Protein Restriction Produces Alterations in Nitrergic Myenteric Neurons in the Proximal Colon in Rats

Abstract

Protein Restriction Produces Alterations in Nitrergic Myenteric Neurons in the Proximal Colon in Rats Catchia Hermes-Uliana, Marcelo Biondaro Góis, LetíciaSarturi Pereira-Severi, Eduardo José de Almeida Araújo, Débora de Mello Gonçales Sant’Ana Abstract Aim: This study aimed to investigate the effects of severe protein restriction on the morphometric and quantitative aspects of neurons in the myenteric plexus of the proximal colon in rats. Methodology: Ten rats were divided into two groups: (i) a normally fed group (NG) that received commercial chow with 26% protein for 90 days and (ii) a protein restriction group (RG) that received chow that contained a reduced amount of protein (4%) for 90 days. Nitrergic neurons were evaluated by nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH-diaphorase) histochemistry. Intestinal segments were dissected. The number of neurons was counted, and the area of cellular bodies was measured. Results: A significant (58.92%) increase in the number of neurons that expressed NADPH-diaphorase and significant decreases in the area of cellular bodies, nuclei, and cytoplasm were found in the RG compared with the NG. Conclusion: In conclusion, protein restriction (from 26% to 4%) increased neuronal population density and nitrergic myenteric neuron atrophy in the proximal colon in rats. Full Text: PDF DOI: 10.15640/ijhs.v3n1a10