Age Related Changes in the Skin of Female Albino Rats: Histological, Immuno-histochemical and Biochemical Study

Tamoxifen (TAM) is commonly used for breast cancer treatment. It is considered non-steroidal antiestrogen agent. Toxic hepatitis, significant hepatic steatosis, and cirrhosis have been reported to be caused by TAM. Stem cells (BM-MSCs) are used for regenerative medicine and therapy. Aim of the work: to know how BMMSCs can improve tamoxifen induced damage in the liver of female albino rats. Materials & Methods: Ten female albino rats of average 200 gm were served as a donor for stem cells. Thirty female adult albino rats of 200-240 gm were randomly divided to three equal groups (10 animals each). Group I (Control group): provided ordinary diet. Group II (tamoxifen treated group): rats were orally given TAM with a dosage 20 mg per kg body weight daily for nine weeks consecutively. Group III (TAM & BM-MSCs group): animals were given TAM with a dosage 20 mg per kg body weight daily for nine weeks consecutively as in group II then received single intraperitoneal injection of 2×106 BM-MSCs suspended in PBS per rat then scarified after another four weeks. Biochemical studies were done, and liver sections were processed for histological, immunohistochemical and electron microscopic studies. Results: Sections of the animals’ liver taking TAM showed disturbance of the normal structure, showing cytoplasmic vacuolation, leukocytic infiltration, pyknotic nuclei, dilated cisternae of rough endoplasmic and dilated blood sinusoids also excessive collagen fibers, as well as increased expression of caspase 3. The levels of liver enzymes((AST), (ALT) and (ALP)) were elevated, On the other hand, animals’ liver sections treated with TAM followed by BM-MSCs showed improvement of the disturbed structure. In conclusion, BM-MSCs revealed ameliorative effect against TAM toxicity in rats.

Background: Mesenchymal stem cells have delivered new approaches to the management of burn healing in severe skin injuries. Aim of the work: To evaluate the effect of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) on healing of induced deep 2nd degree skin burns in albino rats. Methodology: 55 male albino rats weighed 200gm were divided into 5 groups, 5 animals in group I (control) and group II (burn model), 15 animals in group III (untreated), group IV and group V (MSCs treated). Groups III, IV and V were subdivided into 3 subgroups that were sacrificed after 7, 14 and 21 days respectively. Deep 2nd degree burn wounds were induced on a 4 cm2 area on the back of rats in groups II, III, IV and V by brass probes stabilized at 88–90°C and contacted to the shaved dorsal skin of rats for 20 seconds without exerting any external pressure. Mesenchymal stem cells were isolated from the bone marrow of 5 young rats, weighed 100gm then intra-dermally and intraperitoneally injected. Results: By the end of the third week, the wounds of BMSCs-treated groups showed full regeneration of epidermis, re-organization of collagen and decrease in VEGF immunopositive cells. Delayed wound healing was seen in 20% of systemically treated rats. Significant increase in the mean area percent of collagen fibers was detected in topically treated group. Conclusion: Both methods of BMSCs injection were effective in healing of full thickness skin wound but topical method was more effective.

Introduction Fluoride compounds are naturally present in soil, water, and food. Furthermore, fluoride in amounts exceeding the standard therapeutic dosage accumulates in hard and soft tissues, where it disturbs the metabolic processes and produces noticeable changes in multiple organs. Aim The study was designed to investigate the effects of sodium fluoride (NaF) on the lung of adult albino rats and the possible protective role of vitamin E on these changes. Materials and methods Twenty-six adult albino rats were divided into three groups: group I (control), group II receiving NaF alone (10 mg/kg body weight), and group III receiving the same NaF dose together with vitamin E supplementation (3 mg/day orally for 35 days). Tissue homogenates were collected for biochemical study, and the lung tissues were excised for histological, immunohistochemical, and biochemical studies. The results of biochemical and immunohistochemical studies were measured and statistically analyzed. Results Lung sections of rats treated with NaF showed congestion and injury in the endothelium of blood vessels, with hemorrhage and injury in the alveolar epithelium. Proliferation of pneumocytes type II and interstitial septal cells were seen. Thickening of interalveolar septum by cellular infiltration and red blood cells with subsequent decrease in the alveolar space was observed. Some area showed compensatory dilated alveolar ducts. A significant increase in the mean area% of cyclooxygenase-2-immunopositive cells was observed when compared with other groups. There was a significant decrease in the catalase activity and an increase in malondialdehyde concentration in group II. In vitamin E-treated group, most fields showed normal lung structure and some fields showed thickened interalveolar septa and dilated air spaces. Conclusion The use of vitamin E has a beneficial effect on the protection of lung against NaF-induced injury.

