Focal Degenerative Changes Research Articles

Prevalence and histopathological study on cystic hydatidosis in heart and spleen of goat slaughtered at Makkah, Saudi Arabia

Hydatidosis or echinococcosis is considered to be one of the most common zoonotic diseases of the animals. Infection occurs when intermediate hosts such as camel, cattle, sheep, and goats ingested food or water contaminated with eggs from the definitive host (dog). This is a cross-sectional study which was carried out in one of the biggest abattoirs in Makkah in the west of Saudi Arabia. A total number of 38302 goats were examined and recorded at Makkah abattoirs. The examination had been performed to all slaughtered animals on two organs (spleen and heart) for detection of any hydatid cysts during the period from July 2018 until December 2018. The study included also histopathological tissue evaluation. The total infections number of hydatidosis in goats is 0.23%. The infected hearts were 40.35% whereas the infected spleen was 48.48% subsequently in local animals. The imported animals were 2124, the infected animals in heart were 59.64%, whereas the infected animal involving spleen were 51.51%. Meanwhile, results of histopathological examination had shown that most of the hydatid cysts in goats caused progressive focal pressure and degenerative changes in the surrounding tissue.

Тhe comparative pathomorphologic research of the inner organs of rats on the precliniсal study of vincristinе-ROnC and vincristinе-teva

In accordance with Russian Federal program of import substitution of foreign medicines quality of Russian drugs in the N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, Ministry of Health of Russia, played vincristine-RONC (VC-RONC), which as a drug – the generic’s passed preclinical pharmacological and toxicological testing in comparison with foreign firms vincristine Teva of Israel (VC-Teva). The aim. The aim of present study was the comparative pathomorphological evaluation of the effect of VC-RONC and VC-Teva on the internal organs of rats. Materials and methods. Used 50 weinbrenner male rats, at 10 rats per group. VC-RONC and VC-Teva rats were administered intravenously 3 times daily at aquatoxicity total dose corresponding to the MTD and 1/2 MTD. Control rats in the same regime intravenously administered of 0,9 % sodium chloride solution. Rats were deduced from the experience of 3 and 30 days after the end of administration of the drugs. Conducted macroscopic and histological examination of internal organs by conventional methods, including fixation of the material in 10 % formalin and coloring sections with hematoxylin and eosin. The micropreparations of the internal organs was analyzed under light microscope at magnifications of 100, 400, 1000. Results. VC-RONC, as VC-Teva in cumulative doses of 0,5 and 0,25 mg/kg in 3 days after the end of introductions in the internal organs of rats cause similar slightly pronounced morphological changes: hypoplasia in the bone marrow and spleen, destructive changes in the testes, focal degenerative changes in the kidney and liver of individual rats. On the 30th day after the application of both drugs, some rats regardless of the dose occurred similar symptoms residual morphological changes in the bone marrow, testes, kidneys and liver. Conclusion. Based on the results of macroscopic and histological examination the conclusion about the similarity of the influence of VC-RONC and VC-Teva on the internal organs of rats was made.

Acetabular changes associated with avascularnecrosis of the femoral head in a piglet model.

ObjectivesAn experimental piglet model induces avascular necrosis (AVN) and deformation of the femoral head but its secondary effects on the developing acetabulum have not been studied. The aim of this study was to assess the development of secondary acetabular deformation following femoral head ischemia.MethodsIntracapsular circumferential ligation at the base of the femoral neck and sectioning of the ligamentum teres were performed in three week old piglets. MRI was then used for qualitative and quantitative studies of the acetabula in operated and non-operated hips in eight piglets from 48 hours to eight weeks post-surgery. Specimen photographs and histological sections of the acetabula were done at the end of the study. ResultsThe operated-side acetabula were wider, shallower and misshapen, with flattened labral edges. At eight weeks, increased acetabular cartilage thickness characterised the operated sides compared with non-operated sides (p < 0.001, ANOVA). The mean acetabular width on the operated side was increased (p = 0.015) while acetabular depth was decreased anteriorly (p = 0.007) and posteriorly (p = 0.44). The cartilage was thicker, with delayed acetabular bone formation, and showed increased vascularisation with fibrosis laterally and focal degenerative changes involving chondrocyte hypocellularity, chondrocyte cloning, peripheral pannus formation and surface fibrillation. ConclusionsWe demonstrate that femoral head AVN in the young growing piglet also induced, and was coupled with, secondary malformation in acetabular shape affecting both articular and adjacent pelvic cartilage structure, and acetabular bone. The femoral head model inducing AVN can also be applied to studies of acetabular maldevelopment, which is less well understood in terms of developing hip malformation.Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2014;3:130–8.

