Medical ozone treatment on prevention of epidural fibrosis in the rat model.

Background/Aim: Epidural fibrosis is one of the problems that can be seen after spinal surgery. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible preventive role of medical ozone (O) treatment on epidural fibrosis. Materials and Methods: Twenty-four Sprague Dawley rats were randomly split into four groups: control (C), O, laminectomy (L), and L+O groups. Animals in the C group were sacrificed at the beginning of the experiment. The L and L+O groups had L procedure, while O treatment was supplied for the O and O+L groups. After 42 days of follow-up, for histological evaluation and biochemical measurements, the ratio of epidural fibrosis and catalase (CAT) with malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in serum, respectively, were analyzed in terms of statistical differences. Results: Histologically, a distinct difference was o bserved in the epidural space after O treatment. A significant difference in epidural fibrosis areas is found to be between the O, L, and O+L groups (P < 0,0001). There was no statistically significant difference between CAT and MDA levels that were obtained by spectrophotometric analysis. Conclusion: Histological results suggest that medical O treatment after L can be used as an alternative method to prevent epidural fibrosis. Further studies with wide cohorts and interval measures are required to detail the effects of doses.

Protective effect of Coriandrum sativum extract against inflammation and apoptosis in liver ischaemia/reperfusion injury.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of Coriandrum sativum extract on liver ischaemia reperfusion injury at light microscopic and biochemical levels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sham, ischaemia/reperfusion injury (IRI), IRI + Coriandrum sativum extract and only Coriandrum sativum extract groups were formed. Sixty minutes of ischaemia and 60 minutes of reperfusion were performed. In the treatment group, 300 mg/kg/day Coriandrum sativum was given by gavage. Hepatic tissues were fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) enzymes were measured. Nuclear factor-kappa beta (NF-κB), tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and caspase-3 immunohistochemistry staining was performed. Microscopic scoring was performed in terms of sinusoidal congestion, vacuolisation, and necrosis. RESULTS: Sinusoidal enlargement and diffuse congestion, Kupffer cell increase, neutrophil increase in necrotic areas, vacuolisation in hepatocytes, and bile duct proliferation in the portal triad were observed in ischaemia/reperfusion hepatic tissue. Very rare, necrotic areas were observed in the Coriandrum sativum treatment group, while congestion and vacuolisation and bile duct proliferation were decreased compared to the ischaemic group. The AST and ALT levels were increased in the IRI and IRI + Coriandrum sativum groups. When compared to the IRI group, the AST and ALT levels of the Coriandrum sativum were considerably decreased. The IRI and IRI + Coriandrum sativum groups had statistically significant differences in ALP compared to that of the Coriandrum sativum and Sham groups. There was no significant difference between the ALP levels of the IRI and IRI + Coriandrum sativum groups TNF-α, NF-κB and caspase-3 immune positive stained hepatocytes were numerous and widely observed in the injury group. There were positive TNF-α immunohistochemical staining Kupffer cells in the IRI group. In the group treated with Coriandrum sativum, Kupffer cells were not stained, while TNF-α, NF κB and caspase-3 expressing hepatocytes were found to be decreased compared to the IRI group. When the expression values of the TNF-α, NF-κB and caspase-3 groups were evaluated statistically, it was seen that there was a significant decrease in the group treated with Coriandrum sativum. CONCLUSIONS: It was found that Coriandrum sativum extract decreased proinflammatory cytokine TNF-α and apoptotic cell death and liver enzymes in liver ischaemia/reperfusion injury.

The impact of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) on thin endometrium of an animal model with rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: After forming of the thin endometrium by uterine injection of 0.2 ml 96% ethyl alcohol to the rats, five days of subcutaneous injections of 40 µg/kg G-CSF or saline were given. Endometrial thickness, immunohistochemically expression of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGF-R2), proliferative cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and fibronectin apoptosis with TUNEL method were compared in specimens among four groups of post-model rats. RESULTS: Endometrial thickness was significantly improved in thin but not in normal endometrium group with GCSF when compared to saline injection. Stromal and glandular epithelial expression of PCNA and pericapillary VEGF-R2 was significantly increased, and apoptosis was significantly decreased with G-CSF. Although fibronectin was also increased with G-CSF in the thin endometrium, the difference was non-significant. In further, G-CSF decreased apoptotic cells and increased expression of PCNA when compared to saline injection in normal endometrium. CONCLUSIONS: G-CSF improves endometrial thickness, proliferation, angiogenesis and DNA fragmentation in thin endometrium.

