Aim: This study aimed to investigate the effects of severe protein restriction on the morphometric and quantitative aspects of neurons in the myenteric plexus of the proximal colon in rats. Methodology: Ten rats were divided into two groups: (i) a normally fed group (NG) that received commercial chow with 26% protein for 90 days and (ii) a protein restriction group (RG) that received chow that contained a reduced amount of protein (4%) for 90 days. Nitrergic neurons were evaluated by nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH-diaphorase) histochemistry. Intestinal segments were dissected. The number of neurons was counted, and the area of cellular bodies was measured. Results: A significant (58.92%) increase in the number of neurons that expressed NADPH-diaphorase and significant decreases in the area of cellular bodies, nuclei, and cytoplasm were found in the RG compared with the NG. Conclusion: In conclusion, protein restriction (from 26% to 4%) increased neuronal population density and nitrergic myenteric neuron atrophy in the proximal colon in rats.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.