Hepatoprotective Effect of Sesame Oil against Lead Induced Liver Damage in Albino Mice: Histological and Biochemical Studies

The liver performs many vital functions to eliminate toxins and harmful substances from the body. Hepatotoxic agents can react with the basic cellular components and consequently induce almost all types of liver lesions. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible hepatoprotective role of sesame oil against lead acetate induced hepatotoxicity in albino mice from the histological and biochemical aspects. In this study, thirty two adult male albino mice were used for this study and divided into four groups. The first group was control group, the 2nd was the sesame oil group orally received sesame oil (5 ml/kg body wt.), the 3rd group was the experimental and received lead acetate (500 mg /kg diet), the 4th one co-administered lead acetate (500 mg/kg diet) with sesame oil (5 ml/kg body wt.) daily for 30 days. The livers were dissected out, weighted and specimens were taken and processed for light microscopic examinations. Blood samples were obtained for assessment of serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and γ- glutamyltransferase activities, serum total proteins and albumin. Results indicate that, in lead treated animals, there were severe structural damage in the liver. The hepatocytes appeared irregularly arranged with disorganization of hepatic architecture. The hepatocytes appeared large with light and foamy cytoplasm filled with numerous vacuole-like spaces. The nuclei appeared with pyknotic nuclei. The central vein appeared dilated and congested with massive hemorrhage extending to the nearby cells. Also, there were focal degenerative and necrotic changes along with inflammatory cell infiltration. Decrease in body weight and increase in liver weight were observed. Biochemically, the serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and γ- glutamyltransferase activities were increased and serum total proteins and albumin were decreased. Co-administration of sesame oil significantly improved the structural changes in the liver and also the serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and γ- glutamyltransferase activities were significantly declined and serum total proteins and albumin were elevated. Conclusion: It can be concluded that, the lead had adverse effects on the liver. Sesame oil showed effective hepatoprotective action against lead acetate induced hepatotoxicity in albino mice. So, the populations of high risk to lead should be advised to take sesame oil.

Effect of Cadmium on the Liver and Amelioration by Aqueous Extracts of Fenugreek Seeds, Rosemary, and Cinnamon in Guinea pigs: Histological and Biochemical Study

Hepatotoxic agents can react with the basic cellular components and consequently induce almost all types of liver lesions. Objective: The present work aimed to evaluate effectiveness of fenugreek seeds, rosemary and cinnamon against cadmium induced hepatotoxicity in guinea pigs from the histological and biochemical aspects. Materials and methods: 48 guinea pigs were used for this study and divided into 8 groups. The first 4 groups were control groups, the 5th group was the experimental and administered oral cadmium chloride at a dose of 5 mg/kg. body weight./day for 28 days, the 6th, 7th, and 8th groups co-administered cadmium with aqueous extracts of fenugreek seeds, rosemary and cinnamon at a dose of 150 mg, 220 mg, and 200 mg/ kg body weight /day, respectively. The livers were dissected out, weighted and specimens were taken and processed for light microscopic examinations. Blood samples were obtained for assessment of serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, γ- glutamyltransferase activities, and serum total and direct bilirubin. Results: In cadmium treated animals, there were severe structural damage in the liver. Most of hepatocytes appeared fused together forming eosinophilic syncytial masses. The hepatocytes appeared irregularly arranged with disorganization of hepatic architecture. The hepatocytes appeared large with light and foamy cytoplasm filled with numerous vacuole-like spaces. The nuclei appeared with pyknotic nuclei. The central vein appeared dilated and congested with massive hemorrhage extending to the nearby cells. Mild periductal fibrosis around bile duct in the portal area were observed. Also, there were focal degenerative and necrotic changes along with inflammatory cell infiltration. Decrease in body weight and increase in liver weight were observed. Biochemically, the serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase), and γ- glutamyltransferase activities, serum total and direct bilirubin were elevated. Co-adminstration of fenugreek, rosemary and cinnamon significantly improved the structural changes in the liver and also all the above mentioned biochemical parameters were significantly declined. Conclusion: It can be concluded that, the cadmium had adverse effects on the liver. Aqueous extracts of different natural materials as Fenugreek, rosemary and cinnamon were able to attenuate these effects. So, the populations of high risk to cadmium should be advised to take one of these materials.

