Structural changes in mature rat thymus under the systematic exposure to +Gx acceleration and Glutarginum

Abstract

Objective: Experimental work was designed primary to study morphological and functional changes in the mature rat\'s thymus under systematic exposure to +Gx acceleration. Secondary task is to determine a possible corrective potential of Glutarginum (L-arginine and L-glutamic acid). Methods: Mature male Wistar rats were exposed to systematic +Gx acceleration (9G, 10 min daily, 10 times). Morphology of the thymus was investigated by light and transmission electron microscopy. Results: Analysis of changes in the thymus of the mature rats under systematic exposure to +Gx acceleration showed marked structural transformation, which is characterized by a process of accidental involution and microcirculatory disturbances caused by the systematic action of gravitational forces. Such changes were potentiated by the age-related involution. Proliferation and expanding of the connective tissue structures, replacement of the parenchyma by the adipose tissue, degeneration of the epithelial component are characteristics of mature rat\'s thymus. At the same time, histoarchitecture of the thymus was characterized by typical stress-induced changes. Concomitant usage of Glutarginum promotes less pronounced circulatory injuries and involutive changes than in the experiments without Glutarginum treatment. Conclusion: Systematic action of +Gx acceleration causes significant alteration of normal structural organisation of the thymus of the matured rats. Using L-arginine + L-glutamate increases the adaptive capacity of the thymus.