Guinea Pig Organ Research Articles

Determination of concentration of selected heavy metals in the organs of Guinea pigs reared at the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

Vegetation along major traffic roads are predisposed to heavy metals contamination due to wear and tear of vehicular components and emissions from vehicles. The concentration of ten heavy metals (Fe, Mn, Zn, Pb, Cu, Ni, Cr, Co Ag and Cd) in the leaves of four test plants (Panicum maximum Jacq.,Eleusine indica L., Xanthosoma mafafa Schott. and Amaranthus spinosus L.) growing along four busy roads (Aba road, Ikwerre road, East/West road and NTA road) in parts of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area and a control ( in Ozuguru in Ikwerre Ngwo) in Etche Local Government Area, both in Rivers State, Nigeria were investigated in the study area. Along each road, four sampling points were set up at 1 km apart. The test plants were collected randomly and were pooled together to form composite sample. The collected test plants at each sample location were put in different sterile cellophane bags, labelled and served as soilage to the experimental animals. Eighteen guinea pigs were used for this investigation. Three guinea pigs were picked out of the eighteen guinea pigs using randomized block design for a preliminary test. The remaining fifteen guinea pigs were fed with the test plants from the experimental and control sites for six weeks. The concentration of the ten heavy metals were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (ASS). The results revealed that Aba road had the highest mean concentration value of heavy metals in Cu, Zn, Co, Cr and Cd with values (28.75±1.34), (32.46±0.9), (5.14±0.11), (4.79±0.21) and (3.17±0.12) respectively. The highest mean concentration value for Mn and Pb were observed in East/West road with values (7.57±1.48) and (5.39±1.53) respectively, while the highest mean concentration value for Fe was observed in Ikwerre road (192.84±2.64). NTA road had the least values for all heavy metals tested while Ni and Ag were not detected in all livers and kidneys of the experimental animals. The results from this findings show the health implication of roadside grazing of ruminants.

The pathological changes in the organs of guinea pigs infected with M. phlei prior to the introduction of the experimental conjugate

The pathological changes in the organs of guinea pigs infected with M. phlei prior to the introduction of the experimental conjugate

HISTOLOGICAL AND ULTRASTRUCTURAL CHANGES IN CALF PARENCHYMALORGAN TISSUE AFTER ADMINISTRATION OF ISONIAZIDE

The article highlights that young animals with TB were administered isoniazid (manufactured by McLeods Pharmaceuticals, India) as a means to promote alterations in the path morphology and ultrastructure of parenchymal organs in calves and guinea pigs, specifically the liver, lymph, and kidneys. These changes were examined using a modern electron microscope device, which encompassed both scanning and transmission microscopy techniques. The data obtained from various measurements (µm) were presented for analysis. For histological and ultrastructural investigations, a method involving the creation of hysteresis using epoxies resin. Pathomorphological and ultrastructural changes encompass increased capillary permeability in lymph nodes, the presence of fat droplets with varying shapes and nuclear condensation of liver cells, diverse processes of dystrophy, and the appearance of fat droplets resembling "balls" in liver. Observed changes of the disintegration of nuclei within cells. These studies allow for the determination of the extent of morphological and structural changes in the animals' bodies, assessment of the level of changes, confirmation of effectiveness, and the development of optimal therapeutic protocols, such as sequential medication.

18F]SPA-RQ/PET Study of NK1 receptors in the Whole Body of Guinea Pig and Rat

There is a substantial interest in the development of NK1 substance P antagonists as potential treatments for various neuropsychiatric and somatic disorders. The aim of this study was to determine whether [18F]SPA-RQ can be utilized as a tool for studying the whole body distribution and function of NK1 receptors in preclinical settings. The compound was injected into guinea pigs with or without premedication with a NK1 receptor antagonist (NK1A-2). For comparison, we included two rats in the study, as the affinity of antagonists for NK1 receptors is known to vary between species. The whole body biodistribution of the tracer was determined at several time points. The tracer showed specific binding in organs compatible with the known location of NK1-receptors. Premedication with a NK1 antagonist led to an inhibited uptake of [18F]SPA-RQ in several organs of guinea pigs, notably intestine, pancreas, urinary bladder, uterus, skin and lung. Specific binding was also seen in both cortex and striatum. In contrast, negligible specific binding was observed in the rat brain with [18F]SPA-RQ, whereas the tracer uptake in peripheral tissues was similar to that seen in guinea pigs. We conclude that [18F]SPA-RQ/PET is a useful tool to study the distribution and function of peripherally located NK1 receptors e.g. in different disease models.