Bisphenol A (BPA) leads to ROS production that considered the core of different inflammatory and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases. As a natural antioxidant, lycopene plays a significant role in the prevention of many chronic diseases. This study aimed to investigate the possible protective role of lycopene against BPA-induced lung alterations using morphometric, histological, immunohistochemical and biochemical methods. Forty rats aged 3 months were divided into four groups (n=10): control group, lycopene group comprising rats that received lycopene by gavage (10 mg/kg /day) for 30 days, BPA group comprising rats that received BPA by gavage (50 mg/kg/day) for 30 days and lycopene + BPA group. On the 30th day, blood and lung tissue samples were collected for biochemical, histological and immunohistochemical studies. Morphometrical and statistical analyses were performed. The BPA group revealed significantly elevated IL-1B, IL-6, MDA and NO, and it showed significantly reduced IL-10, SOD, CAT and GSH when compared to the control and lycopene + BPA groups. Upon histopathological and immunohistochemical examination, lycopene supplementation improved the BPA-induced alveolar collapse, lymphocytic infiltration, extravasated RBCs and fibrosis. The lycopene + BPA group showed significantly reduced mean percentage of 8-OHdG immunopositive and mean area percentages of Bax and caspase 3 immunopositive cells and significantly reduced mean area percentage of Bcl2 immunopositive cells as compared with the BPA group. Lycopene is a protective agent against BPA-induced lung injury because of its anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, as confirmed by biochemical and histological studies.

Introduction Ovarian torsion is a serious cause of gynecological surgical emergency. Recently, a conservative approach including detorsion and releasing the pedicle to preserve fertility was advocated. However, detorsion worsens the tissue injury leading to ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) and production of reactive oxygen species. Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element and a component of the antioxidant enzymes that protect the cells against the effects of free radicals. Aim This study was designed to investigate the possible protective effect of Se on I/R-induced injury of ovary in a rat model (using histological and biochemical studies). Materials and methods Twenty-six adult female albino rats were divided into three groups: group I (control), group II (the I/R group) including rats exposed to right ovarian ischemia for 3 h and then reperfused for 12 h, and group III (the Se-treated group) including rats exposed to I/R as group II, in addition to 0.2 mg/kg Se injected intraperitoneally 30 min before reperfusion. Ovarian tissues were excised for histological, immunohistochemical, morphometric, and biochemical studies. Statistical analysis was performed. Results In the I/R group, the right ovary showed secondary follicles with desquamated cells into the antral cavity, congested vessels, multiple distorted follicles, massive extravasated red blood cells (RBCs), multiple dark nuclei, and vacuolations in the corpora lutea. The left ovary recruited congested vessels and extravasated RBCs in the corpora lutea. In the Se-treated group, the right ovary revealed some dark nuclei and vacuolations in some atretic follicles besides few extravasated RBCs. A significant increase in the mean area% of caspase-3 immunoreactivity was found in the right ovary in the I/R group compared with the other groups. A significant increase in DNA fragmentation percentage, a significant decrease in reduced glutathione concentration, a significant decrease in catalase activity, and a significant increase in malondialdehyde concentration were found in the I/R group compared with the other groups. Furthermore, administration of Se restored these values to normal levels. Conclusion Se proved to be effective in preventing tissue damage induced by I/R in rat ovaries.

