Apoptosis In Mice Research Articles

Concentrated Extract of Green Tea Polyphenols Enhances the Toxicity of the Elderberry Lectin Nigrin b to Mice

The effect of the administration of large amounts of green tea polyphenols is a matter of controversy. We explored whether a polyphenol mixture from a concentrated green tea extract (Polyphenon 60) could alter the effects on mice of the type 2 (two chains) ribosome-inactivating protein nigrin b isolated from Sambucus nigra L. Nigrin b triggers specific reversible toxic effects on the mouse intestines featured by apoptosis of mice Lieberkuhn crypt cells upon parenteral administration of sub-lethal amounts. Independent administration to mice of 30 mg/kg body weight of Polyphenon 60 by oral gavage or 10 mg/kg body weight of nigrin b administered via the intraperitoneal route (i.p.) did not affect survival. In contrast, the simultaneous treatment greatly enhanced nigrin b toxicity leading to the death of some animals. The histological analysis revealed that the most serious injury was inflicted on the small intestine crypts, which disappeared, and on the liver, which evidenced hepatotoxicity showing haemorrhagic areas. These findings raise concerns about the abuse of high concentrations of green tea polyphenols especially when the intestinal mucosa is damaged, for instance by toxins or therapeutic drugs.

39 REGULATION OF THE SEMINIFEROUS TUBULES MOTILITY IN PATIENTS WITH SECONDARY SCO: PRESENCE OF C-KIT + CELLS

Introduction: Sertoli-cell-only (SCO) syndrome, is also called germ cell aplasia. The histological diagnosis of Sertoli-cell-only (SCO) syndrome is confirmed when the examined tissue reveals that all seminiferous tubules contain only Sertoli cells. Theoretically the SCO is caused by a prenatal defect in migration of germ cells into the seminiferous tubules, resulting in sterility. Conversely, secondary SCO is a result of postnatal damage to healthy testicular tissue that may result only in a focal histological SCO pattern. Primary and secondary SCO differ substantially in tubular wall histology, in morphology and function of Sertoli cells, and in the appearance of the interstitial tissue. However, it is possible that they also differ in the motility of the seminiferous tubules. Objective: In this research we aim to identify and quantify the c-kit + cells in human testes with histological confirmation of SCO secondary. Material and Methods: Seven samples with confirmed diagnosis of secondary SCO were taken from the Laboratory of Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine of the University of Chile were obtained, and the appropriate authorizations for bioethics. Paraffin sections were mounted on silanized slides to conduct immunohistochemistry protocols HRP / DAB to identify cells expressing c-kit protein with the primary antibody anti c-kit (CD177, clone YR145, BSB 5322). Optical microscopy to quantify the number of positive cells per unit area present in the interstitial compartment of the testis (using Micrometrics SE Premium software, 2009). Then the means and standard deviations between patients were compared by t test with p 0.05. Results: The biopsies with a diagnosis of secondary SCO is possible to recognize the presence of c-kit + cells through immunohistochemistry. Phenotypically these cells in the interstitium were observed with a core comatina rounded and dense, with abundant perinuclear cytoplasm in an approximate ratio of 3/1 to the core. Equally distributed in the interstitium itself also in the vicinity of the seminiferous tubules. Discussion: C-kit cells are involved in contractile activity in a wide variety of organs, and usually associated with contractile cells function properly. These cells operate independently of the general nervous system. Normally in a healthy testicle cells are scarce and rarely seen their cytoplasm, which is occupying the proprietary extensions that contact with the effector cells. Therefore, the diagnosis of secondary SCO observed changes in the quantity (more, p 0.05) and distribution of cytoplasm (mainly perinuclear) taking lead to modifications in the motility of the seminiferous tubules and runoff of its content, which together lead to changes in male fertility (Grant Fondecyt No. 1101046, 2010). 40 THE EFFECTS OF PROGESTERONE AND EXOGENOUS GONADOTROPIN ON THE INCIDENCE OF APOPTOSIS IN MOUSE BLASTOCYSTS M. Salehnia1, F. Panahi1, M.F. Moghadam2. 1Department of Anatomy, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran, 2Department of Biotechnology, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran