Physiology
Somayyeh Naderi; Esmaeal Tamaddonfard; Saeid Nafisi; Farhad Soltanalinejad-Taghiabad
Volume 15, Issue 3 , March 2024, , Pages 131-138
Abstract
Thymoquinone (TQ) is the main biologically active substance of Nigella sativa (black seeds). It has anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-oxidative and anti-nociceptive properties. This study was aimed to explore the effect of TQ on acetic acid-induced visceral nociception. The central ...
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Thymoquinone (TQ) is the main biologically active substance of Nigella sativa (black seeds). It has anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-oxidative and anti-nociceptive properties. This study was aimed to explore the effect of TQ on acetic acid-induced visceral nociception. The central mechanisms of the effect of TQ were investigated using cannabinergic (AM251) and α2-adrenergic (yohimbine [Yoh]) antagonists. The lateral ventricle of the brain was cannulated for intracerebroventricular (ICV) injections. Visceral nociception was induced by intra-peritoneal (IP) injection of acetic acid (1.00% in a volume of 1.00 mL). Measuring the latency time to the first writhing appearance and counting the number of writhing in 5-min intervals for a period of 60 min were performed. Locomotor activity was determined using an open-field test. Oral administration (PO) of 2.50 and 10.00 mg kg-1 TQ increased the latency time to the first writhing appearance and decreased the number of writhing. The AM251 (5.00 µg per rat; ICV) and Yoh (5.00 µg per rat; ICV) partially prevented TQ (10.00 mg kg-1; PO)-induced anti-nociception. Locomotor activity was not altered by these treatments. The results of the present study showed that TQ had the ability to reduce visceral nociception caused by IP injection of acetic acid. The central mechanisms of this action of TQ might be partially mediated by cannabinergic and α2-adrenegic receptors.
Farshad Safaei; Esmaeal Tamaddonfard; Saeed Nafisi; Mehdi Imani
Volume 12, Issue 2 , June 2021, , Pages 149-156
Abstract
This study was designed to investigate the effects of peripheral [intraperitoneal (IP)] and central [intracerebroventricular (ICV)] administration of cinnamaldehyde on concentrations of blood glucose and serum insulin in the acute hyperglycemia induced by ketamine/xylazine. Yohimbine (a α2-adrenoceptor ...
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This study was designed to investigate the effects of peripheral [intraperitoneal (IP)] and central [intracerebroventricular (ICV)] administration of cinnamaldehyde on concentrations of blood glucose and serum insulin in the acute hyperglycemia induced by ketamine/xylazine. Yohimbine (a α2-adrenoceptor antagonist) was used alone and in combination with cinnamaldehyde to explore the α2-adrenergic receptor contribution. A total of 48 rats were divided into eight groups with six rats in each for IP administration of normal saline, vehicle, cinnamaldehyde (25.00, 50.00 and 100 mg kg-1), yohimbine (0.50 and 2.00 mg kg-1) and cinnamaldehyde plus yohimbine. These rats were used again for ICV administration 15 days after the completion of IP experiment. During this 15 days period, the lateral ventricle of the brain was surgically cannulated for ICV administration of normal saline, vehicle, cinna-maldehyde (25.00, 50.00 and 100 µg per rat), yohimbine (5.00 and 20.00 µg per rat) and cinnamaldehyde plus yohimbine. Blood glucose levels were measured from tail blood using a glucometer and serum insulin concentrations were determined via enzyme-linked immune-sorbent assay kit. The increased levels of blood glucose and the decreased concentrations of serum insulin were significantly decreased and increased, respectively, by separate and combined IP and ICV administrations of cinnamaldehyde and yohimbine. The systemic effects of these chemical compounds were significantly greater than the central ones. Based on the results, it can be argued that cinnamaldehyde has a potential to induce anti-hyperglycemic and antihypoinsulinemic effects. Peripheral and central α2-adrenegic receptors might be involved in these effects of cinnamaldehyde.
