Evaluation of Morphological and Histological Changes of Aggregated Lymph Nodes in the Small Intestine after Imofan Treatment in Immunosuppressed Rats

Abstract

Diffuse nodular lymphoid hyperplasia is a rare gastrointestinal disease that can be diagnosed by multiple nodules in the small intestine, large intestine, or both. Immunodeficiency and infections are the common situations that lead to the diffusion of nodular lymphoid hyperplasia. For instance, Giardia lamblia and Helicobacter pylori are the major pathogens leading to this disorder. Diffuse nodular lymphoid hyperplasia leads to allergic reactions, immunodeficiency, and autoimmune diseases. Imunofan-RDKVYR Peptide-is a potential agent in regenerative medicine. The present study aimed to investigate morphological features of the aggregated lymphoid nodules of the small intestine after the Imunofan (IM) administration following Cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression. In total, 72 Wistar male rats were randomly divided into two groups (n=36). Group I was considered the control group, and group II was subjected to intramuscular injections (needle 21 G) of0.2 ml of normal saline following the Cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression on the 2^nd, 4^th, 6^th, 8^th, and 10^th days of the experiment. The animals in group II were injected with Cyclophosphamide at a dose of 200 mg/kg bodyweight to induce immunosuppression. The animals in the experimental group (n=36) were subjected to intramuscular injections (needle 21 G) of the 0.2 ml IM at a dose of 0.7μg/kg body weight on the 2^nd, 4^th, 6^th, 8^th, 10^th days of the experiment. The results of the study indicated that on the 7^th day in group II, the length and width of the aggregated lymphoid nodules increased, as well as the height and width of the lymphoid nodules and internodular zones as structural components of the lymphoid formations in the small intestine. In group I, by the 30^th day of the experiment, the linear dimensions of the aggregated lymphoid nodules exceeded, but to a lesser extent than on the 7^th day of the experiment which explains the ability of IM to neutralize the effects of Cyclophosphamide. It should also be noted that the IM was performed to regenerate damaged cells which helped maintain the population of lymphocytes in the limb and led to an increase in linear dimensions (length and width) not only between the joint but also in the lymph nodes.

Keywords: Aggregated lymphoid nodules; Cyclophosphamide; Imunofan, Rats; Small intestine.