Морфологія / Morphologia / Morfologìâ

Structural changes in the kidneys of experimental rats under conditions of administration of Vipera berus berus venom

K.M. Ahafonov — 2026-03-27

Background. Violation of the hemostasis system, the development of massive bleeding, myonecrosis, dermonecrosis, kidney dysfunction and other manifestations become the causes of disability or lethal consequences of viper bites. The kidneys are organs whose cells require a significant number of mitochondria to eliminate metabolic products from the blood and regulate fluid and electrolyte balance. Direct nephrotoxic or indirect hemolytic and rhabdomyolytic effects of viper venom components, activation of the OS phenomenon, which unfolds in several phases, cause irreversible kidney damage. Objective. Study of structural changes in the kidneys of experimental rats under conditions of administration of Vipera berus berus venom. Methods. Experimental studies were conducted on 20 male rats, which were intraperitoneally injected with a semi-lethal dose (LD₅₀) (1.576 mg· g^-1) of Vipera berus berus venom in saline. Kidney samples from animals of all groups were taken for microscopic examination. Histological preparations of the heart were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, and azan trichrome. Results and conclusion. Intoxication with the venom of the viper Vipera berus berus causes the developm ent of acute necrotic nephrosis, which is characterised by a combination of deep parenchymal dystrophy, destruction of the glomerular apparatus and massive hemorrhagic syndrome. The destruction of the histohematological barrier of the kidneys is noted. The venom causes enzymatic lysis of the basement membranes of the glomerular capillaries and Bowman's capsule, and hydropic and granular dystrophy of the epithelium is observed. The vasotoxic effect of the venom manifests as multiple extravasations.

Relevance of Diabetes Mellitus, Epidemiological Situation, and Clinical-Morphological Features in Uzbekistan

B.T. Allaberdiev — 2026-03-27

Background. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most prevalent chronic endocrine disorders worldwide and is characterized by persistent hyperglycemia and the development of microvascular and macrovascular complications. Despite the increasing global burden of the disease, data on the clinical and morphological characteristics of diabetes in Central Asian countries, including the Republic of Uzbekistan, remain limited. Objective. To analyze the clinical and morphological features of diabetes mellitus in patients from the Republic of Uzbekistan and to assess the relationship between histopathological changes and clinical manifestations of the disease. Methods. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted involving 230 patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus observed between 2022 and 2024. Clinical, biochemical, and instrumental parameters were evaluated, including glycemic con-trol, HbA1c levels, renal function, and ophthalmological status. Morphological analysis was performed on tissue samples of the pancreas, kidneys, and retina obtained from autopsy material and ante-mortem renal biopsies. Standard his-tological staining techniques and morphometric analysis were applied. Statistical analysis included comparative and correlation methods. Results. Poor glycemic control (HbA1c > 7%) was observed in 92.2% of patients. Morphological examination revealed degeneration of pancreatic β-cells with fibrotic replacement, pronounced glomerulosclerosis, and characteristic features of diabetic retinopathy, including retinal neovascularization. The severity of morphological changes showed a significant correlation with disease duration and HbA1c levels (p < 0.01). A substantial proportion of patients demonstrated combined involvement of multiple target organs. Conclusion. Diabetes mellitus in the Republic of Uzbekistan is associated with marked clinical and morphological alterations closely related to inadequate glycemic control and longer disease duration. These findings highlight the importance of early diagnosis and optimization of therapeutic strategies to prevent the prog-ression of diabetic complications.

Ultrastructure of the liver and pancreas of rats in the first week of life after prenatal exposure to lead acetate