Rickettsia rickettsii (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae) Infecting Amblyomma sculptum (Acari: Ixodidae) Ticks and Capybaras in a Brazilian Spotted Fever-Endemic Area of Brazil.

The bacterium Rickettsia rickettsii is the agent of Brazilian spotted fever (BSF), a highly fatal disease that is transmitted in Brazil mainly by the tick Amblyomma sculptum Berlese, which uses capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris Linnaeus) as major hosts. In 2015, we captured nine capybaras in a BSF-endemic area of southeastern Brazil. From each capybara, we collected blood sera that were tested through the immunofluorescence assay using Rickettsia spp. antigens, and A. sculptum ticks, processed for isolation of R. rickettsii through guinea pig inoculation. All capybaras (100%) were seroreactive to Rickettsia spp., with highest titers to R. rickettsii. A total of 166 A. sculptum ticks were macerated and inoculated into nine guinea pigs, from which only one presented high fever and seroconverted to R. rickettsii. Blood from this febrile animal was inoculated into additional guinea pigs (guinea pig passages), which also became febrile and seroconverted, or when euthanized during the fever period, their internal organs (spleen, lung) were shown to contain R. rickettsii DNA. The present rickettsial isolate has been maintained cryopreserved as infected guinea pig organs. There was at least one R. rickettsii-infected tick among the 166 macerated ticks, giving a minimal infection rate of 0.6% (1/166). This infection rate is within the range of previous studies, which reported that only 0.05% to at most 1.28% A. sculptum ticks were infected by R. rickettsii in other BSF-endemic areas. These low infection rates support the low incidence of BSF, despite of A. sculptum being the most frequent human-biting tick in southeastern Brazil.

Development of the urinary system in guinea pig females (Cavia porcellus)

ABSTRACT: Guinea pigs are animal models widely used in research related to developmental biology. The objective of this work was to demonstrate the process of formation and differentiation of urinary organs in females of the species in the prenatal period. Four females were used at 25, 30, 45 and >65 DG (days of gestation). The animals were dissected, and then macroscopic and microscopic descriptions of the urinary organs were performed. At 25 DG metanephros were present in the urogenital crest into the abdominal cavity. Collecting ducts and glomerular precursor cells could be visualized. After this period, metanephros underwent microstructural modifications to form the kidneys at the end of the prenatal period. After 30 DG, the renal parenchyma already had a cortex, where the glomerulus and proximal convoluted tubules were present; and the medulla, where distal convoluted tubules, collecting ducts, and pelvis were present. The pelvis of each kidney was drained by the ureters. The ureters also underwent tissue differentiation to be differentiated (mucosa with transitional epithelium and lamina propria of connective tissue, muscular, and adventitia) at the end of the prenatal period. The urinary vesicle also underwent tissue changes to form the tunics similar to those found in the ureters, with emphasis on the greater volume of the muscular tunica and the lamina propria that constituted the submucosa in this organ. The pelvic urethra was evidenced by a mucosa lined by transitional epithelium, submucosa, muscular and adventitia. Finally, a partial clitoral urethra and a urethral meatus in the prepuce of the clitoris were also evidenced. The urethral channel began to form with the emergence of the urethral plate and the urethral groove at 30 DG and thereafter with the fusion of the urethral folds to form a partially channeled urethra in the clitoris. A urethral meatus was observed in the most distal portion of the clitoral tissue, formed by the fusion of the prepuce. It is concluded that the urinary organs of guinea pig have similar development to that described in domestic animals, except for the partial clitoral urethra and evident urethral meatus.

Effects of Thermoextracts of Brucella S and L Forms on Lipid Peroxidation and Antioxidant Defense in Organs of Laboratory Animals.

The dynamics of LPO marker malondialdehyde formation and peroxidase-destroying activity was studied in homogenized organs of guinea pigs, immunized with thermoextracts from S and L forms Brucella abortus I-206. The L form brucella thermoextract exhibited a lower reactogenicity and adequately activated the antioxidant system, due to which the destructive effects of ROS could be partially neutralized during the vaccinal process.

