Effect of the Overcrowding on Fundus of Stomach in Adult Male Albino Rats with Special Reference to the Protective Role of Bran

Introduction: Overcrowding as a chronic source of stress constituted a major threat to psychological well-being. Dense populations were characterized by considerably increased aggressive behavior. Aim of the Work: Is to shed the spot on the effect of overcrowding stress on fundic glands and the way to antagonize by the use of wheat bran. Materials and Methods: Fifteen animals were used in this study divided into two groups: control group (group I) was formed of 5 animals and group II was formed of 10 animals that were subjected to overcrowding. Group II was further subdivided into two subgroups IIa: 5 animals were subjected to overcrowding, subgroup IIb was formed of 5 animals that were given bran orally together with the stress procedure. The duration of experiment was 7 days. at the end of the experiment stomach specimens were obtained, processed and subjected to different histological and immunohistochemical techniques. Results: Overcrowding stress led to desquamation, necrosis and ulceration of gastric epithelium. Mononuclear cellular infiltrate and congested blood vessels were also noted in lamina propria. Parietal cells were decreased in number while mucous neck cells were increased in fundic glands. Acid mucous produced by mucous neck cells was increased more than neutral mucous produced by surface mucous epithelial cells. E cadherins were decreased in intensity in surface mucous epithelial cells led to disturbed barrier against gastric acidity. Subgroup IIb showed picture similar to that of the control. The previous data were confirmed by morphometric and statistical analysis. Negative Glial-Fibrillary-Acidic Protein (GFAP) reaction in the full term filum terminale group. In two weeks group; there was positive reaction. In one month group there was strong reaction which persisted with gradual decline in three and six month groups. In one year, GFAP reaction was scanty positive or even negative. Conclusion: It could be concluded that bran has great protective value against gastric mucosal damage caused by overcrowding stress. It is recommended that high fiber diet in meals especially in cities with dense population is needed to decrease gastric mucosal damage.