Comparison of Human Thymus Gland between Young and Old Age

Abstract

Aim: Study was conducted to examine the different parameters of human thymus glands of young and old patients and compare the findings between both age groups. Study Design: Comparative/observational study Place and Study: Study was conducted at Anatomy department of Nishtar Medical University Hospital, Multan for duration of six months from 15th January 2020 to 15th July 2020. Methods: Total 54 specimens of human thymus of 54 patients were enrolled in this study. All specimens were divided in to two groups I and II, Group I contains 27 patients with ages <30 years and group II with 27 patients having ages 45 to 60 years. All specimens were fixed in 10% formalin solution and then processed for paraffin embedding. Compare the different parameters such as thickness of interlobular connective tissue and thymic capsule, length and number of Hassal’s corpuscles between both groups. Data was analyzed by SPSS 24.0. Results: In group I 12 (44.44%) patients were ages <15 years and 15 (55.56%) patients were ages >15 years. In group 13 (48.15%) and 14 (51.85%) patients were ages <50 years and >50 years. There was a significant difference observed between both groups regarding thickness of interlobular connective tissue and thymic capsule, quantity and length of Hassal’s corpuscles with p-value <0.05. Conclusion: It is to be concluded that patients with young age had significantly less thickness of thymic capsule and interlobular connective tissue with more in number and decreasing size of Hassal’s corpuscles as compared to old age patients. Keywords: Human Thymus Glands, Young Age, Old Age