Intertubular Connective Tissue Research Articles

The role of thymus graft on the onset of puberty in juvenile male rats

There exists a bidirectional relation between the thymus gland and the hypothalamo- hypophysial-gonadal axis. The thymus secretes various hormones, some of which can regulate the reproductive axis. So, it is worth to explore the possible role of an additional thymus on the onset of puberty in male albino rats. Two groups of male rats aged 5 and 10 days were used for the study. Each subgroup consisted of 4 pups each in control and experimental group. Thymus glands for graft were obtained from newborn male rat pups. Depending on the age group, 5 day or 10-day-old male rat pup were anaesthetized, 2-3 mm incision was made, and a thymus gland was grafted to the axilla. Sham operations were performed to the control pups. Without handling, animals were observed daily for the onset of puberty. On the day of descent of testes, body weight of the animal was noted, blood was collected and used for radio immunoassay. All morphometric measurements were done using an occular micrometer. Volume fraction of seminiferous tubules, intertubular connective tissue of testes, cortex and medulla of the thymus were estimated by point count method. In both the age groups thymus graft advanced the age of descent of testes, and increased body weight and organ weight. It also increased the serum hormone levels. In conclusion, this study indicates that an additional thymus gland has a positive effect on the male reproductive system towards pro-gonadal action, and this effect is more pronounced in older-age groups of rats.

Therapeutic, histopathological, and non-specific immune status effect of Rhizophora mangle and Laguncularia racemose hydroalcoholic extracts against Vibrio harveyi and Vibrio campbellii in white shrimp (Penaeus vannamei)

The objective of the research was to evaluate in vitro and in vivo antibacterial efficacy of Rhizophora mangle and Laguncularia racemose when added to the feed of Penaeus vannamei in an experimental infection with Vibrio harveyi (CAIM 1792) and V. campbellii (CAIM 333). Results show that the minimum inhibitory concentration for both extracts was 1.65 g mL-1, with an inhibition zone of 25 ± 1 mm (V. campbellii); 18 ± 2 mm (V. harveyi) for L. racemose and of 21 ± 2 mm (V. campbellii); 20 ± 2 mm (V. harveyi) for R. mangle. R. mangle gave a higher total content of phenolic compounds (4.50 ± 0.26 mg GAE mL-1) and flavonoids (2.60 ± 0.15 mg QE mL-1). The challenge with V. harveyi resulted in 70% survival for organisms fed L. racemose extract and 53% for R. mangle extract. The challenge with V. campbellii resulted in 80% survival for organisms fed L. racemose and 90% R. mangle. Histopathological alterations were observed in the hepatopancreas with hemocytic infiltration within the intertubular connective tissue. Also, tubules with severe cell detachment and tubular atrophy were detected in the positive control organisms, and organisms treated with R. mangle and L. racemose only had vermiform structures in the tubular lumen, cell detachment, and infiltration hemolymph in intertubular connective tissue. According to the analysis of the studied variables, it can be concluded that the hydroalcoholic extracts of R. mangle and L. racemose reduced mortality, clinical signs, and organs and tissue alterations and improved P. vannamei immunity. It is possible to use these hydroalcoholic therapeutic extracts as treatments in shrimp-farm to enhance bacterial disease tolerance and prevent mortality.

Monosodium Glutamate Effect on The Expression of ɑ7nACHR and ɑ4nACHR Subunits in The Testicular Tissue.

