| The effects of severe protein malnutrition on the morphometry of the intestinal wall in the jejunum of adult rats were evaluated in this study. Six 90-day-old Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) were assigned into two groups: CG (Control Group, n = 3) and MG (Malnourished Group, n = 3). CG animals were fed a 26%-protein chow whereas controls were fed a 4%-protein chow. After 90 days, part of the jejunum was collected and subjected to routine histology. HE-staining and histochemical techniques - Periodic Acid Schiff (PAS) and Alcian Blue (AB), pH 2.5/pH 1.0 - were used for the detection of glycoconjugates in 4µm -thick transverse cuts. Morphometric analysis of the HE-stained cuts revealed a decrease of the total thickness of the jejunal wall, mostly on the... |