The effect of ferulic acid on experimental traumatic brain damage in rats.

AIM: Traumatic brain injury is an important social health problem due to the fact that young adults are more likely to be affected, and advanced functional limitations are observed in survivors. In this study, we aimed to investigate the protective effect of ferulic acid in an experimental trauma model. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study was performed in March 2016 at Dokuz Eylül University Experimental Animal Laboratory. Subjects were randomly divided into 4 groups Control, Ethyl Alcohol, Trauma, Trauma/Ferulic Acid groups. For histological findings, Cresyl violet; for immunohistochemical analysis, TUNEL and Active Caspase-3 staining were used. For biochemical analysis, Superoxide dismutase, Malondialdehyde, and Glutathione values ​​were examined. RESULTS: The application of ferulic acid has been shown to primarily reduce neuronal apoptosis, the levels of free radicals, and to effect oxidant/antioxidant balance positively by increasing the levels of antioxidants, such as Superoxide dismutase and Glutathione that are developed due to brain damage. Our study group has shown that ferulic acid decreased nerve tissue pathologies after generated brain trauma compared to injury groups. CONCLUSION: Addition of ferulic acid to the traditional head trauma treatment has the strength, and ability to increase the rate, and percentage of healing (Tab. 2, Fig. 4, Ref. 28).

The combined effect of rosuvastatin and ischemic pre- or post-conditioning on myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury in rat heart.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the combined effect of rosuvastatin and ischemic preconditioning or postconditioning on ischemia-reperfusion injury in in vivo rat heart. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninenty-six male adult Wistar rats were randomly assigned to eight groups: Sham group, ischemia-reperfusion, rosuvastatin preconditioning, rosuvastatin postconditioning, ischemic preconditioning, ischemic postconditioning, ischemic + pharmacologic preconditioning and ischemic + pharmacologic postconditioning groups. Blood samples were taken for creatine kinase evaluation at selected time points. Six rats in each group were separated for either infarct size assessment or immunohistochemical staining with Bcl-2 antibody. RESULTS: The staining with Bcl-2 was significantly lower in groups Sham, ischemic + pharmacologic preconditioning and ischemic + pharmacologic postconditioning groups which is well correlated with the decrease in infarct size for the same groups. The creatine kinase enzyme levels were also reduced to their lowest levels in ischemic + pharmacologic preconditioning and ischemic + pharmacologic postconditioning groups. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that enriching the composition of reperfusate with rosuvastatin along with ischemic preconditioning or postconditioning procedures at the opposite sides of ischemia may interact synergistically for protecting ischemic myocardium from reperfusion injury. The combined application of rosuvastatin with ischemic preconditioning or ischemic postconditioning may provide a new therapeutic option in clinical interventions when compared to single treatment with ischemic and rosuvastatin preconditioning or postconditioning.

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.

Immunohistochemical localization of beta1 and beta4 integrins in mouse endometrium during implantation and early pregnancy.

