Effects of the Hypothalamic Pituitary Adrenal Axis Activation on the Absolute and Relative Weight of the Spleen: An Immunocytological and Morphological Study

Abstract

Objective: To observe the effects of the HPA-axis activation on the absolute and relative weight of the spleen and restoration with the Cyanocobalamin. Methods: This experimental study was conducted in the department of Anatomy, Basic Medical Sciences Institute, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi from December 2013 to March 2014, on healthy 45 Sprague-Dawely rats obtained from animal house of the ,IPMC. Karachi, divided in control (A), heat-induced (B), and heat-induction with Cyanocobalamin protection group (C). The B and C groups received heat for 6 hours daily. Group C received Cyanocobalamin intraperitoneally 2 hours prior to heat treatment. Spleens and blood sampls were collected for imniunostaining with primary antibodies Rabbit monoclonal antibody CD79a and Rabbit polyclonal antibody CD3 for identification of B and T-lymphocytes respectively. Spleens were weighed on an electric balance for absolute and relative weight. Blood samples preserved in vacutainers containing EDTA-K2 as an anticoagulant are analyzed for the plasma ACTH level by using Mouse/ rat adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) ELISA antibody test. Results: Heat-stressed group B animals show raise levels of plasma ACTH concentration with decrease B and T cellularity in follicular compartments associated with significantly decreased absolute and relative spleen weight. Whereas group C animals show a substantial repair due to treatment with the Cyanocobalamin by decreasing ACTH concentration with increase in absolute and relative spleen weight. Conclusion: Study shows highly reparative effects of Cyanocobalmin on the weight of the spleen. Cyanocobalamin can be used as a prophylaxis in combinations or as a sole therapy in warmer environments.