Pathogenetic Role of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis Endotoxin in Hemostasis and Microcirculation Disturbances

We studied the role of Y. pseudotuberculosis endotoxin (LPS) in the pathogenesis of hemostasis and microcirculation disorders. It was found that changes in the hemostasis system after injection of LPS had biphasic character corresponding to the stages of DIC syndrome development. Pathomorphological findings in animals with endotoxemia induced by Y. pseudotuberculosis LPS attested to increased permeability and destruction of the vascular endothelium in the microcirculatory bed and focal degenerative and necrotic changes in cells of the target organs (kidney, liver, and lungs) progressing with increasing the duration of the pathological process, which was determined by microcirculation disturbances and development of multiple organ failure.

The role of joint architecture in the etiology of arthritis

Focal degenerative changes occur in some joints very early in life. These changes in the articular cartilage appear to occur in the unloaded, rather than the loaded, areas of the joint. One possible cause for this pattern of degeneration is lack of use or stress in these particular areas of the joint; just as unused bone and unused muscle atrophy, so may unused cartilage. If these unloaded areas were never subjected to mechanical stress, degeneration at these sites perhaps would not be important. However, bones, including their articular ends, are in a constant state of change through the process of remodeling, which continues throughout life. Joint surfaces are not, in general, spherical, and therefore must be incongruent during most of their arc of movement. In the young person, this incongruity maintains physiologic loading and joint nutrition. Studies have shown age-related changes in the remodeling process that lead to increasing joint congruity in old age. These age-related increases in congruity may result in a redistribution of load in the joint such that there is an increased stress on formerly unloaded atrophic cartilage. Arthritis always results in a change in joint shape. It is suggested that a change in shape caused by a disturbance in the remodeling process may itself be an important contributing cause of osteoarthritis.

The effect of nonphysiologically high initial tension on the mechanical properties of in situ frozen anterior cruciate ligament in a canine model.

An experimental study was performed in 32 adult beagle dogs to clarify the effect of nonphysiologically high initial tension on the mechanical and histologic properties of in situ frozen anterior cruciate ligaments. Both anterior cruciate ligaments in each dog underwent the in situ freeze-thaw treatment. The tibial insertion of the ligament was then made free from the tibia along with a cylindrical bone block. In the right knee, an initial tension of 20 N was applied on the anterior cruciate ligament by translocating the bone block in the distal direction. In the left knee, this bone block was anatomically reduced. Each bone block was firmly fixed with an interference screw. Ten animals were sacrificed at 6 weeks and 10 at 12 weeks. The tensile strength and the tangent modulus in the highly tensioned knee were significantly less than those in the physiologically tensioned knee at 12 weeks. Histologically, cell nuclei appeared to be spindle-shaped in the physiologically tensioned knee, while oval nuclei and focal degenerative changes with a number of vacuoles were occasionally found in the matrix in the highly tensioned knee. This study demonstrated that a nonphysiologically high tension significantly deteriorates the mechanical properties of the in situ frozen anterior cruciate ligament compared with physiologic tension.

Trypanosoma congolense in the microvasculature of the pituitary gland of experimentally infected Boran cattle (Bos indicus).

The pituitary glands of seven Boran cattle (Bos indicus), five infected with a clone of Trypanosoma congolense IL 1180 (ILNat 3.1) transmitted by Glossina morsitans centralis and two uninfected controls, were examined by light and electron microscopy 43 (experiment 2) or 56 (experiment 1) days after fly challenge. The three cattle used in the first experiment included a 15-month-old female (No. 1), a 24-month-old female (No. 2), and a 21-month-old male (No. 3) as a control. In the second experiment, four cattle were used: two females (Nos. 4, 5) and one male (No. 6), all between 15 and 24 months of age, and one female control (No. 7) of similar age. In all the infected animals, dilation of both the sinusoids and microvasculature was apparent, as was an increase in the thickness of the extracellular matrix between the pituitary lobules. Trypanosomes were found in the microvasculature of the adenohypophysis and neurohypophysis in all the infected animals. Focal degenerative changes were seen in the adenohypophyseal section of glands from the infected animals euthanatized 56 days post-infection. These degenerative structural changes were confined to the somatotrophic cells. The possible role that trypanosomes in the microvasculature may play in inducing pituitary damage and dysfunction is discussed.

Lumbar subarachnoid ethylenediaminetetraacetate induces hindlimb tetanic contractions in rats: prevention by CaCl2 pretreatment; observation of spinal nerve root degeneration.

Disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate (Na2EDTA) has replaced sodium bisulfite as the antioxidant in 2-chloroprocaine, Nesacaine CE. This study was undertaken to determine whether this new formulation has neurotoxic effects when administered in the subarachnoid space. Sprague-Dawley rats receiving subarachnoid injections of 1.5 mM or higher concentrations of Na2EDTA immediately initiated a circling behavior that was followed by the development of tetanic contractions of the hindlimbs lasting for 15-20 min. The tetanic contractions were followed by a brief period of hindlimb paralysis. Pretreatment of rats by subarachnoid injections of 1 mM CaCl2 prevented the development of tetanic contractions and paralysis of the hindlimb. Histologic examination of animals receiving Na2EDTA revealed moderate to severe focal degenerative changes in spinal nerve roots. Control rats receiving subarachnoid injections of normal saline solution did not develop tetanic contraction nor pathological changes on light microscopy. These results suggest that the preservative used in Nesacaine-MPF may be neurotoxic.

Unusual course of nemaline myopathy

A boy with onset features common for a moderate form of congenital nemaline myopathy, after some years developed scapulo-humeral syndrome. Extra- and intrafusal muscle fibers overloaded with rods and indicating focal degenerative changes were seen in the first biopsy. The biopsy was later repeated and revealed an improvement in muscle architecture with a dramatically decreased number of rods. This transformation suggests that rods, as well as Z-line streaming, might be a reversible anomaly of Z-discs.

Experimental hypophosphataemia in growing pigs: Effects on endochondral ossification in comparison to osteochondrosis

Hypophosphataemia was induced in growing pigs by dietary supplementation with aluminium hydroxide. The effect on endochondral ossification was studied morphologically in comparison with normophosphataemic pigs given aluminium phosphate or left untreated. The aim of the investigation was to elucidate further the role of nutritional factors in the pathogenesis of disturbed endochondral ossification, occurring in osteochondrosis. In all pigs, focal arrestment of endochondral ossification with subsequent cartilage retention in the epiphyseal or metaphyseal growth zones was seen. In normophosphataemic pigs, focal degenerative cartilage changes were associated with impairment of vascular penetration. The lesions had morphological characteristics of early osteochondrosis. In hypophosphataemic pigs, a more generalized disturbance, endochondral ossification, was seen with impaired vascular penetration and excessive deposition of osteoid in the primary spongiosa. Focal cartilage retentions were associated with necrotic changes in the primary spongiosa and not with cartilage degeneration. The lesions were similar to rickets and it was concluded that hypophosphataemia is not an aetiological factor in the development of osteochondrosis. The differentiation between the cartilage retention seen in early stages of osteochondrosis and rickets must be based on histological examination.

Virus-induced pancreatic cancer in guinea fowl. An electron-microscopical study.

Pancreatic tumors were induced in guinea fowls inoculated with virus strain Pts-56. Sequential high-resolution light microscopic and ultrastructural studies revealed consecutive occurrence of alterations in the pancreas of the infected birds. From the second month p.i., there were nonobligatory, unspecific focal degenerative changes in acinar units that were replaced by tubular complexes, lined with centroacinar-like cells. From the third month, proliferation of ductule structures with mucin-producing or mucin-nonproducing epithelium occurred, giving rise to cystic and papillary adenomas. From the fourth to sixth months, pancreatic adenocarcinomas and poorly differentiated carcinomas arose. The cells of the serous adenomas ultrastructurally resembled the normal pancreatic centroacinar and ductular cells with their regular glandular arrangement on basal lamina, elongated nuclei with finely dispersed heterochromatin, scanty cytoplasmic organelles, microvilli, and occasional cilium. The cells of the mucinous tumors showed similarities to ductal cells with their darker cytoplasmic matrix, larger number of small mitochondria, microfilaments, vesicles, mucin granules, and extensive interdigitations. The cells of the pancreatic carcinomas revealed irregularities in glandular formation, nuclear polymorphism, low cytodifferentiation, and ultrastructural abnormalities, but in most cases retained basic fine structural similarities to the epithelium of the pancreatic ductal system. The present results indicate that the centroacinar cell is the cell of origin of the broad spectrum of pancreatic neoplasms with various differentiation and malignancy induced in guinea fowl by virus strain Pts-56.

