The role of oxidative stress in chemotherapy-induced gonadotoxicity in a rat model, and the protective effects of Nigella Sativa oil on oxidative stress, the anti-Müllerian hormone level, and apoptosis.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the role of oxidative stress (OS) in carboplatin-induced gonadotoxicity and whether Nigella Sativa oil (NSO), an herbal antioxidant, has a protective effect on ovarian apoptosis, OS, and the anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) level in a rat model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 24 adult female rats that were divided into 4 treatment groups. Group A saline + saline (sham group); group B: NSO + saline; group C: saline + carboplatin; group D: NSO + carboplatin. Saline, NSO, and carboplatin were administered intraperitoneally 24 and/or 48 h before sacrification as 4 mL/kg, 4 mL/kg, and 80 mg/kg, respectively. Apoptosis, OS parameters, and AMH were measured. RESULTS: Oxidant levels and apoptosis were higher, whereas AMH and the antioxidants were lower in group C than in group A. Apoptosis, OS parameters, and AMH levels were negatively affected by chemotherapy (CTx) in group C whilst improvement in those parameters was observed in group D following NSO pretreatment. The levels of apoptosis and malondialdehyde (MDA), an OS parameter, in group D were lower than in group C as they declined from 34.3% to 8.65% (p = 0.002) and from 199.4 nmol/g tissue to 136.4 nmol/g tissue (p = 0.002), respectively. However, the slight increase in AMH level from 2.7 ng/mL to 3.5 ng/mL due to the NSO effect was not significant between groups C and D. CONCLUSIONS: The present findings show that carboplatin has adverse effects on AMH, ovarian tissue apoptosis, and OS parameters. NSO pretreatment might protect ovarian tissue and decrease CTx-induced ovarian injury by decreasing OS and apoptosis, but the protective effect of NSO on AMH is limited.

Rapamycin Improves Vascular Remodelling in a Controlled Rat Model of Monocrotaline-Induced Pulmonary Hypertension

ABSTRACT Background: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a serious disease characterized by the progressive elevation of the pulmonary arterial resistance, leading to the right ventricular failure and death. Objective: To evaluate the effect of rapamycin (RAPA), a potent cell-cycle inhibitor, on exercise capacity, right ventricular hypertrophy and pulmonary vascular remodelling on rats. Methods: A total of 39 nine-week-old male Wistar rats (160-240 g) were divided into three groups: the control (n = 10), PAH control (n = 15) and PAH-RAPA (n = 14) groups. On the 1st day, 60 mg/kg monocrotaline was injected intraperitoneally to induce PAH in the PAH control group and PAH-RAPA groups. On the 21st day, 3 mg/kg/day RAPA was started orally, and the animals were followed for 35 days. On the 35th day, the exercise capacity of the rats was analysed through a modified forced swimming test. After measuring their right ventricular systolic pressure using an open-chest method, their hearts and lungs were excised and analysed histopathologically for right ventricular hypertrophy and pulmonary vascular remodelling. Results: Rapamycin treatment provided limited and insignificant improvements in exercise capacity, right ventricular systolic pressure and right ventricular hypertrophy of the rats. However, there was significant recovery in the rats' pulmonary artery muscular layer thickness with the RAPA treatment (p < 0.049). On the 35th day, the mortality rate was 0% in the control group, 53.1% in the PAH control group and 42.9% in the PAH-RAPA group. No statistically significant decrease was observed in their mortality rates with the RAPA treatment (p > 0.16); however, a significant recovery was noted in terms of the rats' median life span (p < 0.006). Conclusion: Pulmonary artificial hypertension is a progressive disease that is not curable with current therapies. Rapamycin may have the potential to reverse vascular remodelling and prolong life expectancy in cases of pulmonary hypertension.

Sperm retrieval by microdissection testicular sperm extraction and intracytoplasmic sperm injection outcomes in nonobstructive azoospermic patients with Klinefelter syndrome.

