Valko O. Structural changes of lymph nodes under the influence of opioids (experimental study).

Fifty two (52) white male rats of reproductive age represented an experimental model of opioid dependence. Dynamics of changes of structural components of the iliac lymph nodes at six-week exposure to opioid nalbuphine ave been studied at mice’ cellular and subcellular levels. It has been established that structural lymph node changes have a phase transition and depend on duration of the opioid administration. When mice were exposed to nalbuphine for the first 1–2 weeks, minor compensatory changes in the structure of the node arose. Longer exposure to nalbuphine (3–4 weeks) led to destructive changes inside lymph nodes; long-term exposure (5–6 weeks) caused irreversible destructive/degenerative changes which did not reverse a week after administration of the drug ended. Key words: lymph node, lymphoid nodule, structural components, lymphocytes, effect, opioid, nalbuphine, white rat. Branch - Medicine.