solution, syringe, scissors, electronic balance, carmine-magnesium sulfate solutions.
• Experimental Procedure (First Step): Mice are selected, weighed, labeled (with picric acid) and divided into groups. Two mice per group.
• Experimental Procedure (Second Step): One group (A) receives a carmine-saline solution. A second group (B) receives carmine-magnesium sulfate solution. The administration is done orally.
• Intragastric Administration Method: Mice are fed via intragastric gavage. A feeding needle is placed into the stomach via the pharynx and esophagus.
• Observation After Drug Treatment (30 min): Mice are killed by cervical dislocation. Abdomens are opened. Peristalsis and intestinal expansion are observed. The intestines are removed and the distance of carmine movement is measured (from pylorus to the beginning of carmine and to the end).
• Third Step: Data on carmine advancement and fecal characteristics are recorded, and analyzed to understand the cathartic effect of magnesium sulfate.

Data Collection

• Table Cathartic Effect of Magnesium Sulfate: A table is provided for gathering data on the advance percentage of carmine and fecal traits concerning the two groups (carmine solution treatment and carmine-magnesium sulfate treatment).

This quiz explores the cathartic effect of magnesium sulfate, focusing on its mechanism and impact on intestinal motility. Participants will examine the advance percentage of carmine as it moves through the intestine, as well as analyze fecal characteristics. Delve into the experimental materials and procedures used in this study.