Implantation presents the remarkable synchronisation between the development of embryo and differentiation of endometrium. Cell-cell adhesion is an important phenomenon taking place during blastocyst implantation in uterine membrane. We think that the investigation of existence and the level of integrins in women can be a guide for treatment of infertility. Our purpose in this study was to show expression beta1 and beta4 integrins on gestational days 4, 6, 12 by immunohistochemical methods and to investigate whether beta4 integrin is a useful marker for receptivity. beta1 and beta4 integrin were exhibited on surface epithelium on gestational day 4. On the other hand, strong beta4 immunoreactivity was detected on surface epithelium and glandular cells on gestational day 12 but no beta1 reactivity was present in the surface epithelium and glandular cells on day 12. In conclusion, both beta1 and beta4 integrins may have a role in implantation process because positive immunoreactivity was seen on apical membrane of surface epithelium on day 4 when implantation occurred. The localization to apical pole of surface epithelium suggest a role for beta1, beta4 integrins in initial embryo and endometrium interaction. It does not seem that beta1 integrin has a role supporting pregnancy since expression of beta4 on surface epithelium and glandular epithelium disappeared on day 12. beta4 integrin expression increasing on day 12 of pregnancy leads us to think a possible functional role supporting pregnancy.

Spontaneous closure of the hymen during pregnancy.

Imperforate hymen is a rare disorder that is usually discovered at the onset of menstruation. In the literature, secondary closure of the hymen has been reported in 2 cases, both of which occurred subsequent to surgical procedures that involved the hymen. We report an interesting case of the spontaneous formation of an imperforate hymen during pregnancy in the absence of previous surgical procedures. Electron microscopic findings indicate hymenal tissue reorganization.

Immunohistochemical, histological and ultrastructural evaluation of the effects of leptin on testes in mice.

This study was undertaken to examine the effects of leptin on testes in mice. For this purpose, 12 male mice were divided into two groups. Animals in Group I were designated as control. Mice in Group II were injected daily with leptin for 5 days. All animals were decapitated at the end of the experiment. The testes were removed and weighed out. Testicular tissue specimens were processed for light and electron microscopic examination and semi-quantitative evaluation of immunohistochemical testosterone staining. Intensity of immunostaining was determined on a scale between 0 (no staining) and 5 (heavy staining). For morphometric comparison, diameters of seminiferous tubules from each group were measured. In the leptin injected group, testicular weights and diameters of seminiferous tubules were significantly increased in comparison to control values. In light microscopic examination, an increase in secretory granules in the cytoplasm of Leydig cells was observed after leptin treatment. In the same group, distinct changes indicative of increased cell activation were seen in the ultrastructure of Leydig cells. Amount of mitochondria, lysosomes and cytoplasmic secretory granules were increased. Furthermore, an increase in extensiveness of rough endoplasmic reticulum was noted in this group. Immunohistochemical testosterone staining of the cytoplasm of Leydig cells was heavy (5+) in the leptin treated mice compared to mild score (2+) in the control mice. Additionally, heavy immunostaining of testosterone was also observed in the interstitial space after injection of leptin. The present findings indicate that testicular functions and synthesis of testosterone increase after administration of leptin.

Immunohistochemical localization of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF-r) and transforming growth factor alpha (TGF-alpha) in developing human ovarian follicles.

In this study, we aimed to detect the distribution of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF-r) and transforming growth factor alpha in ovarian follicles at different stages. Indirect immunohistochemical methods and EGF-r polyclonal and TGF-alpha monoclonal antibodies were used; tissues were examined with light microscope. While dense collection of both growth factors were observed in primordial follicles, there was a strong reaction especially for EGF-r in follicles. Strong reactivity for EGF-r and moderate reactivity for TGF-alpha were observed in the nearby connective tissue. In examinations of primary follicles for EGF-r presence only, dye uptake was moderate in oocytes and dense in apical and basal cytoplasm of follicle cells. Reactivity was moderate in the nearby connective tissue. In the corpus luteum, there was weak reaction for both growth factors. But in stromal cells, reaction was strong. In degenerated follicle cells and in stroma of atretic follicles, reaction was positive for both growth factors; but EGF-r reactivity was more obvious. While strong staining was observed for both factors especially in granulosa cells surrounding the oocyte in Graafian follicle, moderate TGF-alpha reactivity was determined in oocyte cytoplasm. In conclusion, it is possible that EGF-r and TGF-alpha have ortocrine and paracrine effects on development and regression of human ovarian follicles.

The effect of EGF application in gel form on histamine content of experimentally induced wound in mice.