Tracheospasmolytic and anti-inflammatory activity of indigenous Curcuma species as traditional antiasthmatic medicines

Paramita S, Moerad EB, Ismail S, Marliana E. 2018. Tracheospasmolytic and anti-inflammatory activity of indigenous Curcuma species as traditional antiasthmatic medicines. Nusantara Bioscience 10: 105-110. Asthma is still a major health problem in the world. Antiasthma drugs raise the problem of side effects and medical expenses. Thus, it is necessary to develop medicinal plants based antiasthma drugs with fewer side effects and more affordable costs. The potential antiasthma medicinal plant came from the genus of Curcuma (Zingiberaceae family). Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) is the most prominent species in this genus and has been extensively studied for the treatment of asthma. However, there are other Curcuma indigenous species that are also traditionally used for asthma, namely Curcuma aeruginosa Roxb. and Curcuma mangga Val. Zijp. Both indigenous species have not been studied pharmacological activity as an antiasthma. This research was conducted to know the tracheospasmolytic activity of ethanol extract of C. aeruginosa and C. mangga on the separate organ of guinea pig trachea to determine the antiasthma effect. The research was also conducted to know anti-inflammatory activity with membrane stabilization test and inhibition of lipoxygenase. Results showed that C. aeruginosa and C. mangga had lower tracheospasmolytic activity when they were compared with aminophylline as a positive control. However, the EC50 value of C. aeruginosa (0.020 ± 0.004) and C. mangga (0.039 ± 0.005) were not significantly different with aminophylline (0.016 ± 0.005) as positive controls. The result of membrane stabilization test showed that the EC50 value of C. aeruginosa (47.76 ± 1.57) and C. mangga (67.50 ± 0.97) were high when they were compared with indomethacin (26.39 ± 2.91) as the positive control. Results of lipoxygenase inhibition test showed that the EC50 value of C. aeruginosa (-111.11 ± 2.30) and C. mangga (-101.98 ± 1.32) were high than that of indomethacin (-282.84 ± 7.41) as the positive control. These results show the potential use of C. aeruginosa and C. mangga as antiasthma via tracheospasmolytic activity in separate organs of guinea pig. They also had anti-inflammatory effect based on membrane stabilization and inhibition of lipoxygenase test.

Anatomy and Histology of Reproductive Organ of Male Guinea Pig As a Source of Learning

This study were aim to (1) describe the anatomical and histological structures of testicular organ, epididymis, vas deferens, accessory glands, and penis in guinea pig (2) develop learning media in the form of histological slides as well as anatomy atlas of male reproductive organs (3) examine the atlas of reproductive organs of male guinea pig as a source of learning. Slide were made using paraffin method with HE staining. The study revealed histological structure of the five guinea pig (Cavia porcellus) accessory glands, namely ampullary glands, seminal vesicles, prostate gland, bulbourethral gland, and preputial gland. In addition, guinea pig penis had a baculum on its base. The results of the student response test showed very good category with the percentage of 90,55%. The readability test had very good value from the subject expert (95,71%), media expert (81,66%), peer reviewer (88,07%) and biology teacher (81,51%). Overall, the atlas of the 'Anatomy of Male Reproductive Organs of Guinea Pig' had excellent quality and deserves to be used as a learning resource.

The impact of trofin in receptor structures on the inner ear of guinea pigs

In recent years, more attention is paid to coarse dispersion, which includes neurotrophic factors. These coarse dispersions include Trofin - coarse dispersion of human embryonic nerve tissue. Past studies showed that the drug has Trofin protective properties, thus leveling development of sensorineural hearing loss. Evidence base served as a method of otoacoustic emissions for the first time in Ukraine was used in the experiment and allows to monitor daily changes in external hair cells spiral organ of guinea pigs.

Synthesis, SAR and selectivity of 2-acyl- and 2-cyano-1-hetarylalkyl-guanidines at the four histamine receptor subtypes: a bioisosteric approach

In the search for potential bioisosteres of the 4-imidazolyl ring in acylguanidines (e.g. UR-AK24), known to possess affinity to several histamine receptor subtypes (HxR, x = 1–4), and cyanoguanidine-type H4R agonists (e.g. UR-PI376), the contribution of various heterocycles to agonism, antagonism and HR subtype selectivity was studied (recombinant human H1,2,3,4Rs, isolated guinea pig organs (H1R, H2R)). While minor structural modifications of UR-PI376 analogues were not tolerated regarding H4R agonism, in the case of the acylguanidines, a 1,2,4-triazole ring shifted the selectivity toward the H2R.

Organ Pathology in the Absence of Bacteria?

To the Editor—In the article by Reddy et al [1], a mutant of Mycobacterium tuberculosis is described that causes severe pathology in several organs of infected guinea pigs without any detectable bacteria. Here, we provide an alternative explanation for this observation without evoking homeopathy.

