Rat Body Research Articles

The effect of taurine on state of experimental gestosis in rats

BACKGROUND: Gestosis (preeclampsia) is an important problem of modern obstetrics. Despite the improvement of methods of prevention and treatment, there is an increase in the rate of this pregnancy complication. In this regard, the search for new approaches to the treatment of preeclampsia is an important problem of modern perinatology.
 AIM: The aim of this study is studying of the effect of taurine on experimental gestosis in rats.
 MATERIALS AND METHODS: Preeclampsia was induced on female rats by sodium nitrite and lipopolysaccharide. 2-aminoethanesulfonic acid was administered at a dose of 44.3 mg / kg (in terms of taurine) from the 16th to the 19th day of pregnancy. The number of implantation sites, resorption sites, live fetuses, weight of placentas and fetuses, lactate dehydrogenase activity, content of lactic and pyruvic acids, nitric oxide, malondialdehyde and creatine were evaluated.
 RESULTS: It has been shown that 2-aminoethanesulfonic acid leads to normalization of the metabolic processes (the level of malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, lactate and lactate dehydrogenase activity) in the body of pregnant female rats with induced preeclampsia in the last trimester of pregnancy. Taurine reduced the quantity of resorption, increased the weight of placentas and fetuses. Along with a correction of the lactate level, pyruvate and lactate dehydrogenase activity, it was observed a decrease of creatine level in placentas.
 CONCLUSIONS: Obtained results allows us to recommend taurine, which has antioxidant, antihypoxic, membrane stabilizing, detoxifying, osmoregulating and diuretic effects, for the treatment of placental disorders with preeclampsia.

Wen-Shen-Jian-Pi-Hua-Tan decoction protects against early obesity-related glomerulopathy by improving renal bile acid composition and suppressing lipogenesis, inflammation, and fibrosis

BackgroundObesity is an independent predictor of chronic kidney disease (CKD) development and may directly lead to kidney lesions such as obesity-related glomerulopathy (ORG) which might play a vital pathogenic role in obese patients with CKD. Wen-Shen-Jian-Pi-Hua-Tan decoction (WSHT) has been clinically used for the treatment of obesity and obesity-related metabolic diseases for years. However, the renoprotective effects and potential mechanism of action of WSHT against ORG remain unknown. PurposeThis study aimed to explore the potential effect of WSHT on ORG and reveal its mechanisms in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese rats. MethodsAn animal model of early stage ORG was established using HFD-induced obese rats. After treatment with WSHT for 6 weeks, an integrated metabolomics and molecular biology strategy was utilized to illustrate the effects and mechanism of WSHT on ORG. First, UPLC-ESI-MS/MS-based targeted metabolomics was used to analyze renal bile acid (BA) levels. Biochemical, histological, and immunofluorescence assays; electron microscopy; and western blotting were performed to evaluate the efficacy of WSHT against ORG and its underlying mechanisms in vivo. ResultsOur results showed that an HFD led to hyperlipidemia, proteinuria, renal lipid deposition, effacement of podocyte foot processes, and increased expression of proinflammatory factors and profibrotic growth factors in ORG rats. In addition, an HFD decreased the levels of renal BAs such as cholic acid, chenodeoxycholic acid, and lithocholic acid. After 6 weeks of treatment, WSHT markedly attenuated dyslipidemia and reduced body, kidney and epididymal fat weights in ORG rats. WSHT also significantly increased BA levels, suggesting that it altered BA composition; the effects of BAs are closely associated with farnesoid X receptor (FXR) activation. WSHT alleviated fat accumulation, podocyte loss and proteinuria, and reduced the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and profibrotic growth factors in the kidneys of ORG rats. Finally, WSHT remarkably upregulated the renal expression of FXR and salt-induced kinase 1 and blocked the renal expression of sterol regulatory element–binding protein-1c and its target genes. ConclusionWSHT attenuated early renal lesions in ORG rats by improving renal BA composition and suppressing lipogenesis, inflammation and fibrosis. This study develops a new way to alleviate obesity-induced renal damages.

