Light and electron microscope study of the cardiac muscle of iron-deficient male albino rats

ABSTRACT

Twelve male albino rats [six weeks old] weighing 150-200 gm were used in this study to investigate the cardiac muscle alterations after inducing iron deficiency. The animals were divided into two equal control and experimental groups. The animals of the latter group received a diet deficient in iron, whereas, control rats were given the same diet with added ferrous sulfate. After five weeks, all the animals were anesthetized with ether and their hearts were carefully dissected and processed for light and electron microscope examination. Light microscope observations for cardiac muscle of control group showed long parallel muscle fibers with transverse striations and intercalated discs between muscle fibers. Electron microscope examination for the same group revealed cardiac muscle fibers with inter myofibrillar rows of sarcosomes. The nuclei of muscle fibers were large and oval and the myofibrils showed alternative dark and light b and s. The light b and s were traversed by dark Z-lines. Light microscope examination for cardiac muscle of iron-deficient rats showed distortion of some muscle fibers and areas of cellular infiltrations with congested blood vessels. Also, mast cells were demonstrated in the endomysium near blood vessels. Electron microscope examination for cardiac muscle of iron- deficient rats showed distorted nuclei of some muscle fibers, hypertrophy of Z-lines, narrowing of sarcomers and mitochondrial disfigurement. It was concluded that cardiac muscle of iron-deficient rats showed histological alterations, especially in the mitochondria, Z-lines and normal sarcomeric pattern of the myofibrils. So, regular check up of the hemoglobin level in the susceptible individuals for iron deficiency is recommended to avoid these changes