Physiology
Sina Tamaddonfard; Amir Erfanparast; Esmaeal Tamaddonfard; Farhad Soltanalinejad
Volume 15, Issue 1 , January 2024, , Pages 35-41
Abstract
Neuroprotective effects for natural products are supported by several studies. In this regard, safranal, a constitute of saffron, has the potential to exert beneficial effects in neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, stroke, multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer's disease. Here, we ...
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Neuroprotective effects for natural products are supported by several studies. In this regard, safranal, a constitute of saffron, has the potential to exert beneficial effects in neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, stroke, multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer's disease. Here, we investigated the effect of safranal on penicillin-induced epileptiform activity. Also, the effects of intracerebroventricular (ICV) microinjection of AM251 as a CB1-cannabinoid receptors antagonist to clarify the possible mechanism of safranal were evaluated. Epileptiform activity was induced by intra-cortical administration of penicillin (300 IU, 1.50 μL) in urethane-anesthetized rats. Electrocorticographic recordings were used to analyze the frequency and amplitude of spike waves. Intraperitoneal injections of safranal at doses of 1.00 and 4.00 mg kg-1 significantly reduced both the number and amplitude of spike waves. The ICV microinjection of AM251 (0.50 μg 2.00 μL-1) significantly increased the frequency and amplitude of spike waves. In addition, the anti-epileptic effect induced by administration of safranal at a dose of 4.00 mg kg-1 was partially prevented by ICV microinjection of 0.50 μg 2.00 μL-1 of AM251. The results showed anti-epileptiform activities for safranal. Central CB1 cannabinergic receptors might be involved in the anti-epileptiform activity of safranal.
Surgery
Emad Vakili-Sadeghi; Alireza Najafpour; Rahim Mohammadi
Volume 14, Issue 7 , July 2023, , Pages 389-395
Abstract
The torsion model of testis in a rat was adopted for evaluation of possible effects of propolis (Prop) on ischemia-reperfusion (IS/REP) injury. The healthy male Wistar rats (totally 24 animals) were randomized into four groups (n = 6) and animals experienced bilateral testicular torsions as follows: ...
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The torsion model of testis in a rat was adopted for evaluation of possible effects of propolis (Prop) on ischemia-reperfusion (IS/REP) injury. The healthy male Wistar rats (totally 24 animals) were randomized into four groups (n = 6) and animals experienced bilateral testicular torsions as follows: In sham group just, laparotomy was performed and in IS group, animals experienced a 3 hr period testicular IS. In IS/REP group, a 3 hr period of IS followed by a 3 hr period of testicular REP for left testis and a one-week testicular REP for right testis were done. In this group animals were gavaged by 1.00 mL normal saline 1 hr before the onset of IS. In IS/REP/ Prop group, the same procedures for IS/REP animals were followed as well as gavage of 1.00 mL Prop extract solution 1 hr before the onset of IS. Analyses of biochemistry, histology, inflammatory biomarkers and sperm parameters were carried out. In IS/REP/Prop group, nitric oxide synthase malondialdehyde, myeloperoxidase and 8-hydroxy-2 deoxyguanine in IS/REP/Prop group were significantly decreased and, superoxide dismutase, total glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and glutathione S-transferase were significantly increased compared to the other animals. In IS/REP/Prop group, seminiferous tubules (with normal spermatogenesis) showed all stages of spermatogenic cells with plentiful spermatozoa. Tubular deterioration and atrophy and spermatogenic cell loss in were seen in a limited extent. The mean concentrations of Interleukin-1 beta and tumor necrosis factor alpha in IS/REP/Prop were significantly decreased. Sperm quality was significantly improved by Prop in IS/REP/Prop group. It was concluded that Prop could be supportive in diminishing IS/REP injury in testicular tissue exposed to ischemia.
Habibe Gündoğdu; Ebru Karadağ Sari
Volume 14, Issue 6 , June 2023, , Pages 309-315
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the effects of a high-fat and cholesterol diet (HFCD) on rats gastric mucosa. In the study, a total of 16 (40-day-old Sprague Dawley) male rats were used and randomly divided into two groups (each consisted of eight rats). Rats in the control group had no implementations ...
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This study aimed to investigate the effects of a high-fat and cholesterol diet (HFCD) on rats gastric mucosa. In the study, a total of 16 (40-day-old Sprague Dawley) male rats were used and randomly divided into two groups (each consisted of eight rats). Rats in the control group had no implementations other than normal feeding. For 10 weeks, rats in a high-fat with cholesterol diet group had daily energy amounts provided by pellet feed mixed with 65.00% butter and 2.00% cholesterol. Before beginning the study and at the end, rats live weight was recorded and their blood samples were taken for biochemical analyses. Hematoxylin and Eosin and Crossman’s triple staining techniques were used to investigate the general structure of gastric tissue. Rats fed with HFCD had statistically significant increases in live weight and total cholesterol values, and were identified to have gastric tissue degeneration. The rats gastric tissue in control group had more intense somatostatin (SST) immunoreactivity in parietal and chief cells than the HFCD group. It was determined that feeding with the HFCD has a negative effect on SST secretion in rats and hence, this may have important areas of use such as in gastric cancer treatment and preventing complications linked to gastric diseases.
Paula Alexandra Oliveira; Ana Faustino-Rocha; Elisabete Nascimento-Gonçalves
Volume 14, Issue 4 , April 2023, , Pages 177-178
Abstract
To the editor: We read the article entitled “Protective effects of Chromolaena odorata extract on experimental benign prostatic hyperplasia in rats” with great interest. This research aimed to evaluate the effects of hydro-methanol extract of Chromolaena odorata (HMECO) on testosterone propionate ...