Identifying the building blocks for learning and memory in the carotid body

Glutamate is a major excitatory neurotransmitter with well-established roles for inducing neural plasticity, learning and memory in the central nervous system. In the carotid body, an organ derived in part from the neural crest, evidence suggests glutamatergic signalling is involved in its sensing of hypoxia. We hypothesized that altered glutamatergic signalling may underpin enhanced chemoreflex responses in carotid body in disease states. Therefore, we have initiated an investigation to assess the presence and location of glutamate receptors expressed in the carotid body of Wistar rats. We mined two independent RNA-sequencing (RNAseq) datasets to identify glutamate signalling components. Digital droplet PCR (ddPCR) was performed to validate the expression of selected glutamatergic target genes. Protein localisation was detailed using immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy in 12–16-week-old normotensive male Wistar rats. Neuronal phenotypes were identified using tyrosine hydroxylase (type I or glomus cells) and glial fibrillary acidic protein antibodies (type II cells). In carotid body extracts, RNAseq data revealed the presence of novel glutamatergic signalling components, not previously described. ddPCR analysis confirmed the expression of AMPA, NMDA and excitatory amino acid transporters. Glutamate ionotropic receptor AMPA type subunit 1 ( Gria1) showed co-localisation with the membrane of type I glomus cells. Glutamate ionotropic receptor NMDA type 1 ( Grin1) showed co-localisation with the nuclei membrane [JP1] of glomus cells. NMDA receptor type subunit 2C ( GRIN2C) showed co-localisation with the membranes of both glomus cells and type II cells. Expression of these receptors was not found on all glomus cells within a cluster suggesting functional heterogeneity within the carotid body. Synaptic Ras GTPase-activating protein 1 ( Syngap), a protein that interacts with glutamate synapses involved in learning, was expressed in both plasma and nuclear membranes of glomus cells. The excitatory amino acid transporter 5 ( EAAT5) showed co-localisation with both type I and type II cells. Additionally, we have observed that a local arterial injection of glutamate (via the internal carotid artery) evoked excitatory activity, followed by an inhibitory period as recorded from the carotid sinus nerve. Our results identified expression and location of glutamatergic AMPA and NMDA receptors in the carotid body[JP2]. We also found the presence of excitatory amino acid transporters, and proteins involved in chaperoning glutamate receptors for learning and memory, All told, we have identified the substrate for glutamate as a transmitter in the carotid body. Whether it plays a role in the learning and memory of carotid body function and/or sensitisation in disease remains to be elucidated. Funding: Health Research Council of New Zealand. Nothing to disclose. This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2023 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

Investigating the effect of Pinus brutia bark on Pancreatic lipase and adiposity index in high-fat diet induced obese rats

Obesity has become a global health problem. Orlistat is currently approved as an anti-obesity drug. However, its gastrointestinal side effects may limit its use, and with an alarming increase in obesity percentage there is a need to find new anti-obesity drugs. One of the most common approaches in treating obesity is inhibiting pancreatic lipase activity. In this study, the in vitro inhibitory activity of different polar solvent extracts of Pinus brutia bark against pancreatic lipase was measured using Para-nitrophenyl palmitate as a substrate. The ethanol extract showed the best anti-lipase activity with IC50 value of 0.07 mg/ml and was better than Orlistat. The anti-obesity activity of this extract was evaluated in vivo using high-fat diet induced obesity in wistar rats. Oral treatments with ethanol extract for 6 weeks precluded the increase in rats body weight and serum triglyceridesin in Pinus group similar to Orlistat group (positive control). Moreover, the adiposity index in Pinus group was similar to Orlistat group (p>0.05). However, the reduction in total cholesterol levels in Orlistat group was better than that in Pinus group (p=0.02). This study showed that ethanol extract of Pinus brutia bark may be useful as a natural anti-obesity agent. Further studies are needed to elucidate the mechanisms of action of bark extract on triglycerides and obesity.

THE ANTIOXIDANT PROTECTION SYSTEM STATE OF RATS UNDER EXPERIMENTAL DOXORUBICIN INTOXICATION AND THE EFFECTS OF CORRECTING FACTORS

Introduction. The doxorubicin model was used for research, which, according to many authors, most adequately reproduces heart failure of varying degrees of severity. Doxorubicin is an antibiotic that has a cytostatic effect. The mechanism of its action consists of interaction with DNA, formation of free radicals, and inhibition of nucleic acid synthesis. The doxorubicin action and the development of hypoxia are accompanied by the activation of oxidative stress, the strengthening of free radical processes, and changes in the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids.
 The aim of the study – the effect of the drug “Bendamine” on the indicators of antioxidant protection of the body of rats under experimental simulation of heart failure.
 Research Methods. Modeling of heart failure was performed on sexually mature male Wistar rats with a body weight of 180–200 g. In blood and myocardial homogenate, the level of lipid peroxidation products, the activity of antioxidant enzymes, and the level of reduced glutathione were determined against the background of doxorubicin intoxication and when using the drug “Bendamine”.
 Results and Discussion. During doxorubicin intoxication, LPO processes are enhanced in rats, which is indicated by the increased lipid hydroperoxides, diene conjugates, and TBA-active products in the blood and the homogenate of the rat myocardium of the first experimental group. It is worth noting that the inhibition of the antioxidant defense system was also established in intoxicated rats, as indicated by the low level of both enzymatic and non-enzymatic links of the antioxidant system. It was established that bendamine has a corrective effect on rats' oxidative stress conditions inherent in doxorubicin-induced heart failure. The drug “Bendamine” inhibits the excessive formation of POL products in pathologically changed tissues of the heart of rats and has an inducing effect on the system of antioxidant protection.
 Conclusions. The influence of the drug "Bendamine" on the indicators of antioxidant protection of the body of rats under experimental simulation of heart failure was studied. Its antioxidant properties have been proven.
 
