To observe and compare the histological features of fat induced adrenal cortex in albino rats

ABSTRACT

To observe and compare the histological features of fat induced adrenal cortex in albino rats. Prospective experimental study. Department of anatomy, Basic Medical Sciences Institute, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi from August 2008 to October 2008. Twenty, young, male albino rats were selected for this study and were divided into 2 groups. Group A served as control and received normal diet. Group B received high-fat diet with 20 gms of saturated fat in the form of unsalted dairy butter per 100 gms of diet. Both groups were further divided into two Al and A2, B1 and B2 according to period of study i.e. 4 and 6 weeks respectively. On completion of experimental period, animals were weighed then sacrificed. Adrenal glands were removed, weighed and processed for paraffin sectioning. Haematoxylin and eosin staining was done for histological study. Cortical zones examined for apparent zonal hypertrophy, and cellular and nuclear changes. Increase in body weight and weight of Adrenal glands were highly significant [P<0.001]. Apparent increase in zona fasciculata observed was consistent with increased activity of gland. Cells in this zone appeared vacuolated due to presence of fat. In some areas of zona glomerulosa pyknosis and distortion of cell out line seen. High-fat diet induces increase in body weight and weight of adrenal gland which were due to hypertrophied zona fasciculata mainly, suggesting that these findings lead to increased activity and secretion of glucocorticoids