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a popular food flavor enhancer, and a glutamate subset that induces different toxicities such as hepatotoxicity, neurotoxicity, reproductive toxicity, and nephrotoxicity. This study was conducted to assess the effects of MSG on the α7 and α4 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nACHR) protein subunits expression of adult rat testis and the safety role of vitamin C. For this experimental research, 24 rats were haphazardly grouped into four equal groups (n=6) and orally gavaged for 30 days as follows: control group (distilled water gavage), MSG group (3 g/kg/b.w/ day), vitamin C group (150 mg/kg/b.w/day), and MSG+vitamin C group (3 g/kg/b.w/day+150 mg/kg/b.w/day, respectively) that rats of all groups on the 30th day were anesthetized, and the left testes were used for of α4 and α7 nACHR protein subunit evaluation by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Statistical computations were performed using Graph Pad Prism software. The present study revealed a significant reduction in the expression and optical density (OD) of α7 nACHR and α4 nACHR in the seminiferous tubules and intertubular connective tissue in the MSG group compared to the control group. In the MSG+vitamin C group, the expression and OD of α7 nACHR and α4 nACHR increased in the seminiferous tubules and intertubular connective tissue but this improvement was not significant compared to the MSG group. MSG decreased the expression level of nACHR protein subunits, α7 and α4, in the seminiferous tubules and interstitial testicular tissue. Vitamin C in the MSG+vitamin C group could not significantly improve the expression of α7 and α4 nACHR subunits in testicular tissue. Probably, MSG toxicity can be compensated with higher doses of vitamin C.

Experimental infection reveals mud crab, Scylla serrata is less susceptible than Scylla olivacea and shrimp, Penaeus vannamei to white spot syndrome virus (WSSV)

White spot syndrome virus (WSSV) causes severe mortality in farmed shrimps, besides causing infection in a wide range of crustaceans. Among the hosts, mud crabs are reported to be relatively resistant to the virus. To validate this, the present study investigated the susceptibility of two species of mud crabs, Scylla olivacea and S. serrata compared with shrimp, Penaeus vannamei to WSSV through experimental infection. Initially, to find out the pathogenicity of the virus, a quantified, 10-fold serially diluted WSSV inoculum was injected intramuscularly into shrimp and mud crabs. Cumulative mortality of 100% was observed in shrimp injected with 10−1 and 10−2 WSSV dilution at 5 and 6 day post-injection (dpi), respectively. However, injection of the virus inoculum of 10−1 dilution resulted in 100% and 85% cumulative mortality at 7 dpi in S. olivacea and S. serrata, respectively. The LD50 (lethal dose 50% endpoint) value of WSSV in P. vannamei, S. olivacea and S. serrata was determined to be 1.74 × 105, 3.80 × 106 and 8.51 × 106 viral copies per animal, respectively. PCR amplification of DNA extracted from different tissues of the experimental animals at 24, 48 and 72 h post-injection (hpi) confirmed the infection. A SYBR green-based real-time PCR assay revealed comparatively higher viral load in shrimp tissues (4.1 × 103, 2.8 × 106 and 4.3 × 107 copies/ 100 ng DNA in stomach, 1.0 × 103, 2.4 × 106 and 3.5 × 107 copies/ 100 ng DNA in gill and 3.5 × 102, 1.1 × 104 and 1.1 × 105 copies/ 100 ng DNA in hepatopancreas at 24, 48 and 72 h, respectively). The viral load in S. olivacea was estimated to be 2.9 × 103, 2.2 × 106 and 3.0 × 107 copies/ 100 ng DNA in the stomach, 7.1 × 102, 1.6 × 106 and 2.4 × 107 copies/ 100 ng DNA in gill and 2.0 × 102, 8.6 × 103& 7.8 × 104 copies/ 100 ng DNA and in S. serrata the viral copy numbers detected were 1.1 × 103, 1.7 × 106 and 1.8 × 107 copies/ 100 ng DNA in stomach, 6.6 × 102, 1.3 × 106 and 1.4 × 107 copies/ 100 ng DNA in gill and 5.8 × 101, 7.7 × 102 & 1.1 × 104 copies/ 100 ng DNA at 24, 48 and 72 h, respectively. A higher viral load was detected in the stomach tissue compared to the gill and hepatopancreas of all the experimental animals. Histological examination of the stomach and gill of P. vannamei, S. olivacea and S. serrata at different time points post-infection revealed characteristic WSSV pathology. Hepatopancreatic tubular epithelium showed no viral inclusions, though pathological changes could be noticed in the intertubular connective tissue. The most pronounced changes were found in the stomach epithelium of P. vannamei and S. olivacea, which revealed significant nuclear hypertrophy and large-sized inclusions, compared to S. serrata which showed relatively smaller-sized inclusion bodies.

