Stress-induced changes in the aged-rat adrenal cortex. Histological and histomorphometric study

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Histopathology
• Aging Research

Background:

• Stress impacts adrenal cortex morphology and function.
• Aging affects adrenal cortex growth, differentiation, apoptosis, and cellularity.
• The combined effects of stress and aging on the adrenal cortex are not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the structural changes in the adrenal cortex of adult and aged albino rats following stress exposure.
• To elucidate the synergistic effects of stress and aging on adrenal cortex histology.

Main Methods:

• Forty rats (adult and aged) were divided into control and stressed groups.
• Light and electron microscopy were employed for detailed structural analysis.
• Quantitative assessments included collagen fiber area, cell proliferation (Ki67), and adrenal zone thickness.

Main Results:

• Stress induced lamellar separation, hyperplasia, and degenerative foci in adult and aged rat adrenal cortices.
• Aged, stressed rats exhibited more aggressive architectural changes, including homogenous degeneration in the fasciculata.
• Significant increases in collagen fibers (39%) and proliferating cells (23%) were observed in aged, stressed rats.
• Adrenal zone thickness varied, with ZG decreasing and ZF/ZR increasing in adult stressed rats.

Conclusions:

• Histological alterations in the adrenal cortex are exacerbated by the combined effects of stress and aging.
• Increased collagen fiber content and cell proliferation are key indicators of stress and aging impacts on the adrenal cortex.