METHIONINE SUPPLEMENTATION INDUCES THYMUS VEGF-A EXPRESSION AND HEMATOLOGICAL CHANGES IN RATS
Abstract
Objective: The present study evaluates the effects of methionine supplementation on the thymus histology and the peripheral blood in albino Wistar rats.
Methods: The animals were divided into two groups. The experimental group (Met)(500mg/Kg /day, orally) and the control (C). Blood was collected for C reactive protein (CRP), total protein, Malondialdehyde (MDA) and blood smear tests, then thymuses were harvested for Histology and immune histochemistry.
Results: Methionine intake caused an increase in CRP (P<0, 01), total protein (P<0,001) and MDA levels (P<0, 01) in addition to several hematological changes expressed by crenation of red blood cell membranes and irregular leucocyte nuclei. Histological investigation of experimental thymus gave dramatic involution of lobules and presented of apoptotic zones especially in the medulla. Immuno histochemical expression of VEGF- A were positive in septa and blood vessels at the corticomedullary junction.
Conclusion: Methionine supplementation produces hematological changes, a thymic involution, and seemed to promote the angiogenesis process in the thymus of adult rats.
Keywords: Methionine, Thymus, Blood cells, VEGF-A, Histopathology, Involution, Angiogenesis.
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