 

Effect of a compound based on an aqueous solution of fullerene C60 on hematological parameters of white rats

The article is devoted to the study of the effect of a compound based on an aqueous solution of fullerene C60 on the hematological parameters of white rats. The experiment was carried out on three groups of animals. The first group served as a control. The second group was injected with 1 ml of an aqueous solution of Fullerene C60 (1 mg / ml of DV), 150 mg of resveratrol – 25 mg, betoin hydrochloride – 10 mg. The third group received 1 ml of an aqueous solution of Fullerene C60 (1 mg/ml of DV), 2500 mg of resveratrol, 1000 mg of betoin hydrochloride. It was determined that the animals of the second group had a significant increase in the number of erythrocytes by 11.8% and the hemoglobin content by 14.8% relative to the control values. In white rats of the third group, there were no significant differences with the control. In animals of the second group, the number of rod-shaped neutrophils and monocytes increased by 10 and 9.3%, respectively, relative to the control. No significant differences were found in animals of the third group. The number of segmented neutrophils after the introduction of an aqueous solution of fullerene C60 increased by 12.4% (group 2 animals) and 6.1% (group 3 animals). It was revealed that the compound based on an aqueous solution of fullerene C60 has a pronounced effect on the hematological parameters of the body of white rats. The most effective dose was 1 ml of an aqueous solution of Fullerene C60 (1 mg / ml of DV), 150 mg of resveratrol – 25 mg, betoin hydrochloride – 10 mg, after administration of which an increase in the number of erythrocytes by 11.8% and the hemoglobin content by 14.8% relative to the control values, the number of rod-shaped neutrophils and monocytes by 10 and 9.3%, respectively, and the number of segmented neutrophils by 12.4%.

Crocetin Regulates Functions of Neural Stem Cells to Generate New Neurons for Cerebral Ischemia Recovery.

Many neurons undergo apoptosis after ischemic stroke. In the brain, neurogenesis has the potential for neuronal replacement and can be activated by external conditions to repair the injury. Crocetin (CRO), naturally extracted from the plant saffron, acts as a neuroprotective agent for ischemic stroke. However, the underlying mechanism remains unknown. In this work, the effect of CRO on neural stem cell (NSC) behaviors and subventricular zone neurogenesis is investigated. Initially, NSCs are incubated with different concentrations of CRO to detect the cell proliferation and differentiation in vitro. Second, ischemic stroke induced rats are treated with CRO using nimodipine (NMDP) as a comparison. The behavioral functions, infarcted volume, and apoptotic Nissl bodies of rats are noticeably improved after CRO-treatment, comparable to those of NMDP. In addition, the increased regional cerebral blood flow and promoted neuronal differentiation are achieved by CRO-treatment. Brain tissue examination shows significantly increased neuronal regeneration in the focal ischemic injury area. Meanwhile, the length of neurites is prolonged, indicating that CRO could potentially promote neurite extension to enhance cell-cell communication. These findings demonstrate that CRO facilitated the neuronal differentiation of NSCs by activating subventricular zone neurogenesis in damaged cortex and striatum sites to repair ischemic stroke.