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To the editor: We read the article entitled “Protective effects of Chromolaena odorata extract on experimental benign prostatic hyperplasia in rats” with great interest. This research aimed to evaluate the effects of hydro-methanol extract of Chromolaena odorata (HMECO) on testosterone propionate (TP)-induced benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) rat model. We want to congratulate the authors for this original article and make some positive comments. The BPH is a common condition in both aged men and dogs. Although not considered a precursor of prostate cancer (PCa), BPH commonly affects the prostate gland, and shares some features with PCa, like symptoms, hormone-dependent growth and response to anti-androgen therapy.1 Increasing our understanding in BPH can bring us more knowledge about PCa, for men and dogs. This is an article whose methodology is easy to replicate and whose authors know the specificities of this model of prostate hyperplasia. In our opinion, the remaining prostate lobes could have been evaluated, although in this specific model of BPH the hyperplasia of rat ventral prostate lobes is considered analogous to the morpho-logical alterations of human BPH. This article reinforces the importance of animal models in the preclinical evaluation of new therapies obtained from natural extracts. In a similar way, our research group evaluated effects of Castanea sativa Mill. flower (CF) in a N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU) plus testosterone rat model.2 Animals from induced groups received a multistep protocol for PCa induction, consisted of sequential administration of flutamide, testosterone propionate, the carcinogenic agent MNU and crystalline testosterone. Animals from treatment groups were exposed to CF extract in drinking water, at a dose of 3.00 mg per animal daily, for 49 weeks, starting at the time of the carcinogenesis induction. Animals were sacrificed at 61 weeks of age, approximately 10 months after MNU administration. Our results suggested that CF extract was well tolerated by the animals and did not cause severe hepatic or renal toxicity. Furthermore, the animals exposed to the CF extract showed fewer inflammation areas on the dorsolateral prostate lobe than those not exposed to the CF extract, suggesting that this extract may be used as chemopreventive agent against prostate cancer and seems to have an antioxidant role. In conclusion, the studies with animal models of BPH and PCa add value to the study of prostate diseases and to test the efficacy of natural compounds, and their extracts.
Seren Aydoğan; Hanifi Erol; Münevver Baran
Volume 14, Issue 4 , April 2023, , Pages 195-199
Abstract
In the present study the effect of ozone therapy on hydrofluoric acid (HFA) related eye burn was investigated in rats. A Total 20 healthy male Wistar albino rats (weighing 250 - 300 g with the age of 16 weeks) were used. They were divided into groups (experimental and control groups) of 10 rats being ...
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In the present study the effect of ozone therapy on hydrofluoric acid (HFA) related eye burn was investigated in rats. A Total 20 healthy male Wistar albino rats (weighing 250 - 300 g with the age of 16 weeks) were used. They were divided into groups (experimental and control groups) of 10 rats being housed individually and fed ad libitum. The HFA (2.00%) burn was created in all animals. The ozonized (20.00 µg O3 mL-1) bi-distilled water was applied as a drop (10.00 µL each drop) every 8 hr for 7 days in the experimental group. At the same time, 0.90% NaCl was applied as drop (10.00 µL each drop) every 8 hr for 7 days in the control group. In the experimental group, intensive inflammation, angiogenesis, epithelial damage and stromal edema were detected in one animal. Epithelial vascularization and stromal edema were seen in four animals. In control group, only two animals’ corneal structures were normal. Inflammation, angiogenesis, epithelial damage, fibrosis, epithelial vascularization and stromal edema were detected in the rest. As a result of this study, it was observed that local usage of ozone therapy had a positive effect on the healing of corneal burns caused by HFA. It was concluded that more ozone-related studies should be done to enlighten the subject.
Remigius Ibe Onoja; Shodeinde Vincent Olumuyiwa Shoyinka; Jacinta Ngozi Omeke; Nnenna Tochi Emejuo; Stella Nkemdilim Ugwoke
Volume 14, Issue 2 , February 2023, , Pages 59-64
Abstract
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is an age-related disease in dogs and man leading to prostate enlargement which impinges on the urethra causing urinary outflow obstruction. Due to the side effects of surgery and chemotherapy used for the treatment of this disease, attention is now focused on phytotherapeutics ...
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Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is an age-related disease in dogs and man leading to prostate enlargement which impinges on the urethra causing urinary outflow obstruction. Due to the side effects of surgery and chemotherapy used for the treatment of this disease, attention is now focused on phytotherapeutics for its management. Thus, we investigated the inhibitory effect of hydro-methanol extract of Chromolaena odorata (HMECO) on testosterone propionate (TP)-induced BPH rat model. A total of forty-two 10-12 weeks old male Sprague-Dawley outbred albino rats (Rattus norvegicus) weighing 200 - 250 g were randomly divided into six equal groups of seven rats each based on body weight as follows: A) Control group given phosphate-buffered saline orally and corn oil subcutaneously (SC) once daily, B) TP at a dose of 3.00 mg kg-1 SC once daily, C) TP at a dose of 3.00 mg kg-1 SC and finasteride at a dose of 10.00 mg kg-1 orally once daily, D) TP at a dose of 3.00 mg kg-1 SC plus 200 mg kg-1 HMECO orally once daily, E) TP at a dose of 3.00 mg kg-1 SC plus 400 mg kg-1 HMECO orally once daily and F) TP at a dose of 3.00 mg kg-1 SC plus 800 mg kg-1 HMECO orally once daily for 28 days. Results showed that HMECO significantly reduced prostate weight, prostatic index; serum levels of testosterone and prostatic epithelial thickness and increased luminal diameter in BPH induced rats. Thus, the results of this study suggest that C. odorata is a potential pharmacological candidate for the management of BPH.
