SUBMICROSCOPIC CHANGES OF THYMUS UNDER CELLULAR DEHYDRATION

Abstract

Lack of water is one of the most stressful conditions for the body that can lead to changes in all the organs. The importance of the functional state of lymphoid organs for the homeostasis of the whole organism determines the relevance of their thorough investigation under their exposure to various factors, including dehydration. The purpose of the study is to investigate the patterns of submicroscopic changes in the thymus parenchyma of rats under cellular dehydration. Materials and methods. The study was conducted on 45 white mature male rats. The method of electron was applied. Results: After 10 days of the experiment, a mild level of cellular dehydration was observed, during which some cells exhibited signs of apoptosis at various stages. There were detected numerous cells in mitosis, particularly in the cortical substance of thymus lobules and the subcapsular zone. Upon reaching the 20-day mark in the experiment, an intermediate level of cellular dehydration was identified. This stage was characterized by deformations in the nuclei of both small and medium-sized thymocytes, leading to irregularities in their nuclear membrane outlines. After 30 days, under conditions of severe cellular dehydration, a reduction in the number of poorly differentiated lymphoid cells, which serve as precursors to T-lymphocytes, was observed. Thymocytes displayed unclearly defined nuclear contours and increased osmiophilicity, all vessels within the parenchyma of the gland were dilated and filled with blood, some exhibiting damage to the vessel walls, resulting in microhemorrhages, signs of stasis, and sludge syndrome within the lumen. Conclusion: The experiment has demonstrated that after 10-30 days of cellular dehydration, pronounced accidental transformation of thymus occurs, with changes intensifying over time. These findings hold relevance for morphologists and immunologists, as they may be extrapolated to other lymphoid organs under dehydration conditions. Moreover, these results lay the foundation for developing methods to prevent and treat dehydration-related conditions.