Biochemical studies of blood of experimental rats in assessing acute oral toxicity of Vetom 20.76 based on the predatory fungus <em>Arthrobotrys оligospora</em>

The effect of the experimental preparation Vetom 20.76 based on Arthrobotrys oligospora on the biochemical blood parameters of experimental rats was shown. A complex of preclinical studies to study acute toxicity was carried out on nonlinear white rats (females) at eight weeks of age. Four experimental and one control group were formed. Animals from the experimental groups were injected once with the test drug in the range of test doses (5 µl/kg, 50 µl/kg, 300 µl/kg, 5000 µl/kg). The experimental animals were observed daily for 14 days. The animals of the experimental groups had positive growth and development dynamics even at the drug dosage of 5000 µl/kg. A complex of blood biochemical studies was investigated during preclinical studies in experimental animals. The primary biochemical indicators of blood serum studied during the experiment: total protein (g/L), albumin (g/L), globulin (g/L), creatinine (μmol/L), ALT (U/L), glucose (mmol/L), phosphorus (mmol/L), calcium (mmol/L), potassium (mmol/L), sodium (mmol/L) and total cholesterol (mmol/L). At the end of the study, we stated the improvement of indicators characterizing metabolic processes and protective function of the body of experimental rats as a result of using the drug, both relative to the original data and compared with counterparts from the control. During the study, all biochemical indices of the blood serum of the experimental rats in the studied groups remained within the physiological norm, indicating the drug’s safety. Furthermore, no undesirable side effects were recorded in the animals, even when using Vetom 20.76 at the maximum dose. Therefore, Vetom 20.76 was assigned to the fourth toxicity class according to SS (State Standard) 12.1.007-76.

Assessment of dermal toxicity of mustard oil based formulation of Nerium indicum Mill.

Nerium indicum Mill. with red flowers belong to family Apocynaceae is considered as botanical source of Rakta Karavira drug of Upavisha (semi-poisonous) category of Ayurvedic Pharmacopeia of India. Till date Rakta Karavira Taila (mustard oil based formulation of root bark of Rakta Karavira) has not been evaluated pharmacologically. In present study, acute and repeated dose 28 day dermal toxicity studies of Rakta Karavira Taila was carried out in Charles foster albino rats. Acute dermal toxicity study was assessed at a single dermal application of drug at limit dose of 2000 mg/kg body weight of rats and observed for fourteen consecutive days. The repeated dose 28-day dermal toxicity study was assessed on repeated dermal applications at limit dose of 1000 mg/kg body weight of rats for 28 days consecutive days as per OECD guideline. The test medication was applied equally over a region covering rats body surface area of about 10%. Effects on body weight, haematological, ponderal changes, biochemical, and histological studies were used to evaluate the toxicity of the Rakta Karavira Taila. No mortality and toxicity were observed on single dermal application at limit dose level of 2000 mg/kg in acute dermal toxicity study. On repeated dermal applications of Rakta Karavira Taila at limit dose of 1000 mg/kg, showed statistically significant decrease in weight of testes, increase in WBC and platelet count while rest of hematological and biochemical parameters are not affected in comparison to control group. Histopathological study showed inflammation and fatty degenerative changes in liver and kidney, degenerative changes in seminiferous tubules and decrease in spermatogenesis in drug administered group. Medicated oil prepared out of root bark of Nerium indicum with red flower with mustard oil has potential to produce adverse effect particularly on male reproductive system therefore, should not be used for longer duration at higher dose level.

Quantitative PET tracking of intra-articularly administered 89Zr-peptide-decorated nanoemulsions.

Intra-articular (IA) administration of drugs for the treatment of diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and psoriatic arthritis is a common strategy; however, the rapid clearance from the synovial fluid restricts their effectivity due to the limited retention time. Drug Delivery Systems (DDS) are currently being developed to increase their joint retention time. This study compares the biodistribution and retention time of a senolytic peptide (PEP), with potential application in osteoarthritis disease, and this senolytic peptide encapsulated in a DDS based on a lipid nanoemulsion (PEPNE) by using positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. To this aim, the PEP was conjugated with a chelating agent (DFO) and radiolabeled with zirconium-89 (89Zr). Then, [89Zr]-PEP was encapsulated in a novel nanoemulsion formulation, composed by vitamin E, sphingomyelin, and a lipid-PEG. Afterward, healthy rats were administered with either the [89Zr]-PEP or the [89Zr]-PEP-NE via IA injection and underwent PET scans at 0.5-, 24-, 48-, 72-, 168-, 240- and 336h post-injection. To assess the biodistribution of both radiotracers, several volume-of-interest were manually drawn in different organs of the rat body and the %ID/organ was calculated. The [89Zr]-PEP was successfully encapsulated in the NE and their physicochemical properties were minimally affected by the radiolabeling buffer. Adequate stability of both [89Zr]-PEP and [89Zr]-PEP-NE was found in synovial fluid over 72h. Quantitative data from PET images revealed a significantly higher [89Zr]-PEP-NE retention in the injected knee than with [89Zr]-PEP in all follow-up PET scans. The [89Zr]-PEP %ID/organ values in the liver and kidney were significantly higher than those from [89Zr]-PEP-NE, which might indicate a faster elimination of the [89Zr]-PEP. Therefore, the study highlights the higher retention time on the target site of the [89Zr]-PEP-NE which may improve the therapeutic effects of the peptide. Thereby, the novel nanoemulsion formulation seems to be a successful DDS for IA injection. In addition, these results represent the first study that evaluates the distribution of a PET-guided DDS after its IA administration.