Klinefelter syndrome is the most frequent chromosomal abnormality in patients with nonobstructive azoospermia. The development of advanced assisted reproductive techniques, such as testicular sperm extraction and intracytoplasmic sperm injection, has provided the possibility of biological fathering in nonobstructive azoospermic patients with Klinefelter syndrome. We aimed to evaluate our sperm retrieval rate by microdissection testicular sperm extraction and to analyse the intracytoplasmic sperm injection outcomes in these patients. Medical records of 110 nonobstructive azoospermic patients with Klinefelter syndrome were retrospectively reviewed. We found that the sperm retrieval rate by microdissection testicular sperm extraction is lower than published reports on other types of secretory azoospermia. The statistical analyses yielded that age, FSH and testosterone levels as predictive factors for successful sperm retrieval.

Oxidative effects of extremely low frequency magnetic field and radio frequency radiation on testes tissues of diabetic and healthy rats.

With the development of technology, people are increasingly under the exposure of electromagnetic fields. Individuals with chronic diseases such as diabetes are now long-term exposed to Radio Frequency-RF radiation and extremely low frequency (ELF) magnetic fields (MFs). The purpose of this present study is to investigate oxidative effects and antioxidant parameters of ELF MFs and RF radiation on testis tissue in diabetic and healthy rats. Wistar male rats were divided into 10 groups. Intraperitoneal single dose STZ (65 mg/kg) dissolved in citrate buffer (0.1M (pH 4.5)) was injected to diabetes groups. ELF MFs and RF radiation were used as an electromagnetic exposure for 20 min/day, 5 days/week for one month. Testis tissue oxidant malondialdehyde (MDA), and antioxidants glutathione (GSH), and total nitric oxide (NOx) levels were determined. The results of ANOVA and Mann-Whitney tests were compared; p < 0.05 was considered significant. ELF and RF radiation resulted in an increase in testicular tissue MDA and NOX levels (p < 0.05), and caused a decrease in GSH levels (p < 0.05) in both healthy and diabetic rats, yet more distinctively in diabetic rats. The most pronounced effect was recorded in D-RF + ELF group (p < 0.005). Both radiation practices increased the oxidative stress in testis tissue while causing a decrease in antioxidant level which was more distinctive in diabetic rats (Tab. 1, Fig. 3, Ref. 30).

Effects of experimental left varicocele repair on hypoxia-inducible factor-1α and vascular endothelial growth factor expressions and angiogenesis in rat testis.

This study was aimed to investigate the effects of experimental left varicocele (ELV) repair on hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expressions and angiogenesis in rat testis. ELVs were surgically created in 26 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats. Thirty days after surgery, ELV repair was performed in 13 of the rats. All rats subsequently underwent orchiectomy 30 days after the last laparotomy. Histology of ELV-repaired testicles was compared to that of the unrepaired (ELV) group. The frequency of positive HIF-1α findings was significantly lower in the ELV-repaired than in the ELV group. The frequency of positive VEGF findings was also lower in the ELV-repaired than in the ELV group, although the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.238). The mean microvessel density in ELV-repair group was significantly lower than that in the ELV group (P = 0.002). Our study demonstrated that ELV repair may protect tissues from hypoxia and hypoxia-related pathophysiologic events, such as angiogenesis, in rat testis.

Does radio frequency radiation induce micronuclei frequency in exfoliated bladder cells of diabetic rats?

OBJECTIVE: For many years there has been a discussion among both experts and the general public regarding the effects of radio frequency (RF) radiation on the human organism. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the relationship of micronucleui (MN) frequency and RF radiation in exfoliated bladder cells of non-diabetic and diabetic rats. METHODS: Three groups were used in the experiment: Group I (n=6): diabetic group without RF exposure; Group II (n=6): diabetic group exposed 2100 MHz RF radiation and Group III (n=6): control animals (non-diabetic group, no RF exposure). RF exposure in the experiment resulted in a whole body average SAR of 0.24 W/kg with an ERMS field of 17.5 V/m in non-thermal levels. RESULT: Results showed that there was no statistically important differences between non-RF exposed diabetes group and control group; Group I and Group III (p>0.05). There was no statistically important differences between diabetes group and diabetes+RF exposed group (Group I and Group II) (p>0.05). RF exposure did not result in increased MN frequencies in exfoliated bladder cells of diabetic rats with respect to control animals (Group II and Group III), either and this result found no statistically important (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggested no possible genotoxic effects of RF radiation among human beings especially with chronic disorders, such as diabetes.