Interaction Between Titanium and Cadmium in Various Guinea Pig Organs

Titanium (Ti) is used in many fields, while cadmium (Cd) is known to cause the itai-itai disease. In the present study, possible interactions between titanium and cadmium were investigated. Aorta, taenia coli, and liver were removed from male guinea pigs. Muscle tension was measured using intact aorta and taenia coli and using β-escin-permeabilized taenia coli in a physiological salt solution and a hyperpotassium solution containing Cd and/or Ti. Cellular Cd contents were determined using all tissues after washout with EDTA solution. Cadmium-induced relaxation in the hyperpotassium solution recovered significantly (P < 0.01) following Ti treatment in taenia coli, but not in the aorta. In β-escin-permeabilized taenia coli, the percentage recoveries after Cd treatment and after Ti plus Cd treatment were 67.3 ± 8.7 % (n = 4) and 87.7 ± 3.8 % (n = 4), respectively, compared with Ca-induced control contraction. Cellular Cd contents in taenia coli decreased significantly following treatment with Ti 10(-4) M. Although similar results were obtained using the aorta and the liver, there were no significant differences between the control and Ti 10(-5) M. High concentrations of Ti may reduce cellular Cd content.

Structure and Mechanics of Supporting Cells in the Guinea Pig Organ of Corti

The mechanical properties of the mammalian organ of Corti determine its sensitivity to sound frequency and intensity, and the structure of supporting cells changes progressively with frequency along the cochlea. From the apex (low frequency) to the base (high frequency) of the guinea pig cochlea inner pillar cells decrease in length incrementally from 75–55 µm whilst the number of axial microtubules increases from 1,300–2,100. The respective values for outer pillar cells are 120–65 µm and 1,500–3,000. This correlates with a progressive decrease in the length of the outer hair cells from >100 µm to 20 µm. Deiters'cell bodies vary from 60–50 µm long with relatively little change in microtubule number. Their phalangeal processes reflect the lengths of outer hair cells but their microtubule numbers do not change systematically. Correlations between cell length, microtubule number and cochlear location are poor below 1 kHz. Cell stiffness was estimated from direct mechanical measurements made previously from isolated inner and outer pillar cells. We estimate that between 200 Hz and 20 kHz axial stiffness, bending stiffness and buckling limits increase, respectively,∼3, 6 and 4 fold for outer pillar cells, ∼2, 3 and 2.5 fold for inner pillar cells and ∼7, 20 and 24 fold for the phalangeal processes of Deiters'cells. There was little change in the Deiters'cell bodies for any parameter. Compensating for effective cell length the pillar cells are likely to be considerably stiffer than Deiters'cells with buckling limits 10–40 times greater. These data show a clear relationship between cell mechanics and frequency. However, measurements from single cells alone are insufficient and they must be combined with more accurate details of how the multicellular architecture influences the mechanical properties of the whole organ.

Immunocytochemical Study of the GABA System in the Guinea Pig Organ of Corti

Immunocytochemical Study of the GABA System in the Guinea Pig Organ of Corti

Viable, Proliferating Progenitor Cells

Objective: Compare conditions and outcomes of otosphere suspension cultures from dissociated organ of Corti of either mouse or guinea pig at postnatal day 3 (P3), and to evaluate the guinea pig as a potential cochlea donor for preclinical cell therapy. Method: Organs of Corti were isolated from P3 guinea pig or mouse cochlea, dissociated, and cultivated under nonadherent conditions as cell clusters (otospheres), in DMEM:F12 medium, supplemented with epidermal growth factor (EGF), plus either basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) or transforming growth factor alpha (TGFα), and submitted to immunofluorescence assays. Results: Otospheres from mouse and guinea pig organ of Corti cultivated in vitro retained properties of inner ear progenitor cells, such as self-renewal, proliferation, and differentiation into hair cells or supporting cells. The best culture outcome was observed when mouse-derived cells were cultivated in the presence of TGFα instead of bFGF. Otosphere cell sorting will be additionally tested by flow cytometry of dissociated mouse cells. These ongoing experiments will be useful for the phenotype characterization of the progenitor cells presenting the best proliferating index. Conclusion: The expression of sox2 and nestin in guinea pig and mouse otosphere is supporting evidence for the presence of inner ear progenitor cells in P3 guinea pig. However, the proliferation and differentiation potential of mouse-derived cells place this organism as a better model for studying early postnatal progenitor cell dynamics.