STRESS RELATED HISTOPATHOLOGICAL CHANGES IN THE HEPATOPANCREAS OF BOTH THE SEXES OF PALAEMONID PRAWN MACROBRACHIUM DAYANUM (HENDERSON) (CRUSTACEA : DECAPODA)

The palaemonid prawns Macrobrachium dayanum(Crustacea: Decapoda) are importantspecies found in river Gomti and are very good bioindicators. These prawns are ideal animals tostudy the histopathological impairments caused by the effect of heavy metals prominent in riverGomti. The test animals were exposed to LC50value (0.15 mg/l and 0.16 mg/l respectively)at acuteexposure for 24, 48,72 and 96h and at subacute exposure25% of 96hr LC50 values of CdCl2 for malesand females (0.0375mg/l & 0.04 mg/l) respectively for 10, 20 and 30 day exposure. Thehistopathological changes were studied in both the sexes in the animals.Marked histopathologicalchanges were noticed in hepatopancreas of M.dayanum after cadmium chloride exposure. At 96 hacute exposure, hepatopancreas showed vacuolization in epithelial cells, necrosis in tunica propria,increased number of migratory cells, granuloma in intertubular connective tissue alongwithkaryorrhexis and karyolysis in cells. Necrotic and degenerative changes in hepatopancreaticepithelium, which were mainly, noticed in R and B cells. Loss of histological architecture along withthe heavy influx of haemocytes was recorded at this stage. After sub-acute exposure large vacuoles,particularly R and B cells were observed along with hypertrophy, necrosis and degenerative changesat most of the places in hepatopancreatic epithelium. Karyorrhexis and pyknosis were common.Increased number of migratory cells in intertubular spaces was a peculiar feature at this stage. Almostcomplete loss of the architecture of hepatopancreas was noticed and about 90 % of thehepatopancreatic tubules were found non–fuctional. The histopathological alteration in males wasmore pronounced than in females, both at acute and sub-acute exposure.

Histological Studies of Snails at Different Periods of Their Life Activity

Large species of terrestrial mollusks are used for human consumption and are bred for this purpose. They have become a part of national cuisine in many countries. Histology is used in many fields of humane and veterinary medicine. Its main essence is that this method can diagnose the presence of formations and inclusions. It is used to determine this process's structure and stage of development. Samples of different tissues can be used as material for histological examination. The specialist analyzes and describes the histological preparations obtained after processing the material. Thus, we proposed a histological method of studying snails. This method can provide the data of snails’ state as a whole. Snails of the species Helix aspersa maxima, Helix aspersa muller, and Helix pomatia were the material for the study. Ten snails of each species were selected for the experiment at different periods: immediately after hibernation, five days after wakening, 14 days after wakening, and at the time of their active life – in July. First, we conducted histological studies of snails during their active life, i.e., in the summer months. Therefore, for this purpose, snails for the experiment were taken in July. It was determined that if the snail eats and has an everyday life, its digestive gland generally consists of digestive tubules separated by intertubular connective tissue containing hemolymphatic sinuses and hemocytes. Thus, in our research, we studied the structure of the digestive gland. A circular muscle layer surrounds each tubule. There are three different cell types in the epithelium lining the tubules of the digestive glands, which differentiate into digestive cells, calcium cells, and excretory cells. Digestive cells are the most numerous cellular component of the tubular epithelium of the digestive gland. Basally located nuclei of digestive cells have a round or oval shape. During the rest period, the digestive gland of snails is characterized by a complete loss of digestive function and the transformation of digestive cells into excretory ones. Metabolic products are not excreted into the environment. When they accumulate, they fill all cavities in the body of snails, namely the lumens of glandular tubules, excretory ducts, stomach, and intestines. Food intake in snails increases the level of metabolism. It stimulates the differentiation of digestive cells, the functional activity of excretory cells, and the volume of excretory products. It leads to the complete liberation of the digestive tract from accumulated excretion products during the rest period. The structure of the digestive gland is completely restored.