Histological study of subcutaneous injections of nanofat versus hyaluronic acid on thin skin of female aged albino rats

1. The estrogenic hormone, ethinyl estradiol, in an alcoholic solution was absorbed through the skin of albino rats very effectively by cutaneous application without massage and in this vehicle appeared to give a complete substitution for the natural estrogenic internal secretion from the ovary. This would seem to indicate a very simple and reliable means of cutaneous application. Effective absorption of this estrogen through the skin was evidenced by the pronounced influence similar to that generally known of other estrogens on the pituitaries, ovaries, uteri, vagina, testes, seminal vesicles and ventral prostates as determined by gross weights (Table I) and histological studies. 2. The potency of an alcoholic solution of ethinyl estradiol applied to the skin was further substantiated by the fact that estrus was induced in both spayed and intact females in 24 hours and that the daily dosage of 0.1 γ was sufficient to substitute for the loss of the ovaries in castrates as evidenced by uterine weights (Table I). 3. Some retardation of body growth gain (Table II) was caused by the estrogenic treatment in the adult females (spayed and intact) and in immature males. Whether the retardation of body growth was due to some specific toxicity or to some other factor was not determined, however, no visible toxic effects were witnessed in daily observations on the eating habits, general skin and hair condition.

Introduction Smoking is associated with many dermatological conditions, including poor wound healing and premature skin aging. Nigella sativa, commonly known as black seed or black cumin, is used in folk herbal medicine all over the world for the treatment and prevention of a number of diseases. Aim The aim of the work is to investigate the effect of smoking on the histological structure of the skin and to evaluate the possible protective role of the nigella sativa oil (NSO). Materials and methods Twenty adult male albino rats were divided into four equal groups: group I (the control group) was placed 10min twice daily for 4 weeks in a chamber without cigarette smoke exposure and was given a single dose of saline, 10ml/kg BW (body weight) orally and daily, group II (the NSO group) was given a single dose of NSO, 10ml/kg BW orally and daily, group III (the passive smoking group) was exposed to both side stream and main stream smoke for 10min twice daily for 4 weeks, and group IV (the protected group) was exposed to both side stream and main stream smoke for 10min twice daily for 4 weeks simultaneously with a single dose of NSO, 10ml/kg BW orally and daily. Results Exposure of male albino rats to cigarette smoke for 4 weeks produced some histological changes in the skin in the form of a significant decrease in the thickness of the epidermis and flattening of the epidermal–dermal junction. There was also a significant decrease in the collagen fibers in the dermis and an apparent decrease in the cytokeratin intermediate filaments in the keratinocytes, whereas the histological structure of the skin in the animals that received black seeds oil concomitant with smoke exposure (group IV) was almost similar to that of the control. Conclusion It was concluded that exposure to cigarette smoke produced some histological changes in the skin similar to that occurring in old age, and administration of black seed oil could protect against these changes in adult male albino rats.

Chronological Changes in the Skin of Male Albino Rats (Histological and Immunohistochemical Study)

Oxytocin (OT) was revisited recently as a hormone of cardiovascular system with several new functions in cardiovascular regulation. But less is known about its role in acute myocardial injury (MI). The aim of our study was to investigate the possible protective effect of OT on the biochemical, histological and immunohistochemical changes of MI induced by isoprenaline (ISO) in adult male albino rats and studying the possible role of nitric oxide (NO) in its action. Forty male albino rats were divided into 5 groups: control rats (Group I), acute MI rats (Group II), rats pretreated with OT prior to induction of MI (Group III), rats injected with a combination of OT and atosiban (ATO, OT receptor antagonist) prior to induction of MI (Group IV). In Group V, a combination of OT and nitric oxide synthase inhibitor (L-NAME) were injected to the rats prior to induction of MI. The heart wall in all groups were taken and processed for histological, immunohistochemical, morphometrical and biochemical studies. We concluded that OT has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects on MI and its effects is mediated through NO.

The effect of two African mineral dyes Yombo tumtum (YT) and Yombo fita (YF) on the activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in the skin and serum of albino rats was investigated. The chemical analyses of the dyes were first carried out using solubility test, pH determination and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) elemental analysis. Six different concentrations (0.05, 0.15, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75 and 1.00%) of each dye were prepared using hydrogen peroxide as solvent. A total of 70 albino rats ( Rattus norvegicus ) were used for the study. The rats were grouped into 14 of 5 rats and were maintained on commercial feed for a period of 30 days, during which the experiment lasted. Group I served as the first control and the animals had distilled water applied on their heads. Group 2 which served as the second control contained rats on whose heads were applied the dissolving solvent i.e. hydrogen peroxide. Rats in group 3 to 8 had the various concentrations of YT (black) dye applied on their heads, while those in groups 9 to 14 had the various prepared concentrations of YF (white) dye applied on their heads. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected and portion of the head skin where the dyes were applied was cut. The activity of ALP was thereafter determined in the serum and skin of the experimental animals. The results revealed a significant decrease (p Journal of Applied Sciences and Environmental Management Vol. 10(3) 2006: 163-166