Partial Purification and Characterization of Biliverdin Reductase from Mammalian Organs

The enzyme Biliverdin Reductase is utilized to aid in the breakdown of heme into bilirubin through the reduction of biliverdin. This is observed in both the yellow pigment in bruising and the jaundice coloring when liver failure occurs due to neurotoxicity. Prior studies have been restricted to rat and Guinea Pig organs. Throughout this experiment we examined enzyme activity of this enzyme in the bovine liver, kidney, spleen and brain then compared activity to that in mammalian species including porcine, bison, and rats. With a standard assay, the enzyme activity throughout the purification process was measured by observing the optimum of product (bilirubin) at 450 nm. The experimentation done on the fresh bovine liver was used as the standard for comparison due to previous experimentation done in this lab in the spring of 2010. Rats biliverdin activity was used to ensure results were comparable to previously designed experiments such as Kutty and Maines (J. Biol. Chem., 256, 3956–3963, 1981). This partial purification and comparative analysis allowed for a further understanding of the Biliverdin Reducatase throughout mammalians and its importance within various organs.

Histological effects of intratympanic gentamicin on the vestibular organ of guinea pigs

Transtympanic administration of gentamicin may be suitable to achieve unilateral vestibular ablation, in order to control unilateral Ménière's disease. In low doses, gentamicin appears to affect selectively the vestibular system, with relative sparing of the cochlea. An experimental study on guinea pigs was conducted to determine what single dose of gentamicin would produce a unilateral vestibular organ lesion when applied to the middle ear. Experimental and prospective. Four groups of guinea pigs received different gentamicin doses (1, 5, 10 and 25 mg) administered to the middle ear. The animals' vestibular organs were then assessed by scanning electron microscopy, in order to quantify the level of vestibular damage. Study of the utricular macula and the ampullar crista of the lateral semicircular canal revealed vestibular neuroepithelial lesions in all infused ears. The severity of the vestibular neuroepithelial lesions was dose-dependent. Lower gentamicin doses were observed to damage vestibular structures more than cochlear structures.

An autoradiographic study of cochlea and organs of guinea pigs after intraperitoneal injection of 125I-labelled bFGF

Conclusion: The results of our research indicate that 125I-labelled basic fibroblast growth factor (125I-bFGF) has some difficulty in getting across the blood–labyrinth barrier (BLB). Therefore, it is necessary to carry out further study on the route of bFGF administration. Objective: To observe whether bFGF could pass through the BLB after intraperitoneal injection and to establish an experimental basis for its clinical applications. Methods: Thirty guinea pigs were divided into three equal groups. Animals in group 1 were administered 125I-bFGF, while animals in groups 2 and 3 were given 125I or saline solution, respectively, via intraperitoneal injection. The animals were sacrificed 2 h later and samples of blood, brain, cochlea, thyroid gland, heart, liver, and kidney were collected and weighed. A radioimmunoassay analyzer was employed to count the CPM values of each sample, and autoradiography was performed on section samples of both cochleae. Results: The CPM value of organ samples in the 125I group was higher than that in other groups, and radioactive grain was observed in cochlear samples of this group. In the 125I-bFGF group, blood demonstrated the highest CPM value, while cochlea and brain demonstrated the lowest CPM value, with no radioactive grain observed in cochlear samples.

Low frequency electromagnetic radiation and hearing

To analyse the possible impact of low and extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields on the outer hairs cells of the organ of Corti, in a guinea pig model. Electromagnetic fields of 50, 500, 1000, 2000, 4000 and 5000 Hz frequencies and 1.5 microT intensity were generated using a transverse electromagnetic wave guide. Guinea pigs of both sexes, weighing 100-150 g, were used, with no abnormalities on general and otic examination. Total exposure times were: 360 hours for 50, 500 and 1000 Hz; 3300 hours for 2000 Hz; 4820 hours for 4000 Hz; and 6420 hours for 5000 Hz. One control animal was used in each frequency group. The parameters measured by electric response audiometer included: hearing level; waves I-IV latencies; wave I-III interpeak latency; and percentage appearance of waves I-III at 90 and 50 dB sound pressure level intensity. Values for the above parameters did not differ significantly, comparing the control animal and the rest of each group. In addition, no significant differences were found between our findings and those of previous studies of normal guinea pigs. Prolonged exposure to electromagnetic fields of 50 Hz to 5 KHz frequencies and 1.5 microT intensity, produced no functional or morphological alteration in the outer hair cells of the guinea pig organ of Corti.