Treatment of intracranial aneurysms using the pipeline flow-diverter embolization device: a single-center experience with long-term follow-up results.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Flow-diverting devices now offer a new treatment alternative for cerebral aneurysms. We present the results of a large single-center series of patients treated with the PED, including long-term follow-up. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between November 2008 and September 2011, sidewall aneurysms with a wide neck (≥4 mm) or unfavorable dome-neck ratio (≤1.5); large/giant, fusiform, dissecting, blister-like, and recurrent sidewall aneurysms; aneurysms at difficult angles; and aneurysms in which a branch was originating directly from the sac were treated with the PED. Patients were premedicated with dual antiplatelet medications. Data, including demographics, aneurysm features, clinical presentation, complications, results, and follow-up information, for up to 2 years are presented. RESULTS: Two hundred fifty-one aneurysms in 191 patients were treated. Of these, 96 (38.3%) were large or giant (≥10 mm). In 34/251 (13.5%), PEDs were used for retreatment. Adjunctive coiling was performed in 11 aneurysms (2.1%). The mean number of devices per aneurysm was 1.3. One aneurysm ruptured in the fourth month posttreatment (0.5%), and symptomatic in-construct stenosis was detected in 1 patient (0.5%) treated with percutaneous transarterial angioplasty. Any event rate was 27/191 (14.1%), with a permanent morbidity of 1% and mortality of 0.5%. Control angiography was available in 182 (95.3%) patients with 239 (95.2%) aneurysms. In 121 aneurysms (48.2%), 1- to 2-year control angiography was available. The aneurysm occlusion rate was 91.2% in 6 months, increasing to 94.6%. CONCLUSIONS: Use of the PED is safe, efficacious, and durable in cerebral aneurysm treatment, with low morbidity-mortality and high occlusion rates as confirmed with mid- to long-term control angiography.

Expression of "a disintegrin and metalloproteinase-33" (ADAM-33) protein in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: A disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain containing protein 33 (also known as ADAM-33) is a member of a matrix metalloproteinase family which mediates extracellular matrix remodelling and changes in cellular adhesion. This study aimed to evaluate expression of this protein in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma, and to determine its correlation with patients' clinicopathological characteristics. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Forty paraffin blocks of laryngeal carcinoma underwent immunohistochemical staining to detect "a disintegrin and metalloproteinase-33" expression. Case records were reviewed to determine patient characteristics. RESULTS: All epithelial, vascular and stromal staining scores were significantly increased in tumour tissue compared with controls (p < 0.001). However, patients' clinical characteristics at the time of diagnosis, and their disease extent, did not correlate significantly with the immunohistochemical staining scores. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that increased expression of "a disintegrin and metalloproteinase-33" may play a role in the pathogenesis of laryngeal carcinoma.

Practical cut off values to determine body mass index.

We tried to understand whether there are significant cut off values simply determining body mass index (BMI). The study was performed in Internal Medicine Polyclinics on consecutive check up patients aged between 15 and 70 years to see possible consequences of excess weight on health and to avoid debility induced weight loss in elders. Insulin using diabetics and patients with devastating illnesses were excluded to avoid their possible effects on weight. Cases were subdivided into three groups according to their body weights as under 65, between 65 and 85, and above 85 kg groups and prevalences of underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obesity were determined. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of body weights to determine BMI were calculated. The study included 954 cases (566 females). Sensitivity of 65 kg as a cut off value to detect normal weight was 61.0%, specificity 94.3%, positive predictive value 82.9%, and negative predictive value was 97.6%. Similarly, sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of 65 and 85 kg to detect overweight cases were 71.5%, 63.3%, 56.2%, and 77.1% respectively. So both values were statistically significant to detect normal weight, overweight and obese individuals (p = 0.000 for both). Although BMI is probably a more valuable parameter to show weight status, the cut off values of 65 and 85 kg, as an easier way, have significant places, too.

Surgical approaches for antrochoanal polyp: a comparative analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and histopathological characteristics of antrochoanal polyps (ACPs) and to perform a comparative analysis of surgical techniques in terms of recurrence. METHODS: The clinical, radiological and histopathological features of 42 patients with a diagnosis of ACP who underwent surgery in a period of 6 years (January 2000 - January 2006) were investigated retrospectively. Histopathological examinations were present for all patients and were re-examined for histological analysis. RESULTS: Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) was performed in all patients. Transcanine sinoscopy (TS) and the Caldwell-Luc approach (CL) were used in addition to ESS in 14 and 13 patients respectively. The attachment site was detected in 21 patients (50%) and the most frequent site was found to be the lateral wall in 15 patients (71.4%). There was no relationship between the choice of surgery, the attachment site or accessory ostium, or any sinusitis with ACP. Histological examination showed prominent eosinophilia in 29 patients (69%). The follow-up time was a minimum of 12 months with a mean of 28.9 months. Three recurrences were seen after ESS. However, there was no recurrence after ESS+TS and ESS+CL. CONCLUSION: Our study showed that the most important factors affecting the choice of surgical approaches are the preference of the surgeon, the age of the patient and the presence of recurrent disease. Combined approaches with either TS or CL should be considered, particularly when the attachment site of the antral part of ACP is undetected, in order to prevent incomplete excision and recurrences.

The relationship between anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide and bone mineral density and radiographic damage in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to investigate the relationship between anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) levels and bone mineral density (BMD), bone turnover, and radiographic damage in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: Eighty patients (68 females, 12 males, mean age 46.50+/-14.59 years) with RA were included in the study. Anti-CCP antibodies were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Bone turnover was studied by analysing serum levels of C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (sCTX, ng/mL), using an enzyme immunoassay. BMD was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Disease activity was assessed according to the Disease Activity Score that includes 28 joint counts (DAS28). Functional capacity was assessed by the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ). RESULTS: Anti-CCP-positive patients were defined as group 1 and anti-CCP-negative patients as group 2. The mean disease duration was 7.53+/-6.27 years in group 1 and 6.25+/-6.51 years in group 2. Anti-CCP had a limited negative correlation with lumbar BMD (r = -0.220, p = 0.050) and a negative correlation with femoral BMD (r = -0.242, p = 0.031). There was no statistically significant correlation between anti-CCP and sCTX values (r = 0.117, p = 0.301). Sharp scores were significantly higher in anti-CCP-positive than anti-CCP-negative patients (p = 0.012), and anti-CCP levels were significantly correlated with Sharp scores (r = 0.240, p = 0.032). CONCLUSIONS: We found that RA patients with higher levels of anti-CCP antibody had lower lumbar and femoral BMD. Anti-CCP levels were also associated with radiographic damage. Therefore, we suggest that anti-CCP may be a determinant of bone loss in patients with RA.

Quality of life after surgery for benign disease of the parotid gland.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate quality of life after surgery for benign neoplastic disease of the parotid gland. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A quality of life questionnaire, which was created from the Hebrew version of the University of Washington Quality of Life prototype, was applied to 55 patients who underwent surgery for benign neoplastic parotid disease. All patients were examined in Baskent University Adana Teaching and Medical Research Center, where all except 10 subjects (who responded by phone) completed the quality of life questionnaire. RESULTS: The highest overall score was 96.3 indicating no salivary fistula. Only one patient complained of salivary secretion through the wound scar. The lowest overall score was 59.5 indicating loss of sensation. Although no post-surgical pain was reported by 32 (58 per cent) patients, 16 (29 per cent) patients reported a post-surgical change in their appearance. Scarring and surgical site depression were reported by 26 (47 per cent) and 17 patients (30 per cent), respectively. Facial nerve impairment was reported by seven patients (13 per cent) during the early post-operative period; these patients recovered from that impairment. The only significant statistical correlations were noted between general health and gender, and between post-surgical pain and gender. There was not any statistical correlation between all data and age, tumour type and education level. CONCLUSION: The general status of patients who have undergone surgery for a benign parotid neoplasm can be assessed with a quality of life questionnaire. Patients' post-surgical quality of life can be improved by the correct choice of surgical approach and reconstructive method.

The effect of tryptophan administration on ileum contractility and oxidant status in mice.