Toktam Heidari; Rooz Ali Batavani; Hassan Malekinejad; Rahim Hobbenaghi
Volume 13, Issue 2 , June 2022, , Pages 201-208
Abstract
Phthalates are environmental contaminants mostly used as plasticizers and additives in different products. Having endocrine-disrupting properties, phthalates are known as potential reproductive toxicants. The present study was conducted to evaluate the reproductive toxicity of di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) ...
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Phthalates are environmental contaminants mostly used as plasticizers and additives in different products. Having endocrine-disrupting properties, phthalates are known as potential reproductive toxicants. The present study was conducted to evaluate the reproductive toxicity of di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) in pregnant rats and their offspring and also to assess the ability of vitamin E in the elimination or reducing reproductive toxicity of DBP. Sixty-six pregnant Wistar rats were exposed to 100, 500 or 1,000 mg kg-1 per day DBP or 500 mg kg-1 per day DBP along with 100 mg kg-1 per day vitamin E during gestation. After delivery, they were divided into two groups. In one group gavage was finished after litter while in the other DBP administration was continued till weaning. The results showed that DBP affected many aspects of reproductive performance in pregnant rats and their offspring. It could be suggested that vitamin E could ameliorate the adverse effects of DBP, especially in male pups.
Mojtaba Karimipour; Gholam Hossein Farjah; Morteza Hassanzadeh; Masoumeh Zirak Javanmard
Volume 13, Issue 2 , June 2022, , Pages 233-239
Abstract
Skin flap necrosis has been remained as an unsolved problem in plastic and reconstructive surgeries. Here, we explored the effects of metformin post-treatment on random skin flap survival in rats. An 8.00 × 2.00 cm dorsal skin flap was created in 24 rats and they were then divided into three groups ...
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Skin flap necrosis has been remained as an unsolved problem in plastic and reconstructive surgeries. Here, we explored the effects of metformin post-treatment on random skin flap survival in rats. An 8.00 × 2.00 cm dorsal skin flap was created in 24 rats and they were then divided into three groups (n = 8) including Control, metformin (Met) 50.00 mg kg-1 and Met 100 mg kg-1. All animals were administrated orally until seven days after flap surgery. Flap survival, the number of blood vessels and mast cells in the flap tissues were analyzed. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression levels in flap tissues was also determined using immunohistochemical methods. The percentage of survival area in Met 50.00 mg kg-1 and Met 100 mg kg-1 groups were significantly higher compared to control. The blood vessel density and the VEGF positive cells in the viable areas of flaps showed a significant increase in Met 50.00 mg kg-1 group compared to control group. The results of this study suggested that treatment with metformin, especially with low dose following skin flap surgery was effective in improving the flap survival and increasing the neovascularization in the flaps tissues of rats.
Zahra Bakhtiary; Rasoul Shahrooz; Rahim Hobbenaghi; Saeed Azizi; Farhad Soltanalinejad; Ali Baradar Khoshfetrat
Volume 12, Issue 4 , December 2021, , Pages 451-457
Abstract
Skeletal muscle atrophy induced by denervation is one of the common disorders in traumatic nerve injuries. The aim of this study was the evaluation of histomorphometrical changes of extensor digitorum longus muscle after denervation and its regeneration by tissue engineering. Ninety adult male Wistar ...
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Skeletal muscle atrophy induced by denervation is one of the common disorders in traumatic nerve injuries. The aim of this study was the evaluation of histomorphometrical changes of extensor digitorum longus muscle after denervation and its regeneration by tissue engineering. Ninety adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into six main groups (n = 15) in three time periods (2, 4 and 8 weeks; n = 5). Control group was treated without surgery, in transection (Tr) group left sciatic nerve was transected, in scaffold (S) group only collagen gel scaffold was used, in mast cell (MC) group mast cells were used, mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) group was treated with mesenchymal stem cells and in MC+MSC group, mast cells along with mesenchymal stem cells were used. In the cellular groups, the scaffold and cells were mixed and placed in the transected nerve gap. The average diameter of muscle fibers, ratio of the muscle fibers nuclei to the fibrocytes nuclei (mn/fn), ratio of the muscle fibers nuclei number to the muscle fibers number (mn/mf), the average ratio of blood vessels to muscle fibers number (v/mf) and muscles weight in Tr group were the lowest compared to the other groups; but, in cellular and S groups, amelioration was observed according to the time period. However, in MC+MSC group, there were the highest ameliorative results. This study revealed that simultaneous use of MCs and MSCs mixed with collagen gel scaffold can be considered as a suitable approach to improve denervated skeletal muscle atrophy associated with sciatic nerve injury.
Rita Ifeoma Odo; Chukwuka Nwocha Uchendu; Somtoo Ethelbert Okeke
Volume 12, Issue 1 , March 2021, , Pages 7-13
Abstract
The study was done to ascertain the protective potentials of ethanol seed extract of Citrullus lanatus on aluminum chloride-induced reproductive and hematological toxicities. Thirty mature male rats were used for the study. They were assigned into five groups (n=6). Group1was treated daily with aluminum ...
