Investigation of the protective effect of vitamin E on mice adrenal gland in chronic immobilization stress

Aim: To investigate protective effect of vitamin E on mice adrenal gland in chronic immobilization stress and to examine post-stress behavioral changes. Materials and Methods: 28 male 10-weeks-old BALB/C mice weighing 30 grams were divided into 4 groups. For 7 days, 0.1ml saline was administered to control group and stress group. For immobilization, mice were placed in a cage so as to remain stationary in narrow area for 6 hours/7 days. For vitamin E and Vitamin E+stress groups, 30 mg/kg/day vitamin E was administered orogastrically 1 hour before immobilization. At end of seventh day all animals were subjected to open-field, elevated-plus labyrinth and forced-swimming tests. Left adrenal glands were dissected and fixed in Bouin solution. 5µm paraffin sections were stained with hematoxylin-eosin and Azan. Slides were evaluated and photomicrographed. Results: In hematoxylin-eosin sections of stress group, cortical atrophy, medullary hypertrophy, cortical open areas with- and dark areas lack of lipid droplets were evident. Zona glomerulosa had cells with hypertrophic and condensed nuclei and reduced size compared to control group. Cortical and medullary dilated capillaries, thinned vascular walls and hemorrhage were observed. In Azan sections; thinned capsule, lowered interstitial fibrosis in cortex and medulla, and intense corticomedullary fibrosis were detected. When compared to stress group, groups administered vitamin E showed histopathologic appearances were mostly resolved but dilatation and interstitial fibrosis were partially continued in cortical sinusoids. Conclusion: Immobilization stress caused some morphometric and histopathologic changes in mouse adrenal gland and these adverse effects could be largely prevented by vitamin E administration. Key words: Mouse, adrenal gland, psychopharmacological tests, stress, light microscopy.