Histopathological effects of methomyl and crude extracts of Jatropha curcas against the terrestrial snail, Monacha obstructa (Gastropoda:Hygromiidae)

BackgroundThe negative effect of over-reliance on the use of synthetic pesticides have led to the search for natural alternatives to pest control. This study was designed to evaluate the toxicity effect of the crude plant extracts of Jatropha (Jatropha curcas Linn.) seeds in comparison with methomyl on some histopathological changes of the terrestrial snail species Monacha obstructa (Pfeiffer, 1842). The toxicity effect of methomyl and crude extracts of ethanol and acetone extracts of Jatropha curcas seeds were determined on some histological changes of the land snail, Monacha obstructa at four concentrations using the contact technique under laboratory conditions.ResultsThe results revealed that the crude extracts of Jatropha exhibited obvious adequate effects compared with methomyl against M. obstructa land snails. The highest toxicity effects were obtained by methomyl followed by the ethanolic extract of Jatropha and hexane extract of Jatropha. The histopathological effect of LC50 of Jatropha crude extract and methomyl on the digestive gland and foot tissues were examined in the land snails M. obstructa. The treated snails showed several histological changes in the digestive gland and foot compared with the control group snails. The histological examinations of the digestive tubules included destroyed and detached in the outer layer covering digestive tubules. In addition, marked increase in the width most of the digestive tubules lumen. The intertubular connective tissue between the digestive tubules showed great destruction, while the foot of treated snails showed rupture of the epithelium covering the foot and desquamation of the epithelium. We also observed the presence of areas of connective tissue necrosis and destruction of the muscular tissue.ConclusionsIt has been found that extracts of Jatropha seeds have a toxic activity that caused histopathological damage that led to the death of land snails, and thus it can be recommended as a source for the development of molluscicides.Graphical

Efficacy of BACTI-NIL®AQUA in Experimental infection with Vibrio parahaemolyticus in juvenile of Litopenaeus vannamei

This work aims to evaluate looks at the antibacterial efficacy of BACTI-NIL®AQUA when added to the feed of Penaeus vannamei in experimental infection with Vibrio parahaemolyticus (M0904AHPND+strain). Results show that adition of BACTI-NIL®AQUA at 3,000 and 5,000 part per million (ppm), causes inhibition growth zones of 15.00 ± 0.50 milimeters (mm) and 17.00 ± 0.30 mm, respectively. The challenge with V. parahaemolyticus resulted in 60% survival for organisms fed doses 3,000 ppm of BACTI-NIL®AQUA and 60% for those fed 5,000 ppm of BACTI-NIL®AQUA, resulting in twice the amount of survival as opposed to 13.33% (4 organism) in the positive control at 24 hours post-infection. Histopathological alterations in the hepatopancreas with hemocytic infiltration within the intertubular connective tissue were observed. Also, tubules with severe cell detachment and tubular atrophy were detected in the positive control organisms, and organisms treated with of BACTI-NIL®AQUA only had vermiform structures in the tubular lumen, cell detachment and infiltration of hemolymph in intertubular connective tissue. According to the analysis of the studied variables, it can be concluded that of BACTI-NIL®AQUA is a promising alternative for V. parahaemolyticus control in shrimp culture.

The effect of Lycium barbarum on reproductive system and the expression of CRISP-1 protein in experimentally diabetic male rats

