Ageing-Related Alterations in Rat Stomach and Intestines: A Microscopic Approach

Abstract

Objective: Controversial results related with the ageing-related histological and stereological changes have been reported. We aimed to investigate the effects of ageing on stomach and jejunum of Sprague-Dawley rats at light microscopic level. Methods: In this study, 14 male Sprague-Dawley rats were used. The rats were divided into two groups as young and aged. The ageing was created via pinealectomy. Stomach and jejunum samples of each rat were evaluated by light microscope. Results: There were no statistically significant difference among groups regarding the gastric luminal mucus thickness and the numbers of goblet cell within the crypts (p>0,05). In comparison with the aged group the gastric mucosal thickness, the number PCNA positive cells at the gastric surface epithelium and the epithelium of villi, the depth of crypt were significantly decreased in young group (p<0.05). The mean number TUNEL positive cells at the surface epithelium of stomach and the epithelium of villi, the length of the intestinal villi, the numbers of goblet cell within the epithelium of the villi were significantly increased in the aged group compared to the young group (p<0.05). Conclusion: It was concluded that there are histological changes in the ageing small intestine and stomach.