The factors participating to the wound healing are complex and still obscure. Among these factors, epidermal growth factor (EGF) and histamine by increasing reepithelization and reparation tissue strength via enhancing collagen deposition to the wound site have a beneficial effect. This study was performed to investigate the effect of EGF dosage forms on the histamine content of the experimentally induced wound and some wound healing criters in the mice. Histological investigation of reepithelization, wound tensile strength for healing and collagen maturation, and histamine levels were assessed in the present study. Thirty two mice were divided into control, and EGF treated groups. Controls included three subgroups; untreated (n=5), 0.9% NaCl applied (n=5), and gel applied (n=5). Experimental groups were treated with two forms of EGF; EGF, solution form in 0.9% NaCl (n=5) and the gel form in 0.2% w/w in carbopol 940 (n=7). The discrepancy between these forms were evaluated. This evaluation was done by the application of two forms of EGF for 15 days on experimentally induced wound healing. Gel form of EGF by sustained release from bioadhesive polymer is found to be more effective than the soluble form, on the healing of the wound, by acceleration of reepithelization and increment of wound tensile strength. The tensile strength of the wound indicates the rate of repair and collagen maturation. It has been observed that when physiological saline and carbopol 940 exposed to incision without EGF causes a significant increase in tissue histamine content. According to the results of the present investigation; the histamine content is found to be decreased by EGF gel dosage form treatment, therefore preventing abnormal collagen formation has a beneficial effect on wound healing.

Effects of photoperiod on the ultrastructure of Leydig cells in rat.

The aim of this study was to examine effects of photoperiod on the ultrastructure of Leydig cells in rat. For this purpose, 21 male Wistar rats were used. Animals were divided into three groups: Control rats in group I were kept under 12 hrs light: 12 hrs dark conditions (12L: 12D) for 10 weeks. Animals in group II were exposed to long photoperiods (18L: 6D), while rats in group III were exposed to short photoperiods (6L:18D) for 10 weeks. At the end of the experiment, all animals were killed by decapitation and blood samples were obtained. Serum testosterone levels were determined with the use of a chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay. The testes of all rats were removed and weighed, then processed for light and electron microscopy. For morphometric comparison, diameters of seminiferous tubules in each group were measured. In rats exposed to long photoperiods, testicular weights, diameters of seminiferous tubules and serum testosterone levels were significantly increased as compared to those in control rats, whereas exposure of rats to short photoperiods resulted in a significant decrease of testicular weights, diameters of seminiferous tubules and serum testosterone levels as compared to those in control rats and rats maintained in long photoperiods. The amount of mitochondria and cytoplasmic secretory granules were increased in the cytoplasm of Leydig cells of rats exposed to long photoperiods. Furthermore, an increase in extensiveness of rough endoplasmic reticulum in the cell cytoplasm was noticed in this group, whereas a decrease in mitochondria and cytoplasmic secretory granules of the Leydig cell cytoplasm was seen in rats exposed to short photoperiods. The results of our study indicate that testicular functions increase after exposure to long photoperiods and decrease after exposure to short photoperiods.

The healing effect of TGF-alpha on gastric ulcer induced by acetylsalicylic acid in rats.

The present study was designed to investigate the effects of microemulsion and aqueous solution containing transforming growth factor alpha (TGF-alpha) and/or aprotinin administered intragastrically (i.g.) on healing of acute gastric ulcers induced by acetylsalicylic acid (ASA). The microemulsion was prepared by modification of the microemulsion formulation described in our previous study. Acute gastric lesions were induced by the application of ASA (150 mg/kg in 1.5 ml of 0.2N HCl i.g.). TGF-alpha in solution or microemulsion formulations were administered at a dose of 10 microg/kg per 24h i.g. for 2 days. The effects of TGF-alpha on the healing was evaluated with the measurement of ulcer score, basal gastric acid secretion, total protein content of gastric fluid, gastric mucus level and histological analysis. The results indicated that the highest decrease in ulcer area was observed in group treated with microemulsion containing TGF-alpha plus aprotinin (TA-ME). TGF-alpha in microemulsion formulation was more effective than TGF-alpha in solution formulation in the increase of gastric mucus secretion, in the decrease of gastric acid secretions and ulcer scores. Histological evaluation of the gastric mucosa samples revealed that, best recovery was obtained in the TA-ME treated group.