Aim: The main purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBP) on the male reproductive system and Crisp-1 protein expression in experimentally diabetic Wistar Albino male rats.
 Material and Method: In this study Wistar Albino male rats (3-4 months old) were randomly selected and divided into four groups; Control, LBP control (only LBP), Diabetic and Treatment (diabetic + LBP) group. For the experimental diabetes model, a single dose of 55 mg/kg STZ was injected intraperitoneally. In the treatment group, the diabetic rats were administered with 200 mg/kg of LBP by gastric gavage for 15 consecutive days. 
 Results: In histological examinations, increased intertubular connective tissue, congestion, vacuolization and edema were observed in testicular tissues of the diabetic group. The histopathological changes were improved after LBP treatment. Also, the number of total sperm count and sperm motility were significantly increased in the treatment group. Our biochemical analysis results showed that the serum testosterone level were significantly increased and serum MDA level were significantly decreased after treatment with LBP. Compared to the diabetic group, the apoptotic cells were decreased in the treatment group. Crisp-1 protein expression was increased in the treatment group, Crisp-1 possitive vesicle-like structures and apical blebs were also examined in the epididymal tissues.
 Conclusion: It is concluded that Lycium barbarum polysaccharides have a therapeutic effect on the male reproductive damages of diabetes and also enhances Crisp-1 protein expression in the epididymis.

Morphological, Histological, and Ultrastructural Changes in Epididymis after a Vasectomy

The long-term effect of a vasectomy was investigated in this work. Twenty sexually mature New Zealand white male rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) of proven fertility were used. The maturity of these rabbits was determined by the age of about 14 months from birth, palpation of genitalia, and examination of semen samples. The animals were divided into four groups: four rabbits were used as controls, and sixteen rabbits were vasectomized. After six months after vasectomy, we start taking a sample by exposing each group in one month after the previous one. The operated ducts revealed an increase in size in 7-8 months after vasectomy. The initial and terminal segments appeared greatly swollen and distended with fluid, resulting in the whole epididymis's increasing weight. Histological changes included a drop in the height of the lining epithelium and microvilli of the epididymis. After eight months of vasectomy, dilatation in the epididymal tubules increased its diameters, especially in the terminal segment. This caused an increase in the thickness of intertubular connective tissue. In addition, there was distension due to the intratubular pressure increase. This resulted in the tubular wall rupture and extravasation of spermatozoa into the interstitial tissue after 6-7 months from vasectomy. Eight months later, the epithelial lining was returned. The examination of morphological changes due to vasectomy was also investigated.

Histological Study of the Harderian Gland of Pati Duck (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus) of Assam during Postnatal Development

Background: The farmers are rearing duck in small scale in semi intensive system without investing more capital but it contributes a major part to uplift the socio-economic condition of the rural poor people of Assam. The Pati duck (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus) population constitutes a major indigenous non-descript economically important duck variety in the state of Assam. The Harderian gland acts as a part of the head associated lymphoid tissue (HALT) and provides local innate immunity to the upper respiratory system, to the eye and oral cavity. Since literature on histological study of Harderian gland of Pati duck is scant, hence the present study was designed to establish the basic histological details on Harderian gland at different stages of postnatal development of Pati duck of Assam. Methods: The present study was conducted on total forty five (45) numbers Pati duck of Assam at different stages of postnatal development. The experimental birds were brought to the Department of Anatomy and Histology, College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara, Guwahati-22 and was sacrificed according to the method of Gracy (1986). For histological study the tissue samples from the Harderian gland of all the age group were fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin solution and processed to prepare paraffin blocks as per the procedure described by Luna (1968). The paraffin blocks were sectioned in Shandon Finesse microtome in 5 µm thickness and the sections were stained by different methods as described by Luna (1968). Result: The Harderian gland of Pati duck had a capsule, the thickness of the capsule of the Harderian gland was increased slightly along the advancement of the age. The capsular connective tissue penetrated the parenchyma of the Harderian gland in the form of septa. The collagen, reticular, elastic and nerve fibers were observed along with the capsule and as well as in the septa. The Harderian gland of the Pati duck was compound tubular gland. The columnar epithelial cells lined the tubules. There was no cortex and medulla in the gland and the tubular structure were uniformly distributed within the lobules. A central canal was present in the gland which converged to the duct of the gland. The lymphocytes, plasma cells were found in the intertubular connective tissue. The numbers or population of plasma cell and lymphocytes were accelerated by the advancement of age. The myoepithelial cells with spindle shaped nucleus were present near the basement membrane close to the secretary cells. The histology of the duct of the Harderian gland of Pati duck was like that of typical hollow tubular organs. There were few lymphatic nodules very distinctly present extended from the lamina propria to the muscle layer.