L-tryptophan (TRP) is the precursor amino acid for the synthesis of serotonin (5-HT). 5-HT is effective both on the food intake and gastrointestinal system contractility. The aim of this study was to search the effects of systemic TRP treatment on 5-HT levels of ileum and searching the effect of ileal contractility and oxidant status. Swiss-albino mice were divided into two groups: 1. Control, 2. TRP-treated (100 mg/kg/24 h, i.p., for 7 days). Body weights were recorded at the beginning and at the end of experiments. Acetylcholine-induced contractile responses in the isolated ileum were recorded on polygraph. Ileal tissue malondialdehyde and glutathione levels determined by spectrophotometric and ileal tissue 5-HT levels were measured by immunohistochemical methods. TRP treatment decreased body weight and increased ileal contractile response. In the TRP-treated group, ileum malondialdehyde levels increased and glutathione levels decreased. Immunohistochemical detection showed that ileal 5-HT levels were increased by TRP treatment. There is a relationship between increased oxidative stress and increased contractility in the ileal tissue of the TRP-treated animals. These effects may be related to increased ileal 5-HT synthesis.

The effects of dexfenfluramine administration on brain serotonin immunoreactivity and lipid peroxidation in mice.

Obesity continues to be an increasing health problem in worldwide and antiobesity drugs have commonly been used by obese patients. During the use of anorectic drugs, the antioxidant defense may be affected, especially by reactive oxygen species. It was decided to investigate the effects of dexfenfluramine on body weight, daily food intake, brain thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), glutathione (GSH) and nitric oxide (NO) levels, and 5-HT immunoreactivity. Mice were divided into two groups each containing 8 Swiss Albino adult (6 months) mice. Group 1, untreated, was used as a control; group 2 was treated with dexfenfluramine 0.4 mg/kg per day intraperitoneally for 7 days. Brain TBARS and GSH levels were assayed spectrophotometrically. The stable end-products of NO, nitrite and nitrate, were analyzed spectrophotometrically. Brain tissue 5-HT immunoreactivity was observed using an immunohistochemical method. There were significant decreases in body weight in the dexfenfluramine group (p < 0.05). Although brain GSH and NO(x) levels decreased significantly, brain TBARS levels increased in the dexfenfluramine group (p < 0.05). Brain 5-HT immunoreactivity also increased in the dexfenfluramine-treated group compared to control. In conclusion, our findings show that dexfenfluramine is effective in achieving weight loss and also increases lipid peroxidation in mouse brain.

Methylene blue decreases ischemia-reperfusion (I/R)-induced spinal cord injury: an in vivo study in an I/R rabbit model.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of intravenous methylene blue (MB) administration on ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury of the spinal cord (SC). METHODS: 16 rabbits were randomly assigned either to group M (n = 8; receiving MB, intervention group) or group C (n = 8; control group) and underwent a 30-min period of SC ischemia by clamping the abdominal aorta between the left renal artery and the aortic bifurcation. 15 min before clamping, rabbits received either intravenous MB (10 mg/kg; group M) or normal saline (group C). The two groups were compared 24 h postoperatively both histologically and for neurological function, using a Tarlov score. Measurements to determine levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) in the SC tissue were also performed. RESULTS: Neurological impairment and spinal tissue MDA levels were significantly lower in animals treated with MB (p < 0.001). In contrast, spinal GSH levels were significantly higher in group M (p < 0.001). Histological examination revealed that the integrity of the SC was better preserved in the MB group, whereas cords from the control group exhibited evidence of acute neuronal injury. CONCLUSIONS: The prophylactic use of MB reduces neurological injury and improves clinical outcomes in the rabbit SC I/R model. These effects are probably mediated by the drug's antioxidant properties.

Effects of vitamin C on muscle glycogen and oxidative events in experimental diabetes.

UNLABELLED: Streptozotocin (STZ) is an agent used in creating experimental diabetes. Varying findings have been reported about the striated muscle glycogen levels in diabetes. In this study, it was planned to observe interaction of vitamin C (AA), of which deficiency has been shown in diabetics, with soleus muscle glycogen levels and oxidative events on STZ-diabetic subjects. MATERIAL AND METHOD: In the study, 38 male adult Wistar Albino rats with weights 200 +/- 20 g were used by separating them into four groups: Control, Vitamin C, Diabetes, Diabetes + Vitamin C. Body weights and fasting blood glucose were measured at the beginning and end of the experiment. AA, TBARS, GSH, NOx and glycogen levels of soleus muscles, and AA level of blood were measured. The results were compared using Anova variance and Mann-Whitney U tests. Results showed that AA levels in blood increased with vitamin C administration; AA, GSH and NOx levels in the muscle were low and MDA and glycogen levels were high in diabetics; and that vitamin C in the given dosage partially corrected these values. These results indicate that higher dosage than daily 20 mg/kg Vitamin C is required for being effective on metabolic and oxidizing events in diabetic rats.