M.A. Dovhal — 2026-03-27

Background. The importance of research into the toxic effects of heavy metals is driven by the continuous rise in anthropogenic environmental contamination. The liver and pancreas during prenatal ontogenesis are distinguished by high sensitivity to the effects of lead. This has consequences after birth, which is associated with the intensity of the course of synthetic and enzymatic processes in the organs. The aim of the study is to identify ultrastructural abnormalities in the liver and pancreas of rats in early postnatal development under the influence of lead acetate during the prenatal period in a model that included the effect of the toxicant before the onset of pregnancy. Methods. The studies were conducted on female Wistar rats weighing 200-220 g. Females of the experimental group received a 2.5% aqueous solution of lead acetate intragastrically at a rate of 50 mg/kg of body weight once a day for two weeks before the onset of pregnancy and during the whole pregnancy. Intact animals were taken as a control group. The samples of the liver and pancreas of rats on the 1st and 7th day of postnatal development were examined by the transmission electron microscopy. Results and summary. The results show that prenatal exposure to lead causes profound ultrastructural changes in the liver and pancreas of newborn rats. Hepatocytes, sinusoidal architecture, and biliary structures were affected in the liver. The spatial organization of smooth and rough endoplasmic reticulum was found to be a critical target of lead toxicity. Damage to the mitochondrial apparatus was observed in the form of edema and cristae loosening. Perivascular edema, signs of inflammation, and progressive fibrosis of the peripheral parts of the organ were observed in the liver stroma. During the first week of life after prenatal lead exposure, the organization of the rough endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondrial apparatus in the pancreas is disrupted. Stromal changes in the gland, present in the early postnatal period, indicated the involvement of the immune system with the development of chronic inflammation. Thus, prenatal lead acetate exposure leads to significant submicroscopic changes in the liver of newborn rats, characterized by intracellular and sinusoidal remodeling, and also creates conditions for the chronicization of inflammatory processes. Ultrastructural changes in the pancreas in the first week of life of rats include disorders of the synthetic and energy-supplying compartments of acinar cells and the architecture of the exocrine part of the gland, the development of chronic inflammation as the basis for persistent postnatal disruption of digestive enzyme secretion.

Participation of cardiac thelocytes in the formation and protection of myocardial blood microscope in the process of early postnatal development of Wistar rats

G.E. Zagoruiko — 2026-03-27

Relevance. In recent years, active studies of the participation of telocytes in prenatal and postnatal angiogenesis of mammals have been observed. Despite certain successes in studying the ultrastructure and function of cardiac telocytes, the processes of formation of interactions "telocyte ↔ endothelial cell", "telocyte ↔ smooth muscle cell", which contribute to the postnatal development of the capillary network, arterioles, venules of the myocardium of the left ventricle of Wistar rats, remain poorly studied. Purpose. To investigate the interactions of telocytes and their processes with capillary endothelial cells and myocardial arteriolar smooth muscle cells during the early postnatal development of Wistar rats. Methods. Using electron microscopy, a series of ultrathin sections of the left ventricular myocardium of Wistar rats at the age of 5, 10, 15 and 45 days of postnatal development were studied. Results and summary. It was established that during the first 15 days of postnatal development of rats, an increase in the number and size of telocytes and their processes occurs in the stromal-vascular component of the myocardium. Telocytes with processes are found near the blood capillaries. After some time, the processes of telocytes surround the blood capillaries and form contacts with endothelial cells "telocyte ↔ endotheliocyte". In the time interval (5-15) days, the number of protrusions and the number of microvilli on the lumenal surface of the capillary endothelium significantly increases. This leads to a significant increase in the area of the lumenal surface of endothelial cells. Within 15 days after the birth of rats, a kind of protective shell of several layers of telocyte processes is formed around some arterioles in the myocardium of the left ventricle. But in the time interval (15-45) days, the reverse process is observed in the stromal-vascular component of the myocardium: the number of telocytes and their processes decreases; the area of the ablumenal surface cytolemma of the capillary endothelium increases due to the directed migration and fusion with the plasmalemma of numerous cytoplasmic microvesicles; the protective shell of cardiac telocyte processes around the arterioles “disappears”. The obtained data convincingly indicate that cardiac telocytes and their numerous processes participate in the development of intercellular communication and contribute to the integrity of the ultrastructure of blood microvessels. Thus, the shell of telopods protects the network of the myocardial microcirculatory bed from possible damage and for some time prevents the increase in the diameter of microvessels.