The features of developing rat autoimmune pathology with mitochondrial dysfunction

The central role of the mitochondria in energy supply and cell death determines highlight these organelles as one of the promising objects for investigating pathogenesis of immune-mediated inflammatory disorders. The aim: to study features of pathogenesis in rat adjuvant-induced autoimmune pathology separately and in combination with mitochondrial disorders. Materials and methods. Wistar rats were divided into groups of negative control (solvent), positive control (single subcutaneous injection of complete Freunds adjuvant (CAF) at dose of 0.1 ml/200 g body weight), experimental (CAF 0.1 ml/200 g body weight and 5 weeks later with cuprizone 0.2% per feed weight). At the end of experiment (7 weeks), animals were tested in the open field model, euthanized, and biomaterial was collected to measure the relative mass coefficients of internal organs, hematological and histological studies. We calculated the mean, standard error of the mean; comparison of hypotheses was carried out by paired Students t-test. Results. In case of impaired immunological tolerance there was detected reduced rat body weight gain during the study period (negative control +74.7 g, positive control +10.3 g) along with modelled mitochondrial dysfunction, a general decrease in weight by 6.7 g was noted. The magnitude of mass coefficients indicate a relative reduction in mass of liver, kidneys, spleen and thymus in experimental animals. The leukocyte counts ( 109/L) are as follows: negative control 8.680.37, positive control 10.981.03 (p 0.05), experimental group 12.280.63 (p 0.001). No significant changes were found in the leukocyte formula and the red cell lineage. During modelled autoimmune pathology, platelet count increased by 22.5% (p 0.05), whereas after cuprizone was administered it decreased by 6.3% (relative to the negative control). Mitochondrial dysfunction caused an abrupt decrease in motor activity in rats: the number of crossed sectors in positive control animals was 55.506.91, experimental group 44.503.60 (inter-group comparison, p 0.001). Positive control: enlarged lymphatic nodules were found in the spleen, germinal center clarification, wall thickening of the pulpal and central arteries; single foci of hemorrhages in the red pulp. Experimental group: atrophy of lymphoid follicles of varying severity (relative to the groups of negative and positive controls), numerous foci of hemorrhages with hemosiderosis in the red pulp. Conclusion. Mitochondrial dysfunction is accompanied by augmented pathogenetic signs of autoimmune pathology, which can serve as one of the keys to understanding the mechanisms of human autoimmunity.

The effect of taurine on state of experimental gestosis in rats

BACKGROUND: Gestosis (preeclampsia) is an important problem of modern obstetrics. Despite the improvement of methods of prevention and treatment, there is an increase in the rate of this pregnancy complication. In this regard, the search for new approaches to the treatment of preeclampsia is an important problem of modern perinatology.
 AIM: The aim of this study is studying of the effect of taurine on experimental gestosis in rats.
 MATERIALS AND METHODS: Preeclampsia was induced on female rats by sodium nitrite and lipopolysaccharide. 2-aminoethanesulfonic acid was administered at a dose of 44.3 mg / kg (in terms of taurine) from the 16th to the 19th day of pregnancy. The number of implantation sites, resorption sites, live fetuses, weight of placentas and fetuses, lactate dehydrogenase activity, content of lactic and pyruvic acids, nitric oxide, malondialdehyde and creatine were evaluated.
 RESULTS: It has been shown that 2-aminoethanesulfonic acid leads to normalization of the metabolic processes (the level of malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, lactate and lactate dehydrogenase activity) in the body of pregnant female rats with induced preeclampsia in the last trimester of pregnancy. Taurine reduced the quantity of resorption, increased the weight of placentas and fetuses. Along with a correction of the lactate level, pyruvate and lactate dehydrogenase activity, it was observed a decrease of creatine level in placentas.
 CONCLUSIONS: Obtained results allows us to recommend taurine, which has antioxidant, antihypoxic, membrane stabilizing, detoxifying, osmoregulating and diuretic effects, for the treatment of placental disorders with preeclampsia.