Carcinoid tmour of the common bile duct: report of a case and a review of the literature.

Carcinoid tumours of the common bile duct are extremely rare lesions. In this article we report a case with an extrahepatic bile duct carcinoid tumour. A 40-year-old woman suffered from biliary colic and jaundice. Pre-operative computed tomography demonstrated a tumour in the biliary tract. At laparotomy there was a tumour invading the common bile duct. Common bile duct resection was performed. Carcinoid tumour of the common bile duct was diagnosed histopathologically. For extrahepatic bile duct carcinoid tumours surgical resection is the only treatment modality that offers a chance to provide a cure and prolonged disease-free survival. The favourable histopathological and biological features of these tumours encouraged the surgeons to use more aggressive approaches for advanced disease.

The diagnostic importance of prolactin subgroups in patients with stalk mass.

In some situations, the identification of subgroups of patients with elevated serum prolactin (PRL) levels on the basis of different forms of PRL present in the blood, may be complementary to generally accepted and performed biochemical and radiological examinations in addition to a thorough clinical evaluation. Further analysis of elevated PRL subgroups is advisable especially for cases lacking the signs of amenorrhea and galactorea harboring a space occupying lesion in the sellar region. We present the case report of a patient with a high ratio of macroprolactin with regard to total serum PRL harboring a radiologically confirmed stalk mass lesion. An appropriate treatment plan for this patient is discussed.

Effects of taurine in glucose and taurine administration.

Taurine has several biological processes such as hypoglycemic action, antioxidation, detoxification, etc. To assess the effect of taurine administration on the guinea pigs with hyperglycemia, blood glucose, C-peptide levels together with morphologic alterations in the pancreatic ultrastructure were investigated in terms of hypoglycemic action and malondialdehyde and total sulfhydryl group levels with regard to oxidation-antioxidation relation. Animals were divided into four groups of six. Glucose supplementation group was administrated a single dose of glucose (400 mg/kg, i.p.) injection. Glucose and taurine supplementation group was administrated glucose treatment (a single dose, 400 mg/kg, i.p.) following taurine (a single dose, 200 mg/kg, i.p.). Taurine and glucose supplementation group was administered taurine treatment (a single dose, 200 mg/kg, i.p.) following glucose treatment (a single dose, 400 mg/kg, i.p.). Control animals received no treatment. Blood samples were collected at the end of the experiments for the determination of glucose, C-peptide (indicator of insulin secretion), lipid peroxidation (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances), and total sulfhydryl groups levels. Pancreatic tissue samples were then collected and processed for transmission electron microscopy. The findings showed that glucose supplementation following taurine administration significantly decreased blood glucose level by increasing C-peptide level and the pancreatic secretion stimulated morphologically and insignificantly changed thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and total sulfhydryl group levels. These observations suggest that taurine administration may be useful in hyperglycemia because of its hypoglycemic and protective effects.

Tryptophan administration increase contractility and change the ultrastructure of mice duodenum.

Serotonin (5-HT) is a metabolite of tryptophan (TRP). 5-HT has been shown to induce contractions in rat duodenum and ileum. We planned to investigate the in vivo effects of TRP administration on duodenal contractility and ultrastructure together. Two equal groups of adult male Swiss-albino mice were used in the experiments. Controls (CONT) and TRP treated (100 mg/kg/24 hr in 0.2 ml. saline solution ip, 7 days). Body weights were recorded at the beginning and at the end of experiments. Duodenum tissues contractility responses to different concentration of KCl and acethycholine (ACh) were recorded on polygraph. The ultrastructural changes in duodenum observed by transmission electron microscopic (TEM) method and 5-HT levels determined by immunohistochemical method. Body weights decreased and duodenal contractile response of ACh increased significantly by TRP treatment. The duodenal ultrastructural changes in TRP group illustrated partially loss of apical surface and fusion in microvilli. Immunohistochemical detection showed that 5-HT increased by TRP treatment. There is a relation between duodenal contractility increased by TRP treatment and changes in the duodenal tissue 5-HT level and ultrastructure.