Age Related Changes in the Fundic Mucosa of Stomach of Male Albino Rats (Histological and Immunohistochemical Study)

Introduction: Although the incidence of gastric cancer increases with advancing age, the precise role of aging remains a matter of controversy. Aim of the Work: This study aimed to evaluate the histological and immunohistochemical changes in the rat fundic mucosa of stomach during aging. Materials and Methods: Fifteen male albino rats were classified into group A (4 months old), group B (18 months old) and group C (24 months old). Their stomach were dissected out and processed for light and electron microscope examination. Paraffin sections were stained with H E, Masson s trichrome, PAS stain and immunohistochemically for detection of BCL-2 (antiapoptotic marker). Area% of collagen fibers and positive BCL-2 immunoreaction were estimated morphometrically and statistically analysed. Results: Examination of fundic mucosa of group B revealed irregular atrophic fundic glands widely separated by abundant collagen fibers and congested blood vessels. Parietal cells contained narrow intracellular canaliculi, few microvilli and many tubulovesicles while degenerative changes were seen in chief cells and enteroendocrine cells. In group C, the fundic glands showed marked disorganization, atrophy, distorsion, ulceration and excessive fibrosis. Little mucous was observed in the mucous neck cells. The area % of collagen fibers was significantly increased in group B as compared to group A and in group C as compared to group B. Regarding apoptosis, the area % of positive BCL-2. Immunoreaction was significantly increased in group B as compared to group A and in group C as compared to group B. These results indicated progressive attenuation of apoptosis with advancing age. Ultrastructurally, degenerative changes appeared in chief cells, parietal cells and enteroendocrine cells. Conclusion: The present study revealed that aging is associated with dramatic progressive changes in the histological structure of the rat Fundic mucosa. These alternations may predispose the stomach to the malignant transformation. So, early diagnosis and treatment of Heliconbacter pylori infection in old patients are recommended. Also, further studies are needed to detect the antioxidants that protect the stomach of the elderly from oxidative stress.