Evaluation of aqueous extracts of Gracilaria vermiculophylla and Ulva flexuosa as treatment in challenged Penaeus vannamei with Vibrio parahaemolyticus

This work looks at the antibacterial efficacy of Gracilaria vermiculophylla and Ulva flexuosa aqueous extracts when added to the feed of Penaeus vannamei in an experimental infection with Vibrio parahaemolyticus (M0904AHPND+strain). Results show that the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for both extracts was 50 mg mL -1 , with inhibition zones of 18.00 ± 0.60 mm for G. vermiculophylla and 14.00 ± 0.29 mm for U. flexuosa . G. vermiculophylla gave a higher total content of phenolic compounds (10.58 ± 2.31 mg GAE g -1 ) (gallic acid equivalent) and lower flavonoid content (10.32 ± 0.73 mg QE g -1 ) in comparison to U. flexuosa , while using ABTS (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) to measure antioxidant capacity showed that G. vermiculophylla gave a better result than U. flexuosa . The challenge with V. parahaemolyticus resulted in 67% survival for organisms fed G. vermiculophylla and 60% for those fed U. flexuosa , resulting in twice the amount of survival as opposed to 30% in the positive control at 24 h post-infection. Histopathological alterations in the hepatopancreas with hemocytic infiltration within the intertubular connective tissue were observed. Also, tubules with severe cell detachment and tubular atrophy were detected in the positive control organisms, and organisms treated with macroalgae only had vermiform structures in the tubular lumen, cell detachment, and infiltration hemolymph in intertubular connective tissue. According to the analysis of the studied variables, it can be concluded that the aqueous extracts of these macroalgae are a promising alternative for V. parahaemolyticus (M0904AHPND+strain) control in shrimp culture.

Virulence properties and pathogenicity of multidrug-resistant Vibrio harveyi associated with luminescent vibriosis in Pacific white shrimp, Penaeus vannamei

Global high demand for Pacific white shrimp Penaeus vannamei has led to intensified cultivation and a wide range of disease problems, including bacterial diseases due to vibrios. Three presumptive luminescent Vibrio harveyi strains (Vh5, Vh8 and Vh10) were isolated from the hepatopancreas (Vh5) and haemolymph (Vh8 and Vh10) of diseased growout Pacific white shrimp from a farm in Setiu, Terengganu, Malaysia, using Vibrio harveyi agar (VHA) differential medium. All three strains were identified as V. harveyi by biochemical characteristics. 16S rRNA gene-based phylogenetic analyses by neighbour-joining, maximum likelihood and maximum parsimony methods showed all three strains in the V. harveyi cluster. All three strains were β-haemolytic and positive for motility, biofilm formation and extracellular products (caseinase, gelatinase, lipase, DNase, amylase and chitinase). Vh10 was subjected to pathogenicity test in Pacific white shrimp by immersion challenge and determined to have a LC50 of 6.0 × 108 CFU mL−1 after 168 h of exposure. Antibiotic susceptibility tests showed that all strains were resistant to oxytetracycline (OXT30), oleandomycin (OL15), amoxicillin (AML25), ampicillin (AMP10) and colistin sulphate (CT25) but sensitive to doxycycline (DO30), flumequine (UB30), oxolinic acid (OA2), chloramphenicol (C30), florfenicol (FFC30), nitrofurantoin (F5) and fosfomycin (FOS50). Each strain was also resistant to a slightly different combination of eight other antibiotics, with an overall multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) index of 0.40, suggesting prior history of heavy exposure to the antibiotics. Vh10 infection resulted in pale or discoloured hepatopancreas, empty guts, reddening, necrosis and luminescence of uropods, as well as melanised lesions in tail muscle. Histopathological examination showed necrosis of intertubular connective tissue and tubule, sloughing of epithelial cells in hepatopancreatic tubule, haemocytic infiltration, massive vacuolation and loss of hepatopancreatic tubule structure.

