Age-related Histological Changes in the Renal Telocytes in Male Albino Rats

Abstract

Background:Many researches on telocytes (TCs) have proved its exis­tence, structure and specific immune markers expression in many normal organs and in different species. Multiple physiologic functions have been suggested for these cells. Objectives: This study is designed to evaluate age-related changes ofTCs in different age groups in the renal tissue. Materials and Methods: 18 male Sprague- Dawley rats were used in this study and divided equally into 3 groups (each consists of 6 rats); Group I (rats aged 3 weeks), Group II (rats aged 3 months, adult) and Group III (rats aged one year). All rats of group I, II and III were sacrificed and each group was divided into two subgroups. The first subgroup was processed for light microscopic and immunohistochemical staining. The second subgroup was processed for electron microscopy. Morphometric and statistical studies were conducted. Results: TCs with their characteristic long and thin cytoplasmic projections (telopodes, Tps) are detected in each of H&E stained and CD34 immunostained sections. In group III, there is a significant reduction of the TCs count. TEM examination of the ultrathin sections revealed shrinkage of TCs with disintegration and fragmentation of the Tps with a significant reduction of the number of Tps arising from each TC in group III. In all groups of the study, homocellular and heterocellular junctions are observed. Conclusion: On comparison of the age groups in the study, it is proved that TCs decrease in number with degenerative changes observed with aging.

Keywords

• telocytes; telopodes; renal interstitium; cd34