The state of metabolic parameters of the blood in white rats under conditions of long-term oral administration of gadolinium orthovanadate nanoparticles under food stress

The prohibition of using antibiotics with growth-stimulating properties in the European Union led to the search for new, safer, more effective, and cheaper feed additives. One of these substances was rare earth elements (REE, atomic numbers 57–71) due to their low toxicity and protective and antioxidant properties. At the same time, higher efficiency of organic forms of REE was noted. Thanks to this, it is possible to assume their even more pronounced effect in nano-sized form as feed additives and the need to conduct research in this direction. Therefore, this work aims to study the metabolic parameters of the blood in rats under long-term oral administration of nanoparticles of one of the representatives of rare earth elements – gadolinium orthovanadate (NP GdVO4:Eu3+) under food stress. Experimental samples of gadolinium orthovanadate nanoparticles activated by Europium (spindle-shaped geometry; size 8×25 nm; initial concentration 1.0 g/dm3) were used in work. Experimental studies on rats were carried out based on the vivarium of the NSC “IEKVM”. The object of research was 140 mature male Wistar rats with an initial weight of 180–200 g. Four groups of animals, 35 rats each, were formed according to the principle of analogs. During the experiment, animals of the control group received drinking water without additives; rats of the І experimental group were given a solution of NP GdVO4:Eu3+ at a dose of 0.2 mg/dm3 (≈ 0.03 mg/kg of body weight); II research group – at a dose of 1.0 mg/dm3 (≈ 0.15 mg/kg of body weight) and rats of III research group – at a dose of 2.0 mg/dm3 (≈ 0.30 mg/kg of body weight). Drinking was carried out for 56 days, then it was completed, and the rats were observed for another 14 days. A nutritionally unbalanced diet was used as a stress factor. Taking into account the results of biochemical studies, the adaptogenic effect of NP GdVO4:Eu3+ in the range of doses of 0.2–1.0 mg/dm3 of drinking water (≈ 0.03–0.15 mg/kg of body weight) on the body of white rats was established under conditions of food stress with optimal duration of action – 28–42 days. Under the conditions of administration at a dose of 2.0 mg/dm3 of drinking water (≈ 0.30 mg/kg of body weight), a hepatic(cyto-)toxic effect of nanoparticles was detected, which was accompanied by an irreversible decrease in the structural indicators of lipid metabolism, the consumption of antioxidant resources and the induction of intensity processes of lipid peroxidation against the background of alanine aminotransferase hyperenzymemia.

EFFECT OF ENTERAL NUTRITION IN COMBINATION WITH L-ARGININE AND GLUTAMIC ACID ON NUTRITIONAL STATUS IN EXPERIMENT

The aim of the study is to evaluate the scheme of complex therapy based on enteral nutrition and L-arginine, glutamic acid on the indicators of protein, carbohydrate, and lipid metabolism in the blood of rats with experimental wound defects of the skin under conditions of partial food deprivation.
 Materials and methods. A biochemical study of blood was carried out in 24 sexually mature male rats, which were partially food deprived for 10 days. On the 10th day, a wound was made and the animals were divided into 4 groups: the 1st group of control animals, which received food according to physiological needs; the 2nd group, which continued to be partially food deprived; and the 3rd group of rats, which after being exposed to dystrophy modelling for 10 days, were given compensatory enteral nutrition; the 4th group, which after the food deprivation, received L-arginine and glutamic acid in a dose of 50 mg/kg in addition to enteral nutrition. Blood sampling was carried out by removing the animals from the experiment on the 28th day. The following biochemical indicators were studied: the content of glucose, total protein, albumins, urea, the level of non-esterified fatty acids (NFA), ketone bodies, ammonia and TBC-reactants.
 Results. Comparative analysis of glucose content showed that integrative therapy prevented the development of hypoglycemia under the conditions of partial food derivation (р˂0.05). The positive effect of the combined action of enteral nutrition and L-arginine, glutamic acid on the serum content of total protein was found to be higher by 18% (р˂0.05), and albumin by 39% (р˂0.05), urea and ammonia was by 50% and 40.1% smaller (р˂0.05), NEJK was lower by 32.4% (р˂0.05), the content of ketone bodies was lower by 73.2% (р˂0.05), and TBK- reactants was lower by 50.4% (р˂0.05), compared to the untreated animals, and these indicators did not statistically significantly differ from the control values.
 Conclusion. The integrated therapy based on enteral nutrition and L-arginine, glutamic acid under the partial food deprivation effectively normalized protein metabolism, indicators of lipid and nitrogen metabolism in the body of rats (p˂0.05), relative to untreated animals.

