Evaluation of the Histological Effects of Prednisolone Administration on the Pancreas of Male Wistar Rats

Abstract

Background: Prednisolone is a synthetic glucocorticoid widely used to manage inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. However, its effects on pancreatic tissue morphology require further investigation. Aim: This study evaluated the histological effects of different doses of prednisolone on the pancreas of male Wistar rats. Methods: Twenty adult male Wistar rats weighing 185–195 g were randomly assigned to four groups of five animals each. Group 1 served as the control, while Groups 2, 3 and 4 received prednisolone orally at doses of 30, 20 and 10 mg/kg body weight, respectively, once daily for 21 days. At the end of treatment, pancreatic tissues were collected, processed and examined using haematoxylin-and-eosin-stained sections. Results: The control group exhibited well-defined islets of Langerhans and preserved acinar architecture. The 30 mg/kg group showed more prominent islet profiles, whereas the 20 mg/kg group exhibited less pronounced islet prominence. Pancreatic architecture appeared relatively preserved in the 10 mg/kg group. These observations indicated descriptive differences in pancreatic morphology among the experimental groups. However, quantitative morphometric measurements and corresponding statistical results were not reported. Conclusion: Prednisolone administration was associated with differences in pancreatic histological appearance under the experimental conditions. Nevertheless, the findings do not establish statistically significant dose-dependent changes, confirmed endocrine-cell hyperplasia or functional pancreatic impairment. Further quantitative and functional investigations are required to determine their biological significance.