Morphological and histological study of large intestine in adult local rabbits subjected to starvation

Abstract

Starvation is a very serious form of malnutrition characterized by a deficiency in nutrients, vitamins and caloric intake. The present study attempts to detect the effect of starvation on the morphology and histology of large intestine in adult females rabbits. the present study included 25 rabbits,their weight ranged between(1500-1800 gm), divided into one control group and four starved groups (S3, S6, S9 and S12) each contained 5 rabbits.The morphological results of cecum weight in all the starved groups was observed to show significant decrease (P≤0.05) as compared with the control group. The proximal colon weight in the S3, S6 and S12 groups decreased significantly (P≤0.05) as compared with the control group. The weight of the distal colon was found to show significant decrease (P≤0.05) in all the starved groups as compared with the control group. The vermiform appendix weight in the S3, S9 and S12 group was observed to show significant decrease (P≤0.05) as compared with the control group. The weight of the rectum in the S6 and S9 groups was observed to show a significant decrease (P≤0.05) as compared with the control group. The macroscopic observation revealed changes due to starvation stress mostly in the proximal colon.