Validation and efficacy of 'pure' venous lymph node flap in a rat lymphoedema model.

The venous lymph node flap (vLNF) is regarded as an arterialized or 'pure' venous flap, subject to which type of vessel provides blood supply to the flap. However, whether the vLNF drainage function is maintainable or sufficient for the treatment of lymphoedema is yet to be elucidated. In this study, the venous flow-through lymph node flaps or 'pure' vLNF was investigated in a rat's tail (lymphoedema model), and the therapeutic effect was analysed to clarify its potential value for the treatment of lymphoedema. The subjects (rats) were divided into three groups, the experimental group ('pure' vLNF group), the control group (lymphoedema group), and the baseline group. The tail circumference and diameter were recorded for 5 weeks after the operation. Five weeks after surgery, the lymphatic drainage function was evaluated using indocyanine green (ICG) lymphography, while the skin thickness and collagen layer were assessed by histological analysis. The average diameter and circumference of the experimental group were significantly shorter than the control group (p < 0.01). When comparing ICG lymphography within the three groups, the baseline group showed that the ICG entered the inguinal lymph node and appeared in the liver while the ICG still accumulated in the oedematous tail with no fluorescence emerging in other parts of the rat's body, in the control group. In the experimental group, the ICG entered the vLNF via the flap junction with the rat's tail and fluorescence emerging in the rat's liver. When comparing the three groups above with the control group, the experimental group's skin and collagen layer thickness were significantly improved (p < 0.01). Lymphatic recanalization was shown to appear between 'pure' vLNF and the recipient area. Moreover, vLNF was shown to drain lymph fluid via the venous system, thus relieved swelling and fibrosis of the lymphoedematous tissue. Consequently, this could represent a new potential surgical approach for the treatment of lymphoedema.

The effectiveness of insulin therapy in the functional and morphological recovery of leydig cells in rats submitted to Diabetes mellitus

The effects of systemic insulin administration at different concentrations on the testicular tissue of diabetic adult rats, induced by streptozotocin, are evaluated by the morphological analysis of spermatogenic process. Twenty-four adult male rats were divided into 1) Control Group: they received citrate buffer, by intraperitoneal injection; 2) Diabetic Group: induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (60 mg. kg-1 of body weight); 3) Insulin 50%: induced diabetes treated with half of standard dosage of insulin; 4) Insulin 100%: induced diabetes treated with standard dose of insulin. After eight weeks, animals were weighted and anesthetized; testicles were removed and processed in resin. Body and testicular weight of diabetic rats decreased when compared to that of control. Parameters increased with insulin therapy. Testosterone levels were low in diabetic animals but rates recovered after insulin therapy. Nuclear diameter and volume of Leydig cells decreased in diabetic rats although they significantly increased after insulin therapy. Results showed that the administration of insulin in diabetic rats promoted a protective effect of testicular parenchyma, enhancing efficient recovery on testosterone levels and increase in daily sperm production.

Phosphatides and Cholesterol in the Rat Body: Effects of Growth, Diet and Age

Data are presented on the content of phosphatides, free and total cholesterol, and neutral fat in 152 male rats from birth to 3 years of age. The ratio of phosphatides to total cholesterol remained remarkably constant at near 4 (mol ratio of 2) for the first year of life with a variety of diets. Two- and three-year-old rats showed a highly significant decrease in this ratio, corresponding to an increase in total cholesterol of about 10%, with no change in phosphatides. The percentage of free cholesterol decreased steadily throughout life from 90 to 72, diet and senescence having no effect thereon. The pattern of accretion of neutral fat with stock diet was in many respects very different from the common pattern observed for both phosphatides and cholesterol. The substitution of more concentrated, refined or purified diets of varying fat content (2% to approximately 40%) for the crude stock diet led to no change in phosphatides or cholesterol. These same rats showed large increases in neutral fat.

Research of the alginate-pectin sorbent influence on the elimination of cadmium from the body of rats

Introduction. Heavy metals have a serious toxic effect on the human body. The availability of adequate models for the elimination of toxicants and the testing of enterosorbents based on them will improve the quality of poisoning therapy. Material and methods. To assess the effectiveness of the sorbent, a formalized model based on data on the cumulative excretion of cadmium in urine and feces for 20 days was used. Intramuscular priming with cadmium acetate was carried out during the first three days of the experiment at a daily dose of 3 mg/ kg, the enterosorbent was administered orally at a dose of 100 mg/kg during the study. The cadmium content in the biological media was determined by methods of inversion voltammetry. Results. During the experiment, no more than 3% of the injected toxicant was removed from the animals of both groups. The enterosorbent in the conditions of the experiment did not change the amount of cadmium excreted, but affected the redistribution between the renal and intestinal elimination streams. A significant effect of the enterosorbent on the cadmium content in the liver was noted. Limitations. Evaluation of the effect of the drug on the elimination of the toxicant was carried out for a limited period of time. Additional experiments with longer observation periods and other metals and their dosages would allow to reveal in more detail the beneficial properties of the studied drug. Conclusion. A significant effect of the enterosorbent on the cadmium content in the liver was noted. There may be a secondary intake of cadmium into the blood from the intestine and a negative effect of this process on kidneys.

