Comparative morphometric study of adipose tissue in ovariectomized mice of different ages

Abstract

It is known that estrogen deficiency leads to the dysfunction of many organs and systems, including adipose tissue. Therefore, the study of morphological changes in the components of adipose tissue during estrogen deficiency will expand our understanding of both its dysfunction and possible ways to correct it. The purpose of the study is to conduct a comparative analysis of morphometric parameters of subcutaneous adipose tissue in ovariectomized mice of different ages. Materials and methods. Subcutaneous adipose tissue samples from young (2 months) and old (14 months) mice were studied two months after ovariectomy in comparison with the samples from sham-operated animals of the same age. The number of adipocytes and capillaries per 1 mm2 of the area and the average area of adipocyte were determined on histological slices of adipose tissue. Results and discussion. It was shown that along with a significant decrease in the number of adipocytes per 1 mm2 of the area in young ovariectomized mice, a significant increase in the average area of adipocytes was observed compared with the control group of animals of the same age. In old ovariectomized animals at a slight decrease in the number of adipocytes, there was also a probable increase in their average area compared with the control group of the same age. Conclusion. The morphological properties of subcutaneous adipose tissue change significantly in the conditions of artificially induced estrogen deficiency during ovariectomy in mice.