Effect of early weaning on the jejunal villi of male albino rat. Histological, histochemical and scanning electron microscopic study

ABSTRACT

Although early weaning is common in the developing countries, yet its effects on the intestinal cells development are not well established. Thirty two male albino rats were used in the current study to investigate the effects of early weaning on the jejunal villi. Animals were divided into 4 equal groups. A control group [weaned on the day 21 after birth] and three experimental groups, that were weaned on day [10], [14] and [18 days and 9 hours] after birth respectively. Animals of all groups were sacrificed on the day 22 of birth. Early weaning in the present study demonstrated necrotic areas on the surface of the villi, reduction in the villous height, vacuolation and apparent hyperplasia of the surface colummar cells which appeared to be separated from each other at many sites. There were areas of loss of the brush border of the surface columnar cells. The core of the villi showed mononuclear cellular infiltration, congested blood capillaries and edema. There was increase in the mean number of intraepithelial lymphocytes [IELs] and reduction in time mean number of goblet cells/ villas. The intensity of alkaline phosphiatase enzyme reaction was reduced. All the previous changes were markedly observed when animals were weaned at early ages. In group IV, the jejunal villi showed nearly the same appearance as that of the control group. In conclusion, early weaning resulted in harmfull effects on the jejunial villi. The only safe early weaning was observed in group IV animals that were left to suckle for 18 days amid 9 hours which equals 7/8 of the full period of suckling in rat. This coincided with what was mentioned in the holy Quran concerning human beings where the longest mentioned period of suckling was 24 months amid the shortest period was 21 months which equals 7/8 of the longest period