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The study was done to ascertain the protective potentials of ethanol seed extract of Citrullus lanatus on aluminum chloride-induced reproductive and hematological toxicities. Thirty mature male rats were used for the study. They were assigned into five groups (n=6). Group1was treated daily with aluminum chloride (100 mg kg-1) per os for 8 weeks. Group 2 was treated with aluminum chloride (100 mg kg-1) and C. lanatus seed extract (CLSE) 200 mg kg-1 per os simultaneously for 8 weeks. Group 3 was served as a normal control and given distilled water as a placebo per os daily for 8 weeks. Group 4 was only treated with CLSE (200mg kg-1) for eight weeks. Group 5 was only treated with aluminum chloride (100 mg kg-1) per os for 8 weeks and then treated with CLSE (200 mg kg-1) per os for another 4 weeks. Testosterone level, testicular weight, sperm motility, gonadal sperm, and extragonadal sperm reserves showed significant increases in group 2 compared to groups 1 and 5. Optimum histoarchitectural protection of the seminiferous tubules was observed in group 2, which did not differ from normal ones. For the hematological parameters, optimum protection was also observed in group 2 compared to other groups. From the results, ethanol seed extract of C. lanatus demonstrated protective potentials against aluminum's harmful effects on the male reproductive system and hematology in an experimental male rat model.
Abbas Sadeghi; Farah Farokhi; Ali Shalizar Jalali; Gholamreza Najafi
Volume 11, Issue 3 , September 2020, , Pages 257-263
Abstract
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) has toxic effects through the induction of oxidative stress in the body and testicles. Vitamin E (Vit E) is a dietary compound that functions as an antioxidant scavenging toxic free radicals. The present study aimed to probe the protective effect of Vit E against PVC-induced ...
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Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) has toxic effects through the induction of oxidative stress in the body and testicles. Vitamin E (Vit E) is a dietary compound that functions as an antioxidant scavenging toxic free radicals. The present study aimed to probe the protective effect of Vit E against PVC-induced reprotoxicity in male rats. In this experimental study, 24 male rats were randomly divided into four groups (n=6) including control, Vit E (150 mg kg-1 per day; orally), PVC (1000 mg kg-1 per day; orally) and PVC + Vit E. After 40 days, rats were euthanized and epididymal sperms characteristics, embryo development and malondialdehyde (MDA) and testosterone levels were examined. The PVC decreased sperm count, motility and viability as well as testosterone level and increased sperms with damaged chromatin in comparison with controls. Also, the percentages of fertilization, two-cell embryos and blastocysts as well as MDA levels were decreased in PVC-treated rats. However, Vit E improved PVC-induced alterations in aforesaid parameters. The results indicated that PVC can reduce fertility potential in male rats probably through androgen and sperm quality and quantity reductions, while Vit E can exert protective effects in PVC-related reproductive toxicities.
Gholamreza Hamidian; Shadmehr Mirdar; Pourya Raee; Kiyana Asghari; Maryam Jarrahi
Volume 11, Issue 2 , June 2020, , Pages 143-152
Abstract
The present study aimed to investigate the protective effect of silymarin on maternal cadmium toxicity complications in the kidney of neonatal rats. Forty adults Wistar female rats were selected and placed with male rats for copulation. The pregnant animals were randomly divided into five groups (n = ...
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The present study aimed to investigate the protective effect of silymarin on maternal cadmium toxicity complications in the kidney of neonatal rats. Forty adults Wistar female rats were selected and placed with male rats for copulation. The pregnant animals were randomly divided into five groups (n = 8) including control, sham, silymarin, cadmium, and silymarin + cadmium. The animals received 400 mg L-1 cadmium and 100 mg kg-1 silymarin (sub-cutaneously, three days per week, three weeks). Two-day neonates were dissected and their right kidneys were fixed in 10.00% buffered formalin solution and processed by standard paraffin embedding. Tissue sections were stained by hematoxylin and eosin and analyzed histologically and stereologically. The data were statistically analyzed by SPSS using a one-way ANOVA test and Tukey's post-hoc. The results showed that silymarin significantly increased the neonatal rats' weight compared to the control group. Cadmium significantly decreased the weight of neonatal rats' kidneys. The results of histological studies indicated that cadmium caused subacute glomerulosclerosis, severe damage to urinary tubules such as tubular necrosis, and severe hyperemia in the medulla, but silymarin could preserve these complications. Stereological results revealed that cadmium decreased the total volume of kidney, medulla, and proximal and distal tubules and increased interstitial tissue and indicated the protective effects of silymarin on maternal cadmium toxicity complications in the kidney tissue of neonatal rats. It can be concluded that the administration of silymarin during pregnancy may be used as a useful and effective way of protecting the maternal cadmium toxicity complications in the kidney tissue of neonatal rats.
Masoumeh Moradi-Ozarlou; Sara Javanmardi; Hossein Tayefi Nasrabadi
Volume 11, Issue 1 , March 2020, , Pages 27-33
Abstract
The present study was aimed to determine the protective effects of Plantago major L (PM) leaf extracts on the testicular torsion/detorsion (T/D)-induced ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in rats. Twenty-four mature male Sprague-Dawley rats, weighing 200-220 g, were selected. They were randomly divided ...
