Morphometric characteristics of rat adrenal and kidney at pre-slaughter stress under using of biologically active substrates

Abstract

We have carried out studies of morphometric parameters of rat adrenal glands and kidney under stress conditions using biologically active substances of plant and animal origin: spleen, Echinacea and Chinese lemon extracts, sprouted grains. Animals which were not fed with immunomodulators and anti-stress compounds developed histological features of acute adrenal lesions characterized by thickening of gland capsule, reduction of glomerular zone, disorganized cellular structure, nuclear dystrophy, hyperchromy and pyknosis, resulting in increased their functional activity. Pathological changes in renal proximal tubules have been observed. It resulted in vacuolization of tubular epithelial cells and presence of desquamated epithelium in a tubular duct. Addition of spleen extract to food for five days before decapitation improved morphological state of adrenal gland and kidney suggesting anti-stress properties of polyamines present in spleen extract. These results obtained in model experiments on rats can be used in study of agricultural animals to prevent the effect of pre-slaughter animal stress on the quality of meat product.

Keywords

• adrenal gland
• kidney
• pre-slaughter stress
• spleen extract
• echinacea and chinese lemon extracts
• sprouted grains