Morphological characteristics of the lungs and assessment of specific blood immune parameters in guinea pigs during the course of experimental pneumonia

O.L. Ivankiv — 2026-03-27

Pneumonia is an acute inflammatory lung disease. Despite extensive experimental and clinical research, it remains a significant medical challenge. Aim. To investigate the features of morphological changes in the lungs, as well as the levels of T- and B-lymphocytes and circulating immune complexes in the blood serum of guinea pigs during the development of experimental pneumonia (EP) on days 7, 14, and 21 of the experiment. Methods. An experimental pneumonia model was established in 39 guinea pigs weighing 180–230 g. The animals were anesthetized via chloroform inhalation in a desiccator, followed by combined intranasal and inhalation administration of Staphylococcus aureus within a specifically designed chamber. Morphological examination was performed to verify pulmonary inflammation, and blood T- and B-lymphocyte counts were determined across four experimental groups. Results and conclusion. The research findings demonstrated that during the progression of experimental pneumonia (days 7, 14, and 21), there was a statistically significant decrease in cellular immunity parameters, starting from the 7th day of the study. Changes in the humoral immune status, specifically blood B-lymphocyte levels, were also observed in the experimental animals. he progression of EP is characterized by a significant elevation of circulating immune complexes levels in the blood serum of guinea pigs on the specified experimental days; this, coupled with increased B-lymphocyte counts, suggests activation of the humoral immune response. At the observed time points (days 7, 14, and 21), experimental pneumonia is associated with a gradual decline in T-lymphocytes, indicating potential suppression of cellular immunity alongside a statistically significant increase in B-lymphocytes.

Features of MMR markers expression (MSH2, MSH6, MLH1, PMS2) in endometrioid adenocarcinoms of the endometria

P.V. Savchenko — 2026-03-27

Topicality. Endometrial adenocarcinoma is one of the most common malignant neoplasms of the female reproductive system, for which modern approaches to diagnosis are based on a combination of morphological and molecular genetic characteristics of the tumor. Of particular importance is the determination of the deficiency of the mismatch repair system (MMR) and microsatellite instability, which is associated with Lynch syndrome, the prognosis of the disease and the possibility of using targeted and immunotherapy. The purpose. To determine the features of the expression of MMR markers (MSH2, MSH6, MLH1, PMS2) in endometrioid endometrial adenocarcinomas depending on the degree of morphological atypism and to assess their value as additional prognostic and diagnostic criteria. Methods. A retrospective analysis of postoperative material from 60 cases of endometrioid adenocarcinoma of the endometrium obtained in the morphological department of the diagnostic center of Dnipro for the period 2021–2024 was conducted. Immunohistochemical study was performed on formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded material using the Lab Vision Quanto and DAB Quanto Chromogen imaging systems according to the WHO classification (2020). The studied cases were divided into three groups depending on the degree of tumor differentiation: grade 1, grade 2 and grade 3. Results. The average age of the patients was 54.30±10.68 years in the grade 1 group, 58.80±9.04 years in grade 2 and 58.67±10.46 years in grade 3. It was found that MSH2 expression was observed in 93.3% of grade 1 cases, 90% in grade 2 and 50% in grade 3, while MSH6 expression was 93.3%, 86.7% and 46.7%, respectively. At the same time, the absence of MLH1 and PMS2 expression in grade 1 was 96.3%, decreasing to 63.3% in grade 2 and 23.3% in grade 3, which indicates an increase in the expression of these markers with increasing malignancy. Statistically significant differences in the expression of MMR markers between groups of different degrees of differentiation were found (p<0.001). Also, concordance of marker expression in pairs MSH2/MSH6 and MLH1/PMS2 was established. Conclusion. The need to use a panel of MSI markers: MSH2, MSH6, MLH1 and PMS2 in endometrioid endometrial adenocarcinomas as prognostic and diagnostic markers is argued.