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The present study was aimed to determine the protective effects of Plantago major L (PM) leaf extracts on the testicular torsion/detorsion (T/D)-induced ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in rats. Twenty-four mature male Sprague-Dawley rats, weighing 200-220 g, were selected. They were randomly divided into four groups of six animals each: Sham (sham-operated rats; all the surgical steps were performed but T/D was not induced), TDC (control group; T/D was induced and the right testicular torsion of 720° lasting two hours was followed by detorsion), TDP50 (T/D-operated rats received 50.00 mg kg-1 of PM extract daily for seven days intraperitoneally after detorsion) and TDP100 (T/D-operated rats received 100 mg kg-1 of PM extract daily for seven days intraperitoneally after detorsion). After seven days of treatment, the right testicles were collected. Histopathological and biochemical analyses including levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and catalase (CAT) and peroxidase activities were determined in testicular tissues of the rats. Tissue sections were taken from testis, Hematoxylin-Eosin staining was done, and the slides were examined by a light microscope. The level of MDA was significantly increased in the testes of the TDC group. The CAT activity levels were decreased significantly after I/R. The post-torsion treatment with PM, particularly at 100 mg kg-1, prevented the increase in lipid peroxidation and reduced the CAT activity levels. The PM also prevented I/R-induced cellular damage and histological changes in the testicular tissues. According to the results of the current study, PM leaf extracts had significant positive effects on the testicular T/D-induced I/R injury. The possible mechanism of reduction in biochemical and histological injuries by PM extracts could be due to antioxidant property.
Physiology
Azam Abareshi; Akbar Anaeigoudari; Fatemeh Norouzi; Narges Marefati; Farimah Beheshti; Mohsen Saeedjalali; Mahmoud Hosseini
Volume 10, Issue 3 , September 2019, , Pages 199-205
Abstract
Neuro-immune mediators play an important role in the development of sickness behaviors. In the present study, the effect of captopril on sickness behaviors caused by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was studied in the rats. The animals were randomized into the following groups: control, sham, 10 mg kg-1 captopril ...
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Neuro-immune mediators play an important role in the development of sickness behaviors. In the present study, the effect of captopril on sickness behaviors caused by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was studied in the rats. The animals were randomized into the following groups: control, sham, 10 mg kg-1 captopril - LPS (Capto 10-LPS), 50 mg kg-1 captopril - LPS (Capto 50-LPS), and 100 mg kg-1 captopril - LPS (Capto 100-LPS). Behavioral tests including open-field (OF), elevated plus maze (EPM) and forced swimming (FS) test were performed, and the serum level of interleukin-6 (IL-6) was assessed. In OF, the number of crossings in the central zone in Capto 10-LPS, Capto 50-LPS, and Capto 100-LPS groups was higher than that of the sham group. In EPM, the open arm entry numbers in the sham group were lower compared to the control group. Furthermore, pretreatment by captopril increased the entries to the open arms. In FS test, the immobility time of the sham group was longer than that of the control group. In Capto 10-LPS, Capto 50-LPS, and Capto 100-LPS groups, immobility was shorter compared to the sham group. In addition, the IL-6 level was higher in the sham group compared to the control group, and treatment with 50 and 100 mg kg-1 of captopril restored the IL-6 level in comparison with the sham group. Results confirmed that pretreatment with captopril ameliorated LPS-caused sickness behaviors and attenuated IL-6 as an inflammatory marker in the rats.
Histology
Saeede Amani; Rasoul Shahrooz; Esmaeil Mortaz; Rahim Hobbenaghi; Rahim Mohammadi; Ali Baradar Khoshfetrat
Volume 10, Issue 1 , March 2019, , Pages 23-30
Abstract
The aim of this study was to find a proper method for improvement of ischemic condition in the rat hind limb and also to observe the efficacy of cell engraftment with alginate/gelatin three-dimensional scaffolds. Eighteen male Wistar rats weighing 200 to 250 g were randomly divided into three groups ...
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The aim of this study was to find a proper method for improvement of ischemic condition in the rat hind limb and also to observe the efficacy of cell engraftment with alginate/gelatin three-dimensional scaffolds. Eighteen male Wistar rats weighing 200 to 250 g were randomly divided into three groups (n = 6) including a) ischemia group; in which femoral artery was removed after ligation at the distance of 5 mm, b) scaffold group; in which hydrogel scaffold was added to the site of transected femoral artery and c) test group; in which in addition to hydrogel scaffold, mast cells (MCs) were also added (1 × 106 cells). Analysis of capillary density, artery diameter, histomorphometric parameters and immunohistochemistry in transected location were done on day 14 after femoral artery transection. The average number of blood capillary was significantly higher in the test group than other groups. Also, the average number of medium and large blood vessels was significantly higher in the test group compared to ischemia and scaffold groups. Application of MCs through the use of hydrogel scaffolds (alginate/gelatin) can be considered as a new approach in the application of stem cells for therapeutic angiogenesis under ischemic conditions which can improve the angiogenesis process in patients with peripheral artery diseases.
Clinical Pathology
Abdolrasoul Namjou; Esfandiar Heidarian; Mahmoud Rafieian-kopaei
Volume 9, Issue 4 , December 2018, , Pages 349-355
Abstract
In this study, the effects of Urtica dioica hydro-alcoholic extract were investigated on the blood glucose and lipid profiles of female ovariectomized and non-ovariectomized rats. In total, 32 adult female rats were divided into four groups (eight each) including control and ovariectomy groups as well ...
