Adaptive morphofunctional rearrangements in the adult rats adenohypophysis after long-term exposure of heavy metal salts

Abstract Important environmental problem of some northern regions of Ukraine is the accumulation of heavy metal salts in the soil, water and air, which is observed in various combinations depending on the region and causes adverse effects on population’s health. The central link, in particular the pituitary gland, is involved in triggering a stress response, limiting its further development preventing adverse effects on the body. The study of morphofunctional rearrangements in the pituitary gland of adult male rats under the influence of heavy metal salts complex on the body remains a relevant aspect of modern morphology. The experiment was performed on 12 white mature male rats weighing 200-250g at the age of 7-8 months, which were divided into 2 groups (control and experimental). The experimental group included rats, which after 90 days of use of a heavy metals salts complex (zinc, copper, iron, manganese, lead and chromium) for 30 days used ordinary drinking water. General morphological (histological, morphometric), mmunohistochemical, biochemical and statistical research methods were used. Results showed a decrease in the linear parameters of the adenohypophysis, there was a significant increase in the value of fibrous connective tissue component in the stroma, increased collagenization of large vessels, significant diffuse stromal edema and edematous processes in the gland parenchyma persisted. Measurements revealed an increase in the number of chromophobes and at the same time a decrease in the number of chromophilic basophils compared to control animals, the presence of cysts in the parenchyma was found out. number of morphological features still indicated the development of adaptive and compensatory processes in the adenohypophysis (vascular plethora decreased, significantly improved the rheological properties of blood, an increase in the number of adenocytes with increasing expression of hsp90 in their cytoplasm). However, despite the positive dynamics of adaptive processes, it should be noted that the 30-day period of adaptation is insufficient for complete recovery of the organ.