Effect of starvation and water depletion on the structure and function of the immunological system of albino rats

ABSTRACT

48 albino rats, 200-250 gm. body weight comprised the material for the present work. They were classified into 2 groups. The1st group was deprived from food while the 2nd groub was deprived from water as well. A third group of 6 animals used as control. The animals within the 1 st and 2nd groups were subdivided into 4 subgroups and used to study the effect od atarvation and stravation aasociated with dehydration for 3, 6, 9 and 12 days respectively on the structure and the function of the immunological system. It was found that atrophic changes inorm of lymphocytic epletion with absence of germinal centres occur in spleen, lymph nodes and tonsils after the first week. The atrophic changes were more marked in the group of starvation with dehydration. Also, efinite thymic involution was demonstrated from the start of the experiment in both groups. On the other hand relative increase in the gamma globulin occurred. At the same time decreased ymphocytic transformation reflecting an impairment of cell mediated immunity was demonstrated in the present study. The impact of these findings on existing public health and vaccination rograms are of importance and must be taken in consideration