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In this study, the effects of Urtica dioica hydro-alcoholic extract were investigated on the blood glucose and lipid profiles of female ovariectomized and non-ovariectomized rats. In total, 32 adult female rats were divided into four groups (eight each) including control and ovariectomy groups as well as non-ovariectomy and ovariectomy groups treated with 200 mg kg-1 of Urtica dioica extract orally in the last five weeks of the study starting from the week 56th. The duration of the study was 60 weeks. Glucose, serum lipid profiles and pancreatic pathological alterations were determined in these groups at the end of experiment. Serum glucose, triglyceride (TG), very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), and TG/high-density lipoprotein (HDL) ratio indicated a significant increase in the healthy female rats under treatment with Urtica dioica extract compared to others. The TG, cholesterol, HDL, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and VLDL showed a significant increase in menopaused rats compared to others. The interaction of consuming Urtica dioica extract and ovariectomy caused significant decreases in glucose, TG, VLDL, HDL/LDL ratio and TG/HDL ratio. Consumption of Urtica dioica extract by non-menopaused rats damaged the beta cells in Langerhans islets. Results of the present study revealed that the consumption of Urtica dioica extract is not beneficial and has diabetogenic effects in female non-ovariectomized rats compared to ovariectomized ones.
Theriogenology
Somayeh Tavana; Mojtaba Rezazadeh Valojerdi; Hussein Eimani; Naeimeh Sadat Abtahi; Rouhollah Fathi
Volume 8, Issue 4 , December 2017, , Pages 275-280
Abstract
This study was carried out to assess the different ovarian transplantation sites after short-time autografting. Female rats were randomized into five groups, with six rats in each group, including control (intact), cervical subcutaneous transplanted (CST), back subcutaneous transplanted (BST), subfascial ...
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This study was carried out to assess the different ovarian transplantation sites after short-time autografting. Female rats were randomized into five groups, with six rats in each group, including control (intact), cervical subcutaneous transplanted (CST), back subcutaneous transplanted (BST), subfascial transplanted (SFT) and intramuscular transplanted (IMT) groups. In all experimental groups, the right ovary was removed and transplanted into different sites. After three weeks, ovaries were removed for morphology assessment, follicular counting and the rates of corpus luteum (CL) and cyst formation. Transplanted ovaries in BST and SFT groups were full of cysts and did not have sufficient numbers of intact follicles and were excluded from experiments. In IMT and CST groups, re-anastomosis, follicular development and good homogeneity of the stromal tissue were seen. However, the difference in intact antral follicles between CST (7.92 ± 0.02%) and CST-Op (opposite ovary of CST group) (30.99 ± 0.03%) was significant as well as the difference between CST (7.92 ± 0.02%) and control (10.08 ± 0.01%) groups. In addition, the number of intact primordial follicles in the CST-Op (16.58 ± 0.02%) group was significantly less than that of the control (40.40 ± 0.03%) group. Interestingly, the number of CL was significantly increased in the CST-Op (11.71 ± 0.01%) and IMT-Op (9.16 ± 0.02%) groups compared to the control and experimental groups. Although both intramuscular and subcutaneous sites effectively preserved ovarian follicles after three weeks, cervical subcutaneous site was better suited for auto-transplantation in rat.
Histology
Mojtaba Babazadeh; Gholamreza Najafi
Volume 8, Issue 4 , December 2017, , Pages 319-326
Abstract
Chlorpyrifos (CPF) is a broad spectrum organophosphate pesticide used for agricultural health purposes. Its principal mechanism of toxicity is the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase. The purpose of present study was to investigate the effects of CPF on testicular tissue and sperm parameters in male rats. ...
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Chlorpyrifos (CPF) is a broad spectrum organophosphate pesticide used for agricultural health purposes. Its principal mechanism of toxicity is the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase. The purpose of present study was to investigate the effects of CPF on testicular tissue and sperm parameters in male rats. Thirty-two healthy male rats were divided into two groups: a CPF-exposed group and a control-sham group. Control-sham group received corn oil (0.20 mL per day). The CPF was administered orally to male rats at 37 mg kg-1 BW for 45 days to evaluate the reproductive toxicity. In all rats, sampling for histological and sperm analyses was performed on days 5, 15, 30 and 45. The CPF caused a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in sperm count, viability and motility and increased immature sperms and DNA damage in sperm cells. Light microscopic analyses revealed increased arrested spermatogenesis, negative tubular differentiation and repopulation indexes and decreased Leydig cells number. These findings indicate that CPF has adverse effects on sperm cells and reproductive system of male rats.
Pathology
Farhad Safarpoor Dehkordi; Farhang Tirgir; Yousef Valizadeh
Volume 8, Issue 3 , September 2017, , Pages 215-221
Abstract
Application of smoke condensate derived from an indirect heating of jennet feces (Sargin) had been recommended by Iranian ancient scientists as a therapeutic agent. The present study was done to evaluate the healing effects of Guajol® ointment on burn wound in rat. The Guajol® ointment was prepared ...
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Application of smoke condensate derived from an indirect heating of jennet feces (Sargin) had been recommended by Iranian ancient scientists as a therapeutic agent. The present study was done to evaluate the healing effects of Guajol® ointment on burn wound in rat. The Guajol® ointment was prepared from the smoke condensate of Sargin samples. Wistar Rats (n = 50) were randomized into six groups including normal saline, silver sulfadiazine and 1.25%, 2.50%, 5.00% and 10.00% concentrations of Guajol® ointment. Under general anesthesia, dorsum of the rats were shaved and burn wounds were created using hot plate. Area of wounds and percent of healing were measured. Normal saline had the highest area of wound, followed by 1.25% Guajol® and silver-sulfadiazine groups. The group treated with 5.00% Guajol® showed the highest percent of healing. Percent of healing in NS, SSD and 5.00% Guajol® ointment groups on day 21 were 38.47%, 75.00% and 98.51%, respectively. Microscopic examination of wounds sections of rats treated with 5.00% Guajol® showed more collagen fibers and fibroblasts cells on day 7. Wounds of 5.00% Guajol® treated group was covered with healthy epithelial and epidermis tissues and hair follicles on day 21. This was the first report of using Sargin to heal the burn wound of rat. Further studies are recommended for investigation of the other effects of Guajol® ointment and its possible application in medicine.