Duchene’s muscular dystrophy: a clinical case

Ye.V. Tytov — 2026-03-27

Background. Muscular dystrophy is a heterogeneous group of genetic disorders characterized by progressive loss of skeletal muscles. Duchene's muscular dystrophy (MDD) is one of the most common and pronounced forms of muscular dystrophy associated with the X chromosome on a recessive feature and belongs to the class “Dystrofinopathy”. Dystrophinopathy develops in the hereditary absence of a membrane protein of dystrophin, which is responsible for the integrity of the muscle cell cytoskeleton. MDD develops quite slowly and is asymptomatic at an early stage. In the subsequent course of the disease there are severe lesions of skeletal and respiratory muscles, heart, delayed psycho -language development and organic lesions of the nervous system. Multiple insufficiency in such patients causes high rates of early mortality. Aim. The purpose of the work is to describe a clinical case of a rare Duchene muscle dystrophy disease with a patient who was treated with a regional clinical hospital with a more detailed study of pathomorphological changes in this pathology. Methods. The material for the study was a clinical case of Duchene's muscular dystrophy in a patient who died in the Emergency Medical Assistance Department of the KNP Choir "Regional Clinical Hospital" in Kharkiv with a clinical diagnosis: Duchene's muscular dystrophy. The patient's medical history and the autopsy protocol were studied. Histological examination was performed using the following painting methods: hematoxylin-eosin, van Gizon, Congo red, Perls reaction. Results. Autopsy revealed the following pathomorphological changes: lesions of skeletal muscles - scoliosis, pseudogipertrophy of the calf muscles; respiratory damage and cardiomyopathy pathology, which have led to the development of decompensated right ventricular heart failure in the patient. Conclusion. MDD is a rare progressive disease that is inherited with dystrophin protein deficiency. Pathology occurs in early childhood and leads to muscle tissue. Most patients die from pulmonary - heart failure. In this case, the pathomorphological changes that occur in this disease are described.

Changes in morphometric parameters of rat splenic lymphocytes under experimental streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus and its correction

O.B. Khanenko — 2026-03-27

Diabetes is a complex disease that affects various organs of the body, including the immune system. The aim of the study was to determine the features of morphometric changes in splenic lymphocytes in experimental streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus and under conditions of correction with insulin and dapagliflozin. Methods. In a study of 35 rats with modeled streptozotocin-induced diabetes, morphometric and cluster analyses of splenic cells were performed following correction with insulin and dapagliflozin. Using the K-means method, three statistically significant cell populations were identified, differentiated by dimensional parameters and the nucleocytoplasmic ratio. Results. This study examined the morphometric changes of splenic lymphocytes under experimental diabetes mellitus induced by streptozotocin, as well as its correction using insulin and dapagliflozin. Male rats were divided into groups: control, diabetes, monotherapy with insulin, and combination therapy with insulin and dapagliflozin. Spleen samples were collected on the 42nd and 56th days of the experiment. Histological sections were analyzed using morphometric methods. Cluster analysis was performed based on cell and nuclear profile area, roundness, and the major and minor diameters. Three clusters representing different morphological profiles were identified. In the control group, small cells (Cluster 0) predominated, while in rats with diabetes, the proportion of medium and large lymphocytes (Clusters 1 and 2) increased. With insulin monotherapy, the content of small cells partially recovered, and this effect was more pronounced with combination therapy using dapagliflozin. On day 56, Cluster 0 cells still predominated in the control group, while the diabetes group showed marked progression of pathological changes. Conclusion. The combination of dapagliflozin and insulin effectively reduces morphological changes in splenic cells.

Anatomical-morphological, histological and immunohistochemical features of the cardiovascular system of the intact white rats