Effect of mannitol in experimental spinal cord injury: an ultrastructural and electrophysiological study.

BACKGROUND: Although many experimental and clinical studies were performed on the pathophysiology and treatment of spinal cord injury (SCI), the electrophysiological and ultrastructural changes of the spinal cord were not precisely evaluated. AIMS: To investigate the effect of mannitol on Somatosensory Evoked Potentials (SSEP), postoperative neurological recovery and ultrastructural findings after an experimental SCI. SETTING: The experimental microsurgery laboratory of a university hospital. DESIGN: A prospective, randomized animal study. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sprague-Dawley rats were used and divided into three groups (Groups I-III) for this study. Those in Group I were control animals who underwent laminectomy only, and non-traumatized spinal cord samples were obtained 2 weeks later. SCI was produced in Groups II and III using clip compression technique, and cord samples were obtained 2 weeks later. The rats in Group II received 2 g/kg of 20% mannitol intraperitoneally, immediately and three hours after trauma was induced; and those in Group III received the same amount of 0,9% NaCl in the same manner. Preoperative and postoperative SSEP records at the end of 2 weeks were obtained. Electron microscopy examination of the cord samples was done at 2 weeks postoperatively. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Fischer's Exact Test. RESULTS: SSEP records, ultrastructural findings and clinical recovery showed that minor neural damage and significant recovery occurred in Group II. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that the administration of 2 g/kg of 20% mannitol produces significant improvement in the neural structures and protects the spinal cord following injury.

Splenectomy reduces remote organ damage after intestinal ischaemia-reperfusion injury.

PURPOSE: In this study, we aimed to reduce mononuclear phagocytic system (MFS) cells with splenectomy and investigate its preventive effects on lung, liver, and kidney ultrastructure and free radical generation after intestinal ischaemia-reperfusion (IIR). METHOD: Forty adult male albino Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups as sham laparatomy (SL), splenectomy + sham laparatomy (SSL), intestinal ischaemia-reperfusion (IIR), and splenectomy + intestinal ischaemia-reperfusion (SIIR). One hour of mesenteric ischaemia and four hours of reperfusion were applied. Splenectomy was performed just before reperfusing the intestine. Serum levels of malonedialdehyde (MDA) was measured, and tissue samples obtained from the lung, liver, and kidneys were fixed in 2.5% glutaraldehyde for electron microscopy. RESULTS: Lung, liver, and kidney ultrastructures were normal in both groups of SL and SSL. In the IIR group, type 2 pneumocytes showed lamellar body degeneration, dilation of smooth endoplasmic reticulum, and thickening of the basal lamina. Hepatocytes showed dilation of the rough endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondrial degeneration, and cytoplasmic lipid droplets. The glomerular basement membrane was thickened and the endothelial cells showed discontinuity. The foot processes of the podocytes and microvilli of the proximal tubule cells had also disappeared in the kidney. Splenectomy attenuated these ultrastructural changes in the SIIR group. In the IIR group, serum MDA level was significantly increased to 171.7 +/- 6.7 nmol/ml (p < 0.05). Splenectomy significantly reduced serum MDA level to 87.8 +/- 2.5 nmol/ml in the SIIR group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Splenectomy attenuated degenerative findings encountered in lung, liver, and kidney ultrastructure after IIR. Splenectomy also significantly decreased serum levels of MDA. The possible role of splenectomy is to reduce the MFS cells, which play an important role in the remote organ injury after intestinal reperfusion damage.

Intra-arterial simultaneous administration of anandamide attenuates endothelin-1 induced vasospasm in rabbit basilar arteries.