Histology
Ameneh Hasanzadeh Khosh; Shapour Hasanzadeh; Ali Shalizar Jalali
Volume 8, Issue 2 , June 2017, , Pages 97-104
Abstract
Nicotine (NIC) adversely influences male reproductive system. Achillea millefolium (Achm) as a medicinal plant is highly regarded for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The present study was conducted to assess whether Achminflorescences alcoholic extract could serve as a protective agent ...
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Nicotine (NIC) adversely influences male reproductive system. Achillea millefolium (Achm) as a medicinal plant is highly regarded for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The present study was conducted to assess whether Achminflorescences alcoholic extract could serve as a protective agent against reproductive toxicity in NIC-exposed male rats. Adult male rats were randomly divided into six groups. Two groups received NIC at doses of 0.20 and 0.40 mg kg-1 per day in 0.50 mL sterile distilled water for 48 days intraperitoneally, respectively. The further two groups received NIC at doses of 0.20 and 0.40 mg kg-1 per day in 0.50 mL sterile distilled water for intraperitoneally along with Achm extract at a dose of 1.20 g kg-1 per day in 1 mL sterile distilled water orally for 48 days, respectively. A vehicle treated control group and an Achm-only treated group were also included. The NIC-exposed groups showed significant reductions in epididymal sperm count, motility, viability and serum levels of FSH, LH and testosterone as well as testicular antioxidant capacity. Moreover, the incidence of apoptosis and abnormality in spermatozoa along with testicular malondialdehyde and total nitrite levels were significantly higher in NIC-treated rats. The above-mentioned parameters were restored to near normal levels by Achm co-administration. These findings indicated thatAchmmay partially be protective against NIC-induced testicular toxicity.
Pathology
Firoozeh Niazvand; Layasadat Khorsandi; Mohammadreza Abbaspour; Mahmoud Orazizadeh; Negar Varaa; Mahtab Maghzi; Kheironesa Ahmadi
Volume 8, Issue 2 , June 2017, , Pages 155-161
Abstract
Curcumin has been found to be very efficacious against many different types of diseases. However, the major disadvantage associated with the use of curcumin is its low systemic bioavailability. In the present study the protective effects of curcumin-loaded poly lactic-co-glycolic acid nanoparticles (nanocurcumin) ...
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Curcumin has been found to be very efficacious against many different types of diseases. However, the major disadvantage associated with the use of curcumin is its low systemic bioavailability. In the present study the protective effects of curcumin-loaded poly lactic-co-glycolic acid nanoparticles (nanocurcumin) against mono-iodoacetate-induced osteoarthritis in rats was investigated. Mono-iodoacetate was injected into right knee joints to induce osteoarthritis. In experimental groups, 14 days after injection of mono-iodoacetate, curcumin (200 mg kg-1) and nanocurcumin (200 mg kg-1) were gavaged, respectively, for two weeks. Then the rats were sacrificed and the right knee joints were removed and fixated in 10% formalin for histological assessments. Cellularity and matrix staining were significantly increased in articular cartilage of curcumin-treated animals compared to mono-iodoacetate group (p < 0.01). These effects were significantly (p < 0.01) more in nanocurcumin-treated animals. These results suggested that administration of nanocurcumin prevented the structural changes of articular cartilage in mono-iodoacetate modelofosteoarthritis in rats.
Physiology
Esmaeal Tamaddonfard; Amir Erfanparast
Volume 8, Issue 1 , March 2017, , Pages 29-34
Abstract
The parafascicular nucleus (PFN) of thalamus, as a supraspinal structure, has an important role in processing of nociceptive information. In addition, μ-opioid receptor contributes to supraspinal modulation of nociception. In the present study, the effects of microinjection of naloxone (a non-specific ...
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The parafascicular nucleus (PFN) of thalamus, as a supraspinal structure, has an important role in processing of nociceptive information. In addition, μ-opioid receptor contributes to supraspinal modulation of nociception. In the present study, the effects of microinjection of naloxone (a non-specific opioid-receptor antagonist) and naloxonazine (a specific μ-opioid receptor antagonist) were investigated on morphine-induced antinociception in a rat model of acute trigeminal pain. Right and left sides of PFN of thalamus were implanted with two guide cannulas. Acute trigeminal pain was induced by local corneal surface application of hypertonic saline and the number of eye wipes as a pain index was recorded for 30 sec. Microinjection of morphine at doses of 1, 2 and 4 μg per site significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the number of eye wipes. Alone microinjection of naloxone (4 μg per site) and naloxonazine (1 and 2 μg per site) significantly (p < 0.05) increased corneal pain severity. Prior microinjection of naloxone (2 and 4 μg per site) and naloxonazine (1 and 2 μg per site) significantly (p < 0.05) prevented the antinociceptive effect induced by morphine (4 μg per site). All the above-mentioned chemicals did not alter locomotor behavior in an open-field test. The results of the present study showed an antinociceptive effect of morphine at the PFN level of thalamus. Mu-opioid receptor of the PFN of thalamus may be involved in morphine-induced antinociception.