Effects of fasting on cadmium toxicity, glutathione metabolism, and metallothionein synthesis in rats

Acute oral toxicity of Cd (as cadmium chloride) was enhanced in rats fasted 24 hr, as shown by a markedly decreased LD50. To examine the relationship among Cd toxicity, hepatic glutathione (GSH), and metallothionein (MT) during fasting, rats were administered 75 mg Cd/kg orally 24 hr after fasting and euthanized after a further 4 or 24 hr for various assays. Serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase activity 24 hr after Cd treatment was higher in fasted rats than in fed rats. Both total GSH and nonprotein sulfhydryl (NPSH) concentrations in liver decreased to 50% of control levels after 28 hr of fasting and returned to 75% of control values by 48 hr. Total hepatic GSH concentration in fed rats decreased 4 and 24 hr after Cd treatment, whereas that in fasted rats remained unchanged at 4 hr and decreased significantly at 24 hr. Cd uptake by the liver (both concentration and content) 24 hr after Cd treatment was higher in fasted rats than in fed rats. Hepatic MT concentration was markedly increased by Cd treatment and higher in fasted rats than in fed rats. There was no relationship between Cd toxicity and hepatic thiobarbituric acid (TBA) value, an indicator of lipid peroxidation. Fasting had no effect on hepatic GSH peroxidase and GSH reductase activities. These enzymes probably are not involved in Cd toxicity. On histological examination, focal degenerative and necrotic changes were observed from the midlobular to the pericentral region in the livers of fed rats 24 hr after Cd treatment. These changes were enhanced by fasting, diffusing from the pericentral to the periportal region. Histochemical examination revealed a heterogeneous distribution of GSH in the livers of fed rats, with strong staining of GSH in the periportal region. This heterogeneous distribution of GSH in liver was not observed in fed rats 4 hr after Cd treatment or in fasted rats at 24 hr. The present results suggest that hepatic GSH plays an important role in protection against Cd toxicity before the onset of MT synthesis. Animals in bad condition, such as that resulting from interruption of nutrient supply, cannot be protected against Cd toxicity even if the hepatic MT level is high.

The pathology of an inherited hyperlipoproteinaemia of cats

The gross and histological features of congenital lipoprotein lipase deficiency are described in eight cats. The main histological features could be directly related to the presence of the chylomicronaemia. They consisted of lipid accumulation within clear vacuoles or ceroid accumulation within residual bodies in parenchymatous organs such as the liver, spleen, lymph nodes, kidney and adrenal gland. Xanthomata were seen in various sites, probably arising either from frank haemorrhage or the leakage of lipid-rich plasma perivascularly. As in human lipoprotein lipase deficiency there was no evidence of the formation of atherosclerotic plaques. Focal degenerative changes were, however, present within arteries and this may indicate blood vessel weakness and explain the tendency to haemorrhage and xanthomata/granulomata formation. The degeneration and fibrous replacement of glomeruli and nephrons possibly arises from pressure necrosis of adjacent xanthomata and alterations in renal blood flow.

1,3-Dichloropropene: Two-generation inhalation reproduction study in Fischer 344 rats

This study evaluated the effects of inhaled technical-grade 1,3-dichloropropene (DCPT) on reproduction and neonatal growth and survival. Groups of 30 male and 30 female Fischer 344 rats, approximately 6 weeks of age, were exposed via inhalation to 0, 10, 30 or 90 ppm DCPT for 6 hr/day, 5 days/week, for two generations. The parental f 0 and f 1 generations were each bred twice. Reproductive and neonatal parameters evaluated included indices of fertility and pup survival, gestation length, litter size, pup body weight, and pup sex ratio. Gross and histologic examinations were conducted on all f 0 and f 1 adults. In addition, randomly selected f 1b and f 2b weanlings were given gross examinations. Parental effects were limited to rats exposed to 90 ppm DCPT and included decreased body weights and histopathologic effects on the nasal mucosa of adult male and female rats. The histopathologic effects consisted of slight, focal hyperplasia of the respiratory epithelium and/or focal degenerative changes in the olfactory epithelium. No adverse effects on reproductive parameters or neonatal growth or survival were observed in the f 1a, f 1b, f 2a, or f 2b litters even at an exposure concentration which produced effects in adult animals. Based on these results, it is concluded that inhalation exposure of rats up to 90 ppm DCPT for two successive generations did not adversely affect the reproductive and neonatal parameters evaluated.

