The structure of the thymus and mesenteric lymph nodes of newborn rats as a result of the prenatal influence of ethanol
The present study was undertaken to examine the structural features of the thymus and cranial mesenteric lymph nodes of newborn rats that have occurred as a result of antenatal alcohol intoxication. We used a set of morphometric, anatomical and histological methods. A study of the cranial mesenteric lymph nodes performed on 45 newborn rats born to 18 female mongrel white rats seven months of age. The studies were conducted in compliance with the order of the Ministry of Health of the USSR N 755 from 12.08.1977 and the order of the Ministry of Higher and Secondary Special Education of the USSR from 13.11.1984, "On the rules of work with experimental animals". Females, on which was received investigated offspring exposed to 15 % ethanol as the sole source of fluid for 1 week, one and three months before pregnancy, during pregnancy and after its completion. It is shown that depending on the duration of pregravid exposure to ethanol occur progredient changes in the structure of the thymus and cranial mesenteric lymph nodes. In the thymus, as well as in the lymph nodes, decreases the number of lymphoid cells and stromal elements content increases. In lymph nodes there are significant changes in the structure of the sinus system. The severity of the identified morphological changes due to the duration of the effects of alcohol on the system "mother-placenta-fetus”.