Clinical Pathology
Christian Onwuchokwe Okorie-Kanu; Daniel Inua Edet; Patrick Emeka Aba; Onyinye Josephine Okorie-Kanu
Volume 10, Issue 4 , December 2019, , Pages 351-355
Abstract
This study investigated the toxic effects of dried pulverized Caloncoba echinata leaves on the hematology, blood biochemistry and vital organs of male albino rats. Twenty adult male rats were randomly divided into four groups of five rats each. Groups A, B and C were fed 25.00%, 15.00% and 5.00% of pulverized ...
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This study investigated the toxic effects of dried pulverized Caloncoba echinata leaves on the hematology, blood biochemistry and vital organs of male albino rats. Twenty adult male rats were randomly divided into four groups of five rats each. Groups A, B and C were fed 25.00%, 15.00% and 5.00% of pulverized C. echinata leaves in feed respectively while group D was given normal feed for a four weeks period. Blood samples were collected at two weeks intervals for hematological and blood biochemistry analyses. Results showed a significant reduction of packed cell volume, hemoglobin concentration and total red blood cell counts in group B from week two to the end of the study. There was also a reduction of body weight and leukocytosis in groups A and B from week two to the end of the study. There was a significant reduction of albumin in group B when compared to the other groups after two weeks and a significant reduction in blood glucose concentration in group A after two weeks of the feeding of the leaves to the end of the study. Discrete areas of degeneration and necrosis of hepatocytes were observed in the rats of groups A and B and testicular atrophy in group B rats. It was concluded that feeding the rats with the pulverized C. echinata leaves led to a significant reduction of body weights and erythrocytic parameters, leukocytosis, hepatic and testicular injuries in the albino rats.
Pathology
Amir Faramarzpour; Ali Asghar Tehrani; Esmaeal Tamaddonfard; Mehdi Imani
Volume 10, Issue 3 , September 2019, , Pages 227-234
Abstract
Crocin, as a carotenoid compound of saffron, exerts a potent antioxidant property. Mesalazine is frequently used in the treatment of ulcerative colitis. This study investigated the effects of separated and combination treatments with crocin and mesalazine in a rat model of ulcerative colitis. Ulcerative ...
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Crocin, as a carotenoid compound of saffron, exerts a potent antioxidant property. Mesalazine is frequently used in the treatment of ulcerative colitis. This study investigated the effects of separated and combination treatments with crocin and mesalazine in a rat model of ulcerative colitis. Ulcerative colitis was induced by intra-colonic administration of acetic acid (4.00%, 1.00 mL) at 8 cm proximal of the anus. Normal saline, acetic acid, crocin (5.00, 10.00 and 20.00 mg kg-1), mesalazine (100 and 300 mg kg-1) and crocin (5.00 mg kg-1) plus mesalazine (100 mg kg-1) were administered after induction of colitis for eight days. Body weight, oraganosomatic index (OSI), macroscopic and microscopic evaluations of colon and measurement of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) contents of colon tissue were determined on day eight after induction of colitis. Crocin (10.00 and 20.00 mg kg-1), mesalazine (300 mg kg-1) and crocin (5.00 mg kg-1) plus mesalazine (100 mg kg-1) significantly (p < 0.05) improved body weight and OSI and reduced macroscopic and microscopic scores. These treatments also significantly (p <0.05) recovered the increased levels of MDA and TNF-α as well as the decreased level of SOD in colon tissue. Crocin and mesalazine did not produce significant effects in intact rats. Based on the results, it is concluded that crocin and mesalazine produced protective effects on colon tissue via antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions. In addition, a synergistic effect was observed between crocin and mesalazine in attenuating ulcerative colitis.
Physiology
Esmaeal Tamaddonfard; Sina Tamaddonfard; Siamak Cheraghiyan
Volume 9, Issue 4 , December 2018, , Pages 329-335
Abstract
Vitamin B12 modulates pain at the local and peripheral levels. This study has investigated the effects of intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection of vitamin B12 on themuscle pain. We used diclofenac (cyclooxygenase inhibitor) and naloxone (opioid receptors antagonist) to clarify the possible mechanisms. ...