Alcoholic pancreatitis in rats fed ethanol in a nutritionally adequate liquid diet

In an effort to develop a model of chronic alcoholic pancreatitis in Sprague-Dawley rats fed a nutritionally adequate diet, 3 groups of 15 animals each were fed Wayne Rodent-Blox ad libitum, Lieber-DeCarli diet with 40% of carbohydrate calories replaced by ethanol ad libitum and isocaloric amounts of Lieber-DeCarli diet respectively for a period of 18 months. Rats were anesthetized and basal and secretin-stimulated pancreatic juice was obtained. Pancreatic glands were isolated and divided into portions for histology, biochemical analyses, and cell fractionation. The homogenate, zymogen granule fraction, mitochondrial-lysosomal fraction, microsomal fraction and postmicrosomal supernatant as well as aliquots of pancreatic juice were analyzed for cathepsin B, acid phosphatase, beta-D-glucoronidase, arylsulphatase and leucine naphthylamidase. All of the ethanol-fed animals developed morphological changes akin to human chronic pancreatitis. There were focal areas of parenchymal degeneration with fibrosis, protein plug formation and tubular complexes. In the pancreatic tissue of animals fed ethanol, total protein, trypsinogen (and free trypsin) were increased and amylase was decreased. While acid phosphatase was increased in all of the particulate fractions, cathepsin B was increased in the zymogen granule and mitochondrial-lysosomal fractions. Basal and post-secretin pancreatic juice did not show a significant increase in digestive or lysosomal enzymes. It is suggested that focal degenerative changes may be due to trypsin generated by intracellular activation of digestive enzymes by lysosomal enzyme cathepsin B.

Effects of long-term running stress on the ultrastructure of the aging mouse heart.

Apical regions of the left ventricular myocardium of female C57BL/6J mice, aged between 6 and 27 months, that had been subjected to endurance running for 2, 10 or 15 months, were examined by light and electron microscopy. Focal degenerative changes were found in myocytes of these experimental mice, including loss of myofibrils, erosion of myocytes and changes in nuclei, lipofuscin content and mitochondria. The interstitial connective tissue showed an increase in collagen in aged myocardia. Endurance-trained runners frequently showed signs of platelet aggregation or microthrombi in small capillaries associated with myocytes. These were most common in endurance-trained middle-aged and very elderly mice, but were not found in sedentary age-matched controls. Our experiments indicate that running stress may be damaging to cardiac tissue in aged animals. Our findings may be of significance in helping the understanding of the development and the etiology of stress-induced cardiovascular damage in the elderly.

Toxicity of pluronic F-68

The toxicity of Pluronic F-68, a non-ionic polyol, was studied in the rat when administered intravenously for one month in daily doses of 0, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 mg/kg. Pluronic F-68 induced pulmonary foam cells at the dose levels of 500 and 1000 mg/kg and slight focal degenerative changes in the proximal tubules of the kidneys at the dose levels of 100, 200, 500 and 1000 mg/kg. The cytoplasm of the pulmonary foam cells contained lipid droplets, phospholipids being the most essential constituent. The results indicate that Pluronic F-68 is able to induce phospholipidosis in the rat. Only drugs have so far been reported to cause this condition in the rat.

Dietary protein deficiency and the influence of chlorfenvinphos on the biological parameters in rats.

Male and female rats of Wistar strain were fed from the 6th week of life on during 10 and 30 days the diet containing 4.5% or 26% protein without or with addition of chlorfenvinphos (Chl) in concentrations of 5, 100 and 1000 ppm. The following was stated: In the case of optimal-protein diet (26% protein): the inhibitory effect of Chl on the body weight gain at its highest concentration; the increased relative weight of liver, ovaries and adrenals dependent on the amount of the insecticide in the diet. In the case of low-protein diet (4.5% protein): the reduced rate of the body weight gain already at 5 ppm, pronounced at 100 ppm and strongly marked at 1000 ppm of Chl; increase of the relative weight of testicles, adrenals and decrease of the relative weight of the spleen connected with the increasing concentrations of Chl. In rats with the most decreased rate of the body weight gain (in case of Chl) an increase of the relative weight of the brain. Congestion of the heart, spleen and kidneys after 30 days on diets containing 100 and 1000 ppm of Chl, independent of the amount of protein in the diet. Eosinophilic infiltrations in the lungs of rats obtaining the 100 ppm-contaminated low-protein diet during 30 days. Focal degenerative changes in the cells of the exocrine pancreas and proliferation of lymphatic nodules in the spleen mainly in rats receiving the 1000 ppm-contaminated optimal-protein diet for 30 days. After withdrawal of Chl from the diets changes caused by this insecticide showed reversal trends.