Histopathological and Stereological Studies for Evaluation of Aeromonas Hydrophila-induced Pulmonary Structural Changes with Emphasis on the Possible Protective Effect of Inositol Hexaphosphate

The present study was carried out to investigate the effect of Aeromonas Hydrophila endotoxins on the lung structure and the possible protective effect of inositol hexaphosphate (phytic acid) as a safe natural product using stereological analysis as well as histopathological and ultrastructural studies. 24 albino rats were used. The rats were divided into 3 groups: first control group injected intraperitoneally with normal saline at doses and intervals parallel to the treated groups. The second group was injected intraperitoneally with the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of A. hydrophila once a week for four weeks at dose 20mg/kg b.w. The third group was injected with LPS suspension as second group followed by synergistically oral intubation with IP6 three times/week for four successive weeks at a total dose of 40 mg/kg rat. At the end of experimental period (4 weeks), the rats were sacrificed and the lungs were prepared for stereological analysis using special stereological procedures in fixation, sampling and tissue processing. Also, some lung specimens were prepared for usual light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The results revealed that A. hydrophila caused diffuse alveolar damage characterized by interstitial and intra-alveolar oedema and severe damage of the air-blood barrier. Also, the results revealed the ameliorative effect of Inositol hexaphosphate (phytic acid) against the damaging effect of Aeromonas endotoxin. It was concluded that A. hydrophila represents an important risk factor for the development of acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and It is recommended to use of phytic acid in immunocopromised persons as a safe and effective natural product. Also, lung researchers are advised to apply stereology for better understanding lung structure and function.