[Morphometric analysis of lymphoid organs in the ovariectomized rat]

Abstract

Morphometrical analysis of lymphoid organs has been performed 30 days after bilateral ovariectomy in Wistar rats. The percentage of thymus medullary area and lymph node cortical area (containing numerous large germinal centers) have been found increased. No significant changes there were in paracortical areas. The enlarged thymus medullary area, showing small lymphocytes in lymphatic vessels, could be correlated with the hyperfunction of "helper" T-lymphocytes. These findings indicate that morphological signs of increased antibody mediated immunity of the lymphoid organs appear in ovariectomized rats.