Protective Effects of Ruta Chalepensis L. (Rutacae) Oil Extract Against Potassium Bromate Induced Nephrotoxicity in Male Rats: Histopathological Study

Ruta chalepensis L. (Rutaceae) is a perennial herb, widely distributed in the Mediterranean area, with glabrous stem, alternate bipinnatisect leaves. It is an ancient medicinal plant still being used in the traditional medicine of many countries. Potassium bromate (KBrO3) is a strong oxidizing agent that has been used in flour milling, as a cheese making, in beer malting, as a component of cold hair-wave liquids. This study studies the protective and curative effects of R. chalepensis oil extract against KBrO3 toxicity on kidney of male rats. Accordingly, a total number of fifty male albino rats were divided into five groups. The first group served as a control animals. The second group was administered Rue at an oral daily dose of 0.5 g/Animal for four weeks. The third group received KBrO3 100 mg/kg/b. w. for four weeks. The fourth group (protective group) was initially administered with Rue alone for 2 weeks and followed by KBrO3 in association with Rue for 2 weeks. The fifth group (therapeutic group) was first given KBrO3 alone for 2 weeks and was secondly administered Rue in association with KBrO3 for 2 weeks. At the end of 2nd and 4th weeks of treatment, the kidney tissues were collected for histopathological studies. Histopathological studies revealed that the renal reactions of rats from the Rue group showed normal architecture pattern same that observations as in the control rats. The rats treated with KBrO3 showed vacuolation and contraction of glomerular tuft, separation in intertubular connective tissue, necrotic changes in some areas and hyaline changes in tubules. Furthermore, lymphoid infiltration and intratubular hemorrhage, dilated in tubules with loss of cellular boundary. In the protective group minimal changes in the structure of the kidney was revealed compared to control. Both glomeruli and convoluted tubules gained the normal features. In therapeutic group, renal sections revealed improvement in the histological structure though there was a mild necrosis and slight in inflammatory leucocytic infiltration. The results of this study suggest the nephrotoxic effect of KBrO3 and the ameliorative effect of Rue when administrated for protective and therapeutic purposes.

Effect of melatonin on the onset of puberty in male juvenile rats

Melatonin or N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine, the fascinating molecule secreted by the pineal gland. Melatonin has a close interaction with hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. In non-seasonal breeders like rat its exact role in reproduction is controvertible. So it is worth to explore the possible role of melatonin on the onset of puberty in male albino rats. Two groups of male rats aged 5 and 10 days were used for the study. In each group, there were three subgroups, each receiving melatonin for 5 days, 10 days or till the day of descent of testes. Similar subgroups were used as controls. Without handling, animals were observed daily for the onset of puberty. On the day of descent of testes, body weight of the animal was noted, blood was collected, serum was separated and used for radio immunoassay. For histomorphometric analysis, all morphometric measurements were done using an occular micrometer. Volume fraction of seminiferous tubules, intertubular connective tissue of testes, cortex and medulla of thymus were estimated by point count method. In both the age groups melatonin advanced the age on descent of testes, increased the body weight, organ weight. It also increased the serum hormone levels. So, in conclusion this study indicates that exogenous melatonin advances the onset of puberty in male albino wistar rats and this effect is more pronounced in the younger animals.

Dejerine: The concept of peripheral neuropathy

Dejerine: The concept of peripheral neuropathy

Seasonal immunohistochemical reactivity of S-100 and α-smooth muscle actin proteins in the epididymis of dromedary camel, Camelus dromedarius.

The S-100 and alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) proteins have been localised in epididymal tissue of several mammalian species, but there have been no data for a seasonal work in camel. The aim of this study was to investigate the immunoreactivities of S-100 and α-SMA proteins in the epididymis of dromedary camel during breeding and nonbreeding seasons. The immunopositive signals for both proteins were observed in different regions of camel epididymis. S-100-immunopositive signals were noted in both the epididymal epithelium and the intertubular connective tissue, while α-SMA signals were confined to the intertubular connective tissue, especially in the peritubular smooth muscle coat and the blood vessels. This study showed an increase in the intensity of S-100 and α-SMA immunoreactions during the breeding season in different regions of camel epididymis than that seen in the nonbreeding season. In conclusion, epididymis might be considered as a source of S-100 and α-SMA proteins in the camel and the secretion of these proteins showed distinct seasonal variations. Further, S-100 and α-SMA may affect the structural and physiological states of the epididymal duct.

