[Morphological changes in the internal organs and endocrine glands of rats subjected to deficient nutrition and...

Pathological studies on the internal organs, endocrine glands inclusive, are carried out in white rats under conditions of deficient alimentation and fasting. The results of the study show that complete starvation with preceding full value or restricted (2 hours daily) feeding brings about a variety of morphological reactions in the internal organs and endocrine glands. The liver proves to be the most sensitive to reduced food supply it shows a marked response with fatty dystrophy and subsequent atrophy. Next ranks the kidney. Myocardium, spleen, thyroid gland, adrenals and testes fall in the third group--with a weaker and rather delayed response. Small intestine, lung and hypophysis do not show changes worth noting. The investigations performed are related to the effect exerted by starvation and deficient nutrition, assumed as a stress factor for the organism.