BACKGROUND: Anandamide induces not only endothelium-dependent vasodilatation through cannabinoid receptors but also some endothelium- independent vasodilator effect by calcitonin gene-related peptide release through vanilloid receptors. Endothelin-1, a powerful vasoconstrictive peptide derived from endothelial cells, has been shown to be converted to its active form after cleaving by a vascular matrix metalloproteinase which is also involved in inactivation of calcitonin gene-related peptide. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether anandamide inhibits the acute vascular and morphological effects of Endothelin-1 applied intra-arterially on rabbit basilar arteries. METHOD: Fifteen albino rabbits were anaesthetised and underwent placement of a vertebral artery catheter for angiography of the basilar artery. Animals were divided, arbitrarily, into animals in which there was either intra-arterial injection of saline (Group I, n=5), Endothelin-1 (Group II, n=5) and Endothelin-1 and anandamide (Group III, n=5). The diameter of the basilar artery between the pre and post injection angiograms was measured in each of the three groups and transmission electron microscopic investigations on basilar arteries were performed. FINDINGS: Angiographic studies showed that simultaneous administration of anandamide significantly attenuated Endothelin-1 induced vasoconstriction. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that anandamide reversed the morphological changes induced by Endothelin-1 on the vessel wall. INTERPRETATION: These results indicated that anandamide overcomes the angiographic and morphological effects of intrarterially administered ET-1 induced vasospasm in rabbit basilar arteries probably by induction of CGRP related vasodilatation through vanilloid receptors and prevents the acute ET-1 induced ultrastructural vessel wall damage.

Expression of growth factors in fetal human olfactory mucosa during development.

The olfactory epithelium is one of the unique sites in the mammalian nervous system at which there is continual neurogenesis. Constant turnover of primary sensory neurons in the periphery results in remodeling of neuronal circuits and synapses in the olfactory bulb throughout life. Most of the specific mechanisms and factors that control this process are still unknown. Recent studies suggest that growth factors and their receptors may play a significant role in the development and continuous regeneration of olfactory neurons. In this study, standard immunohistochemical methods were used to detect the presence of epidermal growth factor-receptor, transforming growth factor-alpha and nerve growth factor-beta in the human olfactory epithelium of different developmental stages (7 to 30 weeks) in formalin-fixed tissue specimens. Immunoreactivity to epidermal growth factor-receptor was seen in basal cells, supporting cells, neurons, apical cytoplasmic region of olfactory epithelium, lamina propria and gland's cell cytoplasm. Similarly transforming growth factor-alpha immunoreactivity was recognized in basal cells, supporting cells, apical cytoplasmic region of olfactory epithelium, lamina propria and gland's cell cytoplasm but not in neurons. Nerve growth factor-beta detection was restricted on olfactory nerve cells, dentritic knob and basal cell layer. So, this study confirms the development of human olfactory mucosa and shows epidermal growth factor-receptor, transforming growth factor-alpha and nerve growth factor-beta proteins are reliable markers for developing olfactory epithelium.

Ischemia, whether from ligation or torsion, causes ultrastructural changes on the contralateral testis.

OBJECTIVE: Unilateral testicular torsion results with a decrease in contralateral testicular blood flow caused by a reflexive sympathetic response. The aim of this study was to investigate whether twisting of the spermatic cord, or testicular ischemia without twisting, activates this reflex mechanism and causes ultrastructural changes in the contralateral side. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty adult male albino Wistar rats were randomly allocated into three groups of sham, torsion, and ligation. Right testes were twisted 720 degrees counterclockwise in the torsion group. Right spermatic cords were ligated permanently with a silk suture including the vas deferens in the ligation group. After 24 h of testicular ischemia, contralateral left testes were removed for electron microscopic evaluation. RESULTS: Contralateral testes showed similar ultrastructural changes in the torsion and ligation groups. The fibrous tunica propria enveloping the seminiferous tubule was thickened due to increased collagen fibers. The basal lamina was continuous but thickened and showed several foldings. The gap between basal lamina and the germ cells was increased because of collagen fibers. Leydig cells showed mitochondrial degeneration with the loss of its cristae. Leydig cells