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Vitamin B12 modulates pain at the local and peripheral levels. This study has investigated the effects of intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection of vitamin B12 on themuscle pain. We used diclofenac (cyclooxygenase inhibitor) and naloxone (opioid receptors antagonist) to clarify the possible mechanisms. For ICV injections, a guide cannula was implanted in the left lateral ventricle of the brain. Muscle pain was induced by intramuscular injection of formalin (2.50%; 50 µl) in the right gastrocnemius muscle and the number of paw flinching was recorded at 5-min blocks for 60 min. Locomotor activity was performed using an open-field test. Formalin induced a biphasic pain. Vitamin B12 (1.25, 2.50, 5.00 and 10.00 µg per rat) and diclofenac (12.50 and 25.00 µg per rat) significantly reduced both phases pain intensity. Significant antinociceptive effects were observed after combined treatments of diclofenac (6.25 and 12.50 µg per rat) with vitamin B12 (0.63 and 2.50 µg per rat), respectively. Prior ICV injection of naloxone (10.00 µg per rat) prevented vitamin B12 (10.00 µg per rat) and diclofenac (25.00 µg per rat) induced antinociceptive effects. All the above-mentioned chemicals did not alter locomotor behavior in an open-field test. The present results showed that the cyclooxygenase pathway and opioid receptors may be involved in the central antinociceptive effect of vitamin B12. In addition, opioid receptors might be involved in diclofenac-induced antinociception.
Theriogenology
Arash Kakaiy; Esmail Ayen; Rajabali Sadrkhanlou; Farshid Sarrafzadeh-Rezaei
Volume 6, Issue 2 , June 2015, , Pages 101-110
Abstract
Thirty six Wistar albino rats with implant induced endometriosis were randomly divided into six groups of six animals each. The rats in the first group received nothing and were euthanized at day 21. In the second group, rats received nothing and were euthanized at day 36. The third group received atorvastatin ...
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Thirty six Wistar albino rats with implant induced endometriosis were randomly divided into six groups of six animals each. The rats in the first group received nothing and were euthanized at day 21. In the second group, rats received nothing and were euthanized at day 36. The third group received atorvastatin (ATV; 5 mg kg-1 per day, orally) until 21 days from induction of endometriosis, and the fourth group received ATV from the 15th day after induction of endometriosis for 21 days. The fifth group received grape seed extract (GET; 450 mg kg-1 per day, orally) until 21 days from induction of endometriosis. In the sixth group, GET was administered from the 15th day after induction of endometriosis for 21 days. The estrogen receptor positive cells (ER+) distribution and angiogenesis were assessed using immunohistochemical and immunoflourescent analyzes, respectively. The active cells with intracytoplasmic carbohydrate content were analyzed. Erα mRNA expression was assessed using semiquantitative real time-PCR and the tissue levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-px) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were evaluated. The GET and ATV-treated animals showed significant reduction in endometriosis-increased ER+ cells distribution as well as significant decrease in Erα mRNA levels (p < 0.05). Our data suggests that GET exerts a potent inhibitory effect on development of endometriotic implants similar to ATV.
Norollah Pakdel; Soraya Naem; Farid Rezaei; Abdol-Ali Chalehchaleh
Volume 4, Issue 2 , June 2013, , Pages 105-109
Abstract
Parasitic infections of rodents can compromise scientific research as well as the health of the animals and humans. Based on previous studies, infection rate of parasitic helminths is different in various regions of Iran. The current survey was aimed to determine endoparasitic helminths infection in ...
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Parasitic infections of rodents can compromise scientific research as well as the health of the animals and humans. Based on previous studies, infection rate of parasitic helminths is different in various regions of Iran. The current survey was aimed to determine endoparasitic helminths infection in 138 trapped rodents of Kermanshah county, Iran. Mice and rats were trapped using metal snares from January to October 2011 and euthanized. Rodents included 110 Mus musculus (79.00%), 23 Rattus norvegicus (17.00%), and five Rattus rattus (4.00%). The gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts were removed and examined to identify parasitic helminths. The results indicated that 42.02% of examined rodents were infected with eight helminths species, i.e. Trichuris muris (14.49%), Syphacia obvelata (13.76%), Syphacia muris (2.89%), Aspicularis tetrapetra (5.07%), Heterakis spumosa (5.07%), Capillaria hepatica eggs (3.62%), Hyminolepis diminuta (12.30%), and Cystisercus fasciolaris, the larva of Taenia teanieformis (4.34%). Given the results of this study, we concluded that examined rodents were more infected with nematodes than other helminths. As rodents are usually infected with a number of zoonotic parasites, hence control of these animals has an important role in safeguarding public health.
