Effect of low iron diet on the frontal cortex of young albino rats. A light and electron microscopic study

ABSTRACT

Iron deficiency anemia is the most common nutrient deficiency disease. In early life it is associated with affection of the behavioral and motor development. Was to investigate the effect of low iron diet on the frontal cortex of young rats and to assess the possibility of recovery after using high iron diet. Forty two male albino rats [4 weeks age] were divided into 2 groups, group I considered as control group that was further subdivided into 3 subgroups, group II, was divided into 3 subgroups. Subgroup IIa, comprised animals that received low iron diet [4mg Fe/ kg diet] for 4 weeks. Subgroup IIb, received the low iron diet for 4 weeks then they were allowed high iron diet [70mg Fe/kg diet] for other 4 weeks. Subgroup IIc, received the low iron diet for 4 weeks, and then allowed the high iron diet for 8 weeks. The pyramidal cells of animals that received low iron diet showed nuclear and cytoplasmic changes. There was a highly significant increase in the number of pyramidal cells showing depletion of Nissl granules [chromatolysis]. Some of the synaptic sites showed distorted synaptic vesicles and absent mitochondria. The oligodendrocytes showed shrunken condensed nuclei and appeared to be surrounded by unmyelinated nerve fibers. The mean values of haemoglobin concentration in blood and serum ferritin were decreased. The pyramidal cells and oligodendrocytes of animals that received the high iron diet for 4 weeks after the low iron diet did not show a significant improvement. Intake of high iron diet for 8 weeks after the low iron diet resulted in marked improvement in the microscopical appearance of the frontal cortex of young rats and in the levels of blood haemoglobin and serum ferritin. Low iron diet in young age resulted in marked affection of the frontal cortex. Treatment by high iron diet is advised to be used for a long period to obtain a significant improvement