Дослідження впливу аргініну глутамату на репаративні процеси у щурів з харчовою депривацією

The purpose of the study was to experimentally substantiate the feasibility of arginine glutamate using, for the correction of reparative disorders in rats with partial food deprivation. Materials and methods. The work uses such research methods as modeling of food deprivation according to a patented method, modeling a wound defect of rat’s skin, evaluating the healing of wound defects by taking pictures with a camera with a resolution of 12 megapixels and subsequent processing with a special computer program Universal desktop ruler, version 11, for determining the area, determination of integral indicators of total protein, albumin, glucose, urea in blood serum of rats by spectrophotometric methods (“Filicit-diagnostics”). Statistical processing of the obtained results was carried out using non-parametric methods of analysis (MANOVA-test) using Statistica 6.0 software. Differences at p&lt;0.05 were considered significant. Results and discussion. As a result of the food crisis, the share of hungry people in the world increases every year, and in 2022 it reached 9.8% of the world population. Starvation directly and indirectly prevents the successful healing of wounds, which is also complicated by impaired liver function. Partial food deprivation was accompanied by a violation of metabolic processes in the body of rats: a decrease in body weight (about 30%, p&lt;0.05), a probable decrease in the content of glucose (by 24.5%), total protein and albumin (by 16.1 and 26.2%, respectively, p&lt;0.05) with a simultaneous increase in the content of indicators of nitrogen metabolism in the blood. In addition, nutritionally deficient animals had a 4.7-day delay in wound healing compared to the control group. The use of arginine glutamate, in food-deprived rats caused a reduction in the wound skin defect and was accompanied by a partial normalization of metabolic processes: the total protein content and the amount of blood albumin were higher than those in the model pathology group without correction by 10.2 and 12.9%, respectively (p&lt;0.05), the glucose content increased (+12.2%); simultaneously blood urea content was lower by 25.2% (p&lt;0.05). Conclusion. The obtained data are an experimental basis for further clinical studies of the possibility of practical use of arginine glutamate in the complex treatment of patients with wound processes, especially under conditions of nutritional insufficiency

Estimation of Rat Body Composition by Means of Electromagnetic Scanning Is Altered by Duration of Anesthesia

We determined the effect of anesthesia on estimation of fat-free mass and body fat in rats using electromagnetic scanning (EMS). Male Wistar Furth rats (n = 7, ∼226 g) were injected with 66 mg/kg ketamine hydrochloride and 6.6 mg/kg xylazine intramuscular anesthesia. EMS measures were repeated every 4 min, up to 80 min post-anesthesia injection. From 4 to 44 min post-injection, the EMS signal and consequently the estimation of fat-free mass decreased from 198 ± 5 to 180 ± 5 g (mean ± SD, P < 0.05). Conversely, the estimation of body fat increased by 63% during this period of anesthesia (12.9 ± 2.9 vs. 21.1 ± 2.6 g/100 g body wt, P < 0.05). In cohort animals (n = 6), body temperature and respiration rate declined following anesthesia (P < 0.05), and may have correspondingly suppressed EMS signal via reduced ion flux and/or muscular activity. In another study the effects of food deprivation, tail position, and anesthesia duration were demonstrated to alter estimation of fat-free mass (P = 0.0001), but these effects were not interactive (P > 0.05). Proximate analysis of body composition in cohort rats indicated that EMS predicted fat-free mass with a 3.5% error when estimated at 4 min post-anesthesia injection. Taken together, these data suggest that standardized EMS protocols should be adopted to account for effects of anesthesia, animal position and food deprivation. When manufacturer's equations are used, body composition should be measured immediately after induction of anesthesia. However, laboratories that choose to internally generate EMS regression equations with proximate analysis should determine and utilize the period of minimal variability in EMS measures. Such precautions would minimize interlaboratory differences in the reporting of EMS body composition measures in anesthetized animals.