M.M. Shevchuk — 2026-03-27

Background. The rat heart is one of the standard objects in experimental studies that model human cardiovascular pathologies. The high degree of homology of the mammalian heart structure allows the use of the results of morphological studies for comparative anatomy and pathophysiology. Objective: To study the anatomical-morphological, histological, and immunohistochemical features of the cardiovascular system of intact laboratory white rats. Methods. Experimental studies were conducted on 10 sexually mature white non-linear male rats weighing 180-230 g. During the 10 days of quarantine, daily observations were made of the appearance, behavior, food intake and general condition of the animals. After preparation, rat heart tissue was fixed in 10% buffered formalin solution, followed by alcohols of increasing concentration and paraffin embedding according to standard protocols. Then, histological sections with a thickness of 5±1 μm and semi-thin sections with a thickness of 1 μm were prepared. Immunohistochemical studies were performed using monoclonal antibodies for vascular endothelium CD31 (Clone JC70A, Thermo Fisher scientific). Visualization of IGH reactions was performed using the DAKO EnVision+System detection system with diaminobenzidine chromogen. Morphometry of rat heart vessels, in particular their diameters and wall thickness, was performed using Aperio ImageScope v12.3.3 software (Leica biosystems, Wetzlar, Germany). Results. The anatomical and morphological features of the heart of laboratory white male rats under normal functional conditions are considered. A detailed description of the macroscopic structure of the heart is given, the histological structure of the heart muscle, endocardium, pericardium and heart vessels is investigated. The results of macroscopic and histological studies of the structure of the heart muscle, endocardium, pericardium and vascular network of the heart supplement data on the norm of the cardiovascular system, which is important for fundamental and experimental cardiology, as well as for the assessment of pathological changes in models of cardiovascular diseases. Immunohistochemical and morphometric analysis confirmed that in the myocardium of intact rats the vascular bed is represented by arteries of various calibers, arterioles, a dense capillary network and venous vessels. The arterial wall had a clearly expressed intima, media and adventitia. Arterioles were characterized by thin but clearly defined media, while venules had thin walls with a minimal muscular component. The combination of histological description of vessels with morphometry creates a reliable basis for further control–experimental comparisons. In rat myocardium, uniform expression of CD31 reflects the integrity of the vascular endothelial layer and the absence of inflammatory or dystrophic damage. The obtained indicators can serve as a reference morphological basis for experimental studies of cardiovascular pathology. Conclusion. The identified features of macro- and microscopic organization and morphometric parameters of the vascular bed of the heart are important for establishing a reference basis and subsequently for comparison with the detected changes obtained in experimental models of induced pathologies.

The light of knowledge and scientific search: to the Anniversary of Professor Antonina Mykhailivna Yashchenko

I.V. Chelpanova — 2026-03-27

Professor Antonina Mykhailivna Yashchenko is a distinguished scientist and morphologist whose research has enriched both national and global science with valuable discoveries. Her research interests encompass a broad spectrum of issues, ranging from the fundamental aspects of histology to complex problems in immunohistochemistry. A key aspect of Professor Yashchenko’s professional activity is her significant contribution to the advancement of lectinology—a field dedicated to studying the role of lectins in biological processes. Antonina Yashchenko is a leading figure in the promotion and implementation of both fundamental and applied principles of lectinology within the morphological science of Ukraine. Her primary scientific achievements are systematized in her doctoral dissertation, "Lectins as Markers in Norm and Pathology." This work is the first to substantiate and implement lectin histochemistry methods as precision tools for monitoring cell differentiation processes and verifying pathological conditions. Priority Research Areas: Professor Yashchenko’s scientific activity focuses on the comprehensive analysis of lectin-reactive glycopolymer remodeling patterns during embryonic and postnatal morphogenesis. Her significant contributions include: determining the selective marker potential of lectins for specific cell types; investigating lectin binding heterogeneity based on histogenetic origin and the degree of maturity of cell subpopulations. Her scientific portfolio comprises approximately 300 scientific papers published in leading national and international journals. The results of her innovative activities are secured by two certificates of authorship for inventions. Professor Antonina Yashchenko is a pivotal figure in the creation of modern educational literature: National Textbooks: Co-author of fundamental editions in Histology, cytology, and embryology for medical (2018) and dental faculties (2020). Professional Awards: Yaroslav Mudryy Award from the Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (1999) for developing the Atlas of Microanatomy of the Oral Cavity; Honorary Award of the Society of AHET for outstanding contributions to the development of morphological science and education (2021). Honorary title of “Honored Professor” of Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University (2021) for outstanding achievements in the development of science and education and the training of highly qualified scientific personnel. Honorary Certificate of the Ukrainian Scientific AHET Society (2025) for prominent achievements in the advancement of national morphology, significant organizational work, support for young scientists, and preservation of historical scientific heritage.