Esmaeal Tamaddonfard1; Farzad Samadi; Karim Egdami
Volume 4, Issue 1 , March 2013, , Pages 19-24
Abstract
The present study was performed to investigate the effects of long-term intraperitoneal (IP) injection of vitamin B12 and diclofenac in separate and combined treatments on cold and mechanical allodynia in a neuropathic pain model in rats. Neuropathic pain was induced by crush injury in right tibial nerve. ...
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The present study was performed to investigate the effects of long-term intraperitoneal (IP) injection of vitamin B12 and diclofenac in separate and combined treatments on cold and mechanical allodynia in a neuropathic pain model in rats. Neuropathic pain was induced by crush injury in right tibial nerve. Acetone spray and von Frey tests were used to obtain cold and mechanical allodynia responses, respectively, on day 11 after nerve crush. Normal saline, vitamin B12 and diclofenac were injected intraperitoneally for 10 consecutive days after surgery. Normal saline treated rats showed cold and mechanical allodynia responses after nerve crush. Vitamin B12 at doses of 50, 100 and 200 µg kg-1 and diclofenac at a dose of 2 mg kg-1 produced antiallodynic effects. Antiallodynic effects were not observed when subanalgesic doses of vitamin B12 (25 µg kg-1) and diclofenac (0.25 mg kg-1) were used together. By increasing the dose of vitamin B12 to an effective dose (100 µg kg-1), antiallodynic effects were observed when compared with diclofenac (0.25 mg kg-1) alone. The results indicated that vitamin B12 and diclofenac produced neuropathic pain suppressing effects. Moreover, a potentiation effect was observed between vitamin B12 and diclofenac.
Esmaeal Tamaddonfard; Amir-Abbas Farshid; Sona Seiednejhad; Asghar Morvaridi
Volume 2, Issue 4 , December 2011, , Pages 226-230
Abstract
The present study investigated the effects of microinjections of acetylcholine (a cholinergic agonist), physostigmine (a cholinesterase inhibitor), atropine (an antagonist of muscarinic cholinergic receptors) and hexamethonium (an antagonist of nicotinic cholinergic receptors) into the parafascicular ...
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The present study investigated the effects of microinjections of acetylcholine (a cholinergic agonist), physostigmine (a cholinesterase inhibitor), atropine (an antagonist of muscarinic cholinergic receptors) and hexamethonium (an antagonist of nicotinic cholinergic receptors) into the parafascicular nucleus of thalamus on the acute corneal nociception in rats. Acute corneal nociception was induced by putting a drop of 5 M NaCl solution onto the corneal surface of the eye and the number of eye wipes was counted during the first 30s. Both acetylcholine and physostigmine at the same doses of 0.5, 1 and 2 μg significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the number of eye wipes. The intensity of corneal nociception was not changed when atropine and hexamethonium were used alone. Atropine (4 μg), but not hexamethonium (4 μg) significantly (P < 0.05) prevented acetylcholine (2 μg)- and physostigmine (2 μg)-induced antinociceptive effects. The results indicated that at the level of the parafascicular nucleus of thalamus, the muscarinic cholinergic receptors might be involved in the antinociceptive effects of acetylcholine and physostigmine.
Amir-Abbas Farshid; Esmaeal Tamaddonfard; Asghar Morvaridi
Volume 2, Issue 1 , March 2011, , Pages 31-36
Abstract
In this study, the effects of separate and combined intraperitoneal (IP) injections of histidine and dexamethasone were investigated on local inflammation in rats. Local inflammation was induced by subcutaneous (SC) injection of histamine (100 μl, 0.1%) in ventral surface of right hind paw. The thickness ...
