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STRUCTURAL AND FUNCTIONAL ALTERATIONS OF LYMPH NODES IN STRESS-
RELATED IMMUNODEFICIENCY
Azimova Dilora Alijon qizi
Asian International University.
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17446969
Reasurch relevance:
Chronic stress disrupts immune homeostasis through neuroendocrine
pathways and leads to increased susceptibility to infectious, inflammatory, and autoimmune
disorders. Lymph nodes, as the main peripheral immune organs, are directly affected by stress
hormones such as glucocorticoids and catecholamines. Identifying histological alterations in lymph
nodes is essential for predicting immunodepression and designing prophylactic measures.
Objective:
To assess the morphological changes in lymph nodes under experimentally
induced stress-related secondary immunosuppression.
Materials and Methods
Rodent models were exposed to:
Noise and light stress,
Nutritional restriction,
High-dose corticosteroids,
Sleep disturbance.
The duration of exposure varied between 7 and 28 days.
Lymph nodes were examined using:
Hematoxylin–eosin staining,
Sudan III and Van Gieson methods,
PAS reaction,
Phase-contrast and electron microscopy,
Immunohistochemical markers (CD8+, caspase-3, Ki-67).
Results
The following pathological alterations were identified:
Regression or disappearance of cortical follicles
Reduced germinal center proliferation
Atrophy of T-cell zones in the paracortex
Delay in plasma cell differentiation
Early stromal sclerosis in the reticular framework
Decreased numbers of macrophages in lymphatic sinuses
Venous and capillary stasis
Partial replacement of lymphoid follicles by adipose tissue.
These changes confirm the suppressive effect of stress mediators on lymphopoiesis, immune
surveillance, and lymphatic microcirculation. The findings indicate a direct role of apoptosis, stromal
collapse, and inhibited proliferation in the pathogenesis of secondary immunodeficiency.
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References
1.
Khaitov R., Pinegin B. (2020). Pathogenesis of Stress-Induced Immunodeficiency.
Immunology Journal.
2.
Karimova D. (2022). Lymph Node Histology and Stress Impact. Uzbek Medical Journal.
3.
Sapolsky R. (2018). Neuroendocrine Stress Mechanisms. J Neuroimmunol.
