[Reactivity of the lymph nodes of the root of the mesentery in the small intestine of rats with alloxan diabetes].

Insulin role in regulating the immunocompetent tissue structure was studied on experimental rats with alloxan diabetes. Tendency to a decrease in the mesenteric lymph node cortical area, accompanied by a fall in the small lymphocyte number, was observed. The lymphatic follicle area markedly diminished. The small lymphocyte and reticular cell content among cellular elements of the clear centers significantly augmented, whereas mitosis number and the percentage of mean and large lymphocytes decreased. Billroth's strand area diminished by one-third comparatively to that of the control. Simultaneously their number of plasma cells and small lymphocytes lowered. Therefore, alloxan diabetes is accompanied by a fall in the parameters of the thymus-dependent structural components of the mesenterial lymph nodes. Insulin deficit induces a decrease in the number of lymphocytes, capable of proliferation and diminishes their mitotic activity.