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In this study, the effects of separate and combined intraperitoneal (IP) injections of histidine and dexamethasone were investigated on local inflammation in rats. Local inflammation was induced by subcutaneous (SC) injection of histamine (100 μl, 0.1%) in ventral surface of right hind paw. The thickness of paw was measured at 30 min before and 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 min after injection of histamine, using a fine caliper. The number of neutrophils in paw tissue sections was counted 3 h after intraplantar (IPL) injection of histamine. The IPL injected histamine elicited an inflammatory response that was characterized by increase of paw thickness and by infiltration of neutrophils in paw tissues. IP injections of histidine at doses of 200 and 400 mg kg-1 and dexamethasone at a dose of 1 mg kg-1 significantly (P < 0.05) decreased both paw thickness and infiltration of neutrophils in paw tissues. In combined treatment, IP injection of histidine (200 mg kg-1) with dexamethasone (1 mg kg-1) produced a more documented response in comparison with histidine and dexamethasone used alone. The results suggested that histidine and dexamethasone have anti-inflammatory activities. Histidine potentiated the anti-inflammatory effect of dexamethasone in histamine-induced local inflammation.
Emad Khalilzadeh; Esmaeal Tamaddonfard; Amir-Abbas Farshid; Amir Erfanparast
Volume 1, Issue 3 , December 2010, , Pages 166-173
Abstract
The present study investigated the effects of intra-dentate gyrus microinjection of naloxone (an opioid antagonist) and thioperamide (an antagonist of histamine H3 receptors) in the formalin test in rats. Subcutaneous injection of formalin (50 μl, 2.5 %) in the ventral surface of right hind paw produced ...
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The present study investigated the effects of intra-dentate gyrus microinjection of naloxone (an opioid antagonist) and thioperamide (an antagonist of histamine H3 receptors) in the formalin test in rats. Subcutaneous injection of formalin (50 μl, 2.5 %) in the ventral surface of right hind paw produced a biphasic pattern (first phase: 0-5 min and second phase: 15 - 60 min) of licking/biting and shaking of the injected paw. Intra-dentate gyrus microinjections of thioperamide (2 and 4 μg) significantly (P < 0.05) suppressed the pain responses. Microinjections of naloxone (1, 2 and 4 μg) alone into the dentate gyrus non-significantly increased the intensity of pain. Pretreatment with naloxone (4 μg) significantly (P < 0.05) reversed the antinociceptive effect of thioperamide (4 μg). The results indicated that at the level of the dentate gyrus, blockade of histamine H3 receptors with thioperamide produced an analgesic effect. This thioperamide-induced antinociception may be mediated through the endogenous opioid system.
Amir Erfanparast; Esmaeal Tamaddonfard; Amir Abbas Farshid; Emad Khalilzadeh
Volume 1, Issue 2 , September 2010, , Pages 83-89
Abstract
In the present study, the effects of intra-hippocampal microinjections of morphine (an opioid agonist) and naloxone (an opioid antagonist) were investigated in the formalin-induced orofacial pain in rats. Orofacial pain was induced by subcutaneous injection of formalin (1 %, 50 μl) in the upper lip ...
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In the present study, the effects of intra-hippocampal microinjections of morphine (an opioid agonist) and naloxone (an opioid antagonist) were investigated in the formalin-induced orofacial pain in rats. Orofacial pain was induced by subcutaneous injection of formalin (1 %, 50 μl) in the upper lip region and the time spent of face rubbing was measured in 3-min blocks for 45 min. Formalin induced a biphasic (first phase: 0-3 min; second phase: 15-33 min) pain response. Intra-hippocampal microinjections of morphine at doses of 2 and 4 μg significantly (P < 0.05) attenuated the first phase, and at doses of 1, 2 and 4 μg, morphine significantly (P < 0.05) suppressed both phases of formalin-induced orofacial pain response. Intra-hippocampal microinjections of naloxone (1 and 4 μg) non-significantly increased pain when used alone, and in pretreatment microinjection, naloxone (4 μg) reversed morphine (2 μg)-induced antinociception. These results indicate that at the level of hippocampus of the brain, morphine through a naloxone-reversible mechanism produced an antinociceptive effect confronting the pain induced by formalin in the orofacial region in rats.