Changes in Testicular Interstitial Connective Tissue of Hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) During Ageing and After Exposure to Short Photoperiod.

The testicular interstitium of Syrian hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) was studied during ageing and in testicular regression after exposure to a short photoperiod, in relation to the interstitial cells and their connective tissue. This tissue was assessed histochemically using Masson's trichrome technique and the expression of Heat Shock Protein 47 (HSP-47) and collagen IV (α5) was assessed in Leydig cells. Finally, an ultrastructural analysis of some cells of the testicular interstitium was made. Leydig cells were positive for HSP-47 and collagen IV (α5). Ageing did not change the parameters studied while the short photoperiod altered the synthetic activity of Leydig cells. The positivity index of these cells for HSP-47 was significantly higher in the regressed testis, but was lower for collagen IV (α5). During ageing no change were observed. Ultrastructural Leydig cells showed a discontinuous basal lamina that did not change during ageing. The basal lamina was not identified in Leydig cells regressed by exposure to a short photoperiod. In conclusion; the intertubular connective tissue suffers little change with age. By contrast, in the testis regressed after exposure to a short photoperiod the studied parameters related to the intertubular connective tissue were altered. These changes are probably related with the low synthetic activity of regressed Leydig cell.

Development of spermatic granuloma in albino rats following administration of water extract of Heliotropium bacciferum Forssk

A spermatic granuloma is a chronic inflammatory reaction produced in response to extravasated sperm within the intertubular connective tissue. The present study investigates the possible toxic effects of water extract of Heliotropium bacciferum on the reproductive system of male albino rats and the associated potential for the development of spermatic granulomas. H. bacciferum is a herbal plant used in traditional medicine and reported to have cytotoxic effects due to pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Histological examinations revealed no changes in the tissues of the testes, although, some changes were detected in the cauda epididymis, the most important of which was the development of small lesions of spermatic granulomas. Clear gaps were observed between the epithelial linings of the epididymal tubules.

Comparison of micromorphometric testis tissue structures in antenatal fetuses and patients with congenital cryptorchidism

Investigation of paired organs, testicles in particular, in the antenatal period as compared to congenital cryptorchidism in the context of interrelationship can objectively approach the consideration of the whole set of physiological and pathological processes in them, by taking into account histophysiological identity. The paper gives the results of micromorphometric examinations of the units of a communication system (cellular populations) and the areas of parenchymatous and stromal structures (intertubular connective tissue, convoluted seminiferous tubules, and spermatogenic epithelium) in two groups: 1) 34 antenatal (ANT) fetuses at 20–41 weeks' gestation and 2) 46 children with congenital unilateral cryptorchidism (CR), in whom testis tissue biopsy specimens were examined at the age of 1 to 14 years. Determination of the similarity of micromorphometric structures (the number of cellular population in the intertubular connective tissue, convoluted seminiferous tubules, and the areas of intertubular connective tissue, spermatogenic epithelium, and capillary lumens) was analyzed to discover an identity in the testes tissues of the ANT fetuses versus the children with congenital unilateral CR, by considering the position and site of testicles. The findings indicate that there are synchronous changes of individual similar structures between the right and left testicle during its natural descent into the scrotum in the ANT fetuses and in the patients with congenital CR, which is suggestive of the symmetry and relationship between the contralateral sex glands in different ontogenetic groups. This may testify that there are similar processes occurring between the testis tissues in the children with congenital CR and in the ANT fetuses. The findings may become a ground for further consideration of congenital CR in the context of not only the micromorphometry, but also functional activity of tests tissue structures when comparatively analyzing these with the early stages of development of this organ, which will in the aggregate be able to look at this abnormality in another way.