We investigated the distribution of connective tissue fibers in diabetic and vitamin C treated diabetic rat spleen. Rats were divided into three groups: group A, control; group B, diabetic; group C, vitamin C treated diabetic. Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin. Vitamin C was administered intragastrically for 21 days. Spleen tissues were examined by light microscopy after staining with Masson’s trichrome, Gomori silver impregnation and van Gieson. In group B, we found accumulation of collagen fibers in the trabeculae, in the capsule and around the central artery and splenic sinusoids. Splenic cord thickening due to fibrosis was observed. Reticular fibers accumulated principally in the white and red pulps of the spleen and focal reticular fiber thickening was observed in the dense fiber areas. Partial elastic fiber rupture was observed among the fibers of the elastic lamina of the arteries in the hilum. By contrast, the distribution of collagen fibers in group C was similar to group A. Collagen fiber accumulation was decreased in group C compared to group B. We found little reticular fiber thickening in group C and elastic fibers maintained their integrity and were better organized than in group B. Our findings suggest that appropriate doses of vitamin C may exert beneficial effects on the structure of the connective tissue fibers in the diabetic spleen.
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