Clinical Pathology
Behrokh Marzban Abbasabadi; Mina Tadjalli
Volume 7, Issue 4 , December 2016, , Pages 347-351
Abstract
This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of soy milk on serum 17- β estradiol level and number of neurons in cerebral cortex and hippocampus as well as determination of the ratio of neurons in cortical and hippocampal regions in neonatal ovariectomized rats. Thirty female rats (one day old) ...
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This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of soy milk on serum 17- β estradiol level and number of neurons in cerebral cortex and hippocampus as well as determination of the ratio of neurons in cortical and hippocampal regions in neonatal ovariectomized rats. Thirty female rats (one day old) were divided into six groups of five. At day 7, ovariectomy surgery was performed in four groups and two other groups were assumed as sham and control groups. Three groups of ovareictomaized rats were fed with soy milk at the doses of 0.75, 1.50 and 3.00 mL kg-1 per day since they were 14. At day 60, the blood samples were collected to measure the17- β estradiol concentration, and then the brain of rats were prepared for histological studies. The serum 17- β estradiol level significantly increased in ovariectomized rats fed with soy milk compared to ovariectomized rats with no soy milk supplementation. In addition, the results showed that soy milk significantly increased the number of neurons in CA1, CA2 and dentate gyrus regions of hippocampus and granular layer of cerebral cortex in ovariectomized rats, whereas there was no significant change in number of neurons in CA3 zone of hippocampus and molecular, pyramidal and multiform layers of cerebral cortex in ovariectomized rats fed with soy milk. The ratio of cerebral cortex neurons to hippocampal neurons had no significant changes among the experimental groups.
Theriogenology
Lubna Hamid Tahtamouni; Rema Ahmad Al-Khateeb; Reem Nasser Abdellatif; Zainab Ali Al-Mazaydeh; Salem Refaat Yasin; Samer Al-Gharabli; Ali Zuhair Elkarmi
Volume 7, Issue 2 , June 2016, , Pages 89-97
Abstract
Taraxacum officinale has been used in Jordan folk medicine to treat male infertility. A recent study has proved a contradictory effect of the whole plant aqueous extract. The aim of the current study was to determine if the leaves of T. officinale have similar anti-fertility activities, and whether this ...
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Taraxacum officinale has been used in Jordan folk medicine to treat male infertility. A recent study has proved a contradictory effect of the whole plant aqueous extract. The aim of the current study was to determine if the leaves of T. officinale have similar anti-fertility activities, and whether this effect is mediated through the regulation of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). Fifty adult male rats were divided into five groups. Two groups were gavaged with 1/10 of LD50 of T. officinale whole plant (1.06 g kg-1 body weight) or leaves (2.30 g kg-1 body weight) aqueous extract; while two groups were gavaged with 1/20 of LD50 of T. officinale whole plant (2.13 g kg-1) or leaves (4.60 g kg-1) extract. The control group received distilled water. Oral administration of T. officinale (whole plant and leaves aqueous extract) caused a significant decrease in testis and seminal vesicle weight, a reduction in serum testosterone concentration, impaired sperm parameters, and a decrease in pregnancy parameters. Testicular histology of treated rats showed structural changes such as hypoplasia of germ cells, reduction in the thickness of germinal epithelium, arrest of spermatogenesis at spermatid stage (late maturation arrest) and reduction in the number of Leydig cells. Gene expression levels of two SSCs markers (GFRα1 and CSF1) responsible for self-renewal were relatively counter-balanced. In conclusion, T. officinale whole plant and leaves aqueous extracts changed the gene expression of two SSCs markers leading to the imbalance between spermatogonia self-renewal and differentiation causing late maturation arrest.
Embryology
Mahmood Khaksary Mahabady; Mohammad Reza Gholami; Hossein Najafzadeh Varzi; Abolfazl Zende del; Mona Doostizadeh
Volume 7, Issue 2 , June 2016, , Pages 133-138
Abstract
Cyclophosphamide (CP) is a drug commonly used to treat neoplastic disease and some autoimmune diseases. It is also a well-known and well-studied teratogen causing a variety of birth defects in fetuses of pregnant women treated with the drug. There are many reports that show the adverse effects of CP ...
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Cyclophosphamide (CP) is a drug commonly used to treat neoplastic disease and some autoimmune diseases. It is also a well-known and well-studied teratogen causing a variety of birth defects in fetuses of pregnant women treated with the drug. There are many reports that show the adverse effects of CP can be decreased by use of antioxidant drugs. It appears that, quercetin has antioxidant effect. The aim of this study was prevention or decrease of teratogenicity of CP in fetuses of rats by quercetin. This study was performed on 35 pregnant rats divided into six groups. Control group was received normal saline (5 mL kg-1, intraperitoneally) and 2-6 groups received a single dose of CP (15 mg kg-1), a single dose of quercetin (75 or 200 mg kg-1), CP plus quercetin (75 or 200 mg kg-1) intraperitoneally at 9th day of gestation, respectively. Fetuses were collected at 20th day of gestation and after determination of weight and crown rump length were stained by alizarin red – alcian blue method and skeletal system were examined by stereomicroscope. The results showed that the cleft palate, exencephaly, spina bifida and omphalocele incidence were 55.56%, 27.77%, 33.34% and 11.11%, in fetuses of rat that received only CP, respectively. However, it decreased to 16.00%, 16.00%, 16.00% and 8.00% by quercetin (75 mg kg-1) and so to 12.90%, 12.90%, 6.45% and 3.28% by quercetin (200 mg kg-1), respectively. On the basis of results, quercetin significantly can decrease teratogenicity induced by CP.