The current study aimed to determine the pathological effects of chronic poisoning with sodium fluoride on some reproductive organs like ovary, and testis of adult’s male and female albino rats. Thirty-six male and female adult’s albino rats were divided into six groups. The first and second group of male and female rats are control groups was given tap drinking water, the third and fourth groups of male and female rats was given 150 ppm of NaF, the fifth and sixth group of male and female rats was given 300 ppm of NaF respectively for 90 days. The weights of male and female genital were recorded. Histological exam of control groups of female rats showed the typical histological structure of the ovary, while the NaF treated groups showed a decrease in growing follicles, in addition to thickening in tunica albuginea and deposition of eosinophilic material. In male control groups, the sections showed the typical histological structures of the testis, while the treated groups showed multinucleated spermatids in addition to the deposition of amorphous eosinophilic material in the interstitial tissue, coagulative necrosis, in addition to apoptotic and sloughed spermatogonia in the lumen of seminiferous tubule. These results indicate that sodium fluoride with 300 ppm has toxic effects on organ body weights and on the histology of the gonads of adult’s male and female albino rats.

Background:Exposure of human being to fluoride occurs through various sources as food, water, toothpastes and fluoride additives. This exposure is either to low concentrations for long periods or to high concentrations and both may lead to poisoning. Folic acid (FA) has an important free radical scavenging property which makes it the most potent antioxidants. Moreover, it suppresses apoptosis and boost cell survival. Aim of the work: To evaluate the protective and therapeutic role of FA against sodium fluoride (NaF) induced toxicity on adult male rat skin. Materials and Methods:Forty adult (3 months) male albino rats(weighing 200-220 gm) were equally divided into 4 groups (10 rats each):group 1 (control),group 2 (NaF, for 4 weeks),group 3 (NaF, for 4 weeks followed by FA for another 4 weeks) and group 4 (NaF plus FA for 4 weeks). Both NaF (25mg/Kg b.w.) and FA (8 mg/Kg b.w.) were given orally daily. The rats were sacrificed and samples of the back skin were processed for histological, immunohistochemical (Bcl2 antiapoptotic protein) and morphometric studies. Results:Group 2 revealed signs of degeneration in epidermal cells, expansion of intercellular spaces and destructed organelles. There wasa reduction in epidermal thickness with disturbance in collagen fibers arrangement and weak immunoreactivity of Bcl-2. FA induced relative improvement in the dermal and epidermal structures in group 3 while there was preservation of these structures in group 4. Conclusion:FA ameliorates NaF induced harmful effects on skin in addition to its valuable preventive role.

The skin of black rats contains less tryptophan than the skin of albino rats, possibly because the activity of tryptophan pyrrolase is higher. The opposite is found in liver, possibly because tryptophan pyrrolase activity is lower in the livers of black rats.

Hair gets its color from melanin produced by melanocytes in the hair matrix. The coloration patterns observed in most terrestrial mammals arise from the diverse color combinations within their fur, which depends on the distribution pattern of melanocyte-containing hair follicles. Albino rats genetically produce no melanin and their coats are thus white, but we speculated that melanocytes differentiate and localize within these rats’ hair matrix. We conducted a reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) analysis, which revealed both the mRNA expressions of two melanocyte markers (dopachrome tautomerase and tyrosinase) in skin of male albino (SD, Wistar, and F344) rats and the differences in the markers’ expression levels among skin areas. Immunohistochemistry using anti-Dct antibody demonstrated that immunopositive cells, i.e., melanocytes, were localized in the rats’ hair matrix, and that melanocytes containing hair bulbs were distributed in head, dorsal thorax, and dorsal midline areas, which is similar to hooded rats. Our results suggest that differences in the melanocyte presence among the skin regions should be considered when the results of gene expression analyses of albino rat skin are interpreted.