Veterinary Research Forum

Abstract This study evaluated the protective effects of intraperitoneal tannic acid (TA) against ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in a rat model of testicular torsion. Eighteen adult male Wistar rats were randomized into three groups (n=6 each): sham (surgery without ischemia), I/R (3 hr ischemia + 3 hr reperfusion), and I/R+TA (TA 50 mg kg-1; 100 µL i.p. 30 min before reperfusion). Testicular tissues were sampled immediately after reperfusion for biochemical assays to measure malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) levels. Epididymides were analyzed 60 days later for sperm count, motility, viability, morphology, and DNA integrity. I/R significantly elevated MDA and sperm DNA damage while reducing SOD, GPx, sperm parameters, testicular weight and spermatogenesis. TA administration reversed these changes and restored the parameters to levels close to those of the sham group. Overall, intraperitoneal TA mitigated I/R-induced oxidative stress and preserved reproductive function, indicating its potential therapeutic value in testicular torsion.

Abstract Buildup of reactive oxygen species during testicular torsion causes oxidative stress and ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in testis. The purpose of this study was to investigate influence of β-cryptoxanthin (BCX) on I/R injury in testicular torsion/detorsion in mature rats. Thirty mature male Wistar rats were divided into five groups of six animals each, including sham group: In this group, midline incision of the scrotum was performed and the testicles were taken out for 2 hr with a 720-degree rotation, I/R group: In this group, midline incision of the scrotum was performed and the testicles were taken out and undergone ischemia for 2 hr with a 720-degree rotation, I/R/Oil group: In this group, a midline scrotum cut was performed, the testicles were taken out, ischemia was created for 2 hr with a 720-degree rotation, and at the end of ischemia 100 µL of corn oil (BCX solvent) was injected intraperitoneally, I/R/BCX10 group: The same as I/R/Oil group, as well as intraperitoneal administration of 100 µL of BCX (10.00 µg kg^-1) at the end of ischemia, and I/R/BCX40: The same as I/R/Oil group, as well as intraperitoneal administration of 100 µL of BCX (40.00 µg kg^-1) at the end of ischemia. Evaluations were based on histopathological and spermatological parameters and oxidative stress assessments. Histopathological spermatological and oxidative stress parameters values obtained from I/R/BCX40 were significantly different from those of other groups (p < 0.05). It could be concluded that BCX could ameliorate testicular injuries in acute testicular torsion/detorsion in mature rats.

Abstract The aim of this study was to compare the sedative and cardiovascular effects of the combination of xylazine-acepromazine versus xylazine-pregabalin - in horses. Four healthy crossbred horses were included in the study and assigned to two treatments. In treatment I (T1), the animals received xylazine hydrochloride (1.00 mg kg^-1) in combination with acepromazine maleate (0.05 mg kg^-1) intravenously. In treatment II (T2), the animals received intragastric administration of pregabalin (4.00 mg kg^-1) followed by xylazine hydrochloride (1.00 mg kg^-1) intravenously after 60 min. Head height above ground (HHAG) and echocardiographic indices were evaluated. In T1, recordings were made 5 minubefore and 5, 15, 30, 60, and 90 minu after drug administration. In T2, recordings were made 5 min before pregabalin, 55 minu after pregabalin administration, and then 5, 15, 30, 60, and 90 min after xylazine hydrochloride acepromazine injection. Analyses of the data showed there were no significant differences regarding HHAG and echocardiographic indices between the two treatments. Intragastric administration of pregabalin prior to xylazine could be considered as an alternative premedication regimen when acepromazine administration is contraindicated or undesirable.

Abstract The aim of this study was to compare the sedative and cardiovascular effects of the combination of acepromazine-clonidine versus acepromazine-xylazine in horses. Four healthy cross-bred horses were included in the study. They were assigned to two treatments. In treatment I (T1), the animals received xylazine hydrochloride (1.00 mg kg^-1) in combination with acepromazine maleate (0.05 mg kg^-1) intravenously (IV). In treatment II (T2), the animals received intra-gastric administration of clonidine (0.002 mg kg^-1) followed by acepromazine (0.05 mg kg^-1; IV) after 60 min. Head height above the ground (HHAG) and echocardiographic indices were evaluated. In T1, recordings were made 5 min before and 5, 15, 30, 60, and 90 min after drug administration. In T2, recordings were made 5 min before clonidine, 55 min after clonidine administration, and then 5, 15, 30, 60, and 90 min after acepromazine injection. Analyses of the data showed there were not significant differences regarding HHAG and echo-cardiographic indices between two treatments. For sedation of healthy horses, it was concluded that intra-gastric administration of clonidine and IV administration of acepromazine showed similar sedative and cardiovascular effects compared to IV acepromazine-xylazine administration.

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: 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.

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 (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.

Abstract   Despite promising results observed using silicone rubber chamber, no previous comprehensive work was performed on behavior of the conduit. Present study aimed at further functional, histomorphometrical and immunohistochemical assessment of nerve regeneration in the same animal along a 10-mm rat sciatic nerve gap. Fifty- four male Wistar rats were divided into three experimental groups (n = 18), randomly: Sham-operation (NC), Transected control (TC) and silicone conduit (SIL). In NC group after anesthesia left sciatic nerve was exposed through a gluteal muscle incision and after haemoestasis the muscle was sutured. In TC group left sciatic nerve was exposed the same way and transected proximal to the tibio-peroneal bifurcation leaving a 10-mm gap. In SIL group left sciatic nerve was transected the same way and proximal and distal stumps were each inserted into a silicone tube. Each group was subdivided into three subgroups of six animals each and were studied 4, 8, 12 weeks after surgery. Functional analysis showed significant improvement of nerve function in SIL group than in TC group (P < 0.05). Morphometric indices and immuohistochemistry indicated there were significant differences (P < 0.05) between SIL and TC groups 12 weeks after surgery. Silicone entubulation technique has offered the hope of providing a method for achieving the peripheral nerve regeneration in the least harmful way that is available, easily performed. Using silicone tubes in bridging of nerve defects could be promising because it is inert and does not induce extensive scarring or degeneration after implantation.

Abstract Rabbits are widely used as laboratory animals for experimental surgery. Anesthesia of rabbits may present complications unless the method is easy to apply and safe to use. In present study, effects of different dosages of vitamin C on thiopental sodium induced anesthesia in 25 male New Zealand white rabbits were studied. In the animals that had not received vitamin C treatment before thiopental sodium induced general anesthesia, return mean time of front limb pedal, corneal and ear pinch reflexes were 6.40 ± 1.67, 6.60 ± 2.96 and 8.00 ± 2.58 minutes, respectively. Pre-treatment of rabbits with 30 and 240 mg kg-1 (IV) of vitamin C followed by thiopental sodium 20 mg kg-1 (IV) resulted in significant (P < 0.05) increase in front limb pedal reflex return mean time to 13.00 ± 2.24 and ear pinch to 11.60 ± 4.16 minutes, respectively. There was also significant (P < 0.05) decrease in the heart rate following induction of anesthesia in the animals pre-treated with 30 and 90 mg kg-1 (IV) vitamin C and no change in the animals pre-treated with 240 mg kg-1 (IV) vitamin C. Serum analysis indicated a significant (P < 0.05) increase in blood glucose. These results suggest that premedication of rabbits with vitamin C despite potentiating of thiopental sodium anesthesia in rabbits is not dose dependent.