NADH-diaphorase positive neurons of the jejunum of disnurtured adult rats (Rattus norvegicus): quantitative aspects

• Published in: Arquivos de neuro-psiquiatria 2003-09, Vol.61 (3A), p.650-653
• Main Authors: Zanin, Sônia Trannin de Mello, Molinari, Sonia Lucy, Sant'Ana, Débora de Mello Gonçales, de Miranda Neto, Marcílio Hubner
• Format: Article
• Language: eng ; por ; spa
• Subjects: Animals; Jejunum - enzymology; Jejunum - innervation; Myenteric Plexus - enzymology; NADPH Dehydrogenase - metabolism; Nerve Tissue Proteins - analysis; Neurons - enzymology; Protein-Energy Malnutrition - enzymology; Rats; Rattus norvegicus
• ISSN: 0004-282X
• DOI: 10.1590/S0004-282X2003000400023

We aim at contributing with information on the quantitative aspects of the NADH-diaphorase positive myenteric neurons of the jejunum of adult rats subjected to protein desnutrition. Ten rats aging 90 days were divided into two groups: control (n=5, 278 g) and disnurtured (n=5, 280 g). In the following 120 days, the rats from the control group had chow with 22% protein level, and those from the disnurtured group, with 8% protein level. After this period, the control rats weighted 394.4g and the disnurtured 273.5g. The jejunum was subjected to the histochemical technique of the NADH-diaphorase to stain nerve cells in whole-mounts. The neurons found in 80 microscopic fields of both groups were counted. In the control 674.6 neurons were observed, and 1326.8 neurons were counted in the disnurtured group. The low-protein diet did not alter the organization of the neurons, but led to a smaller body growth in the disnurtured animals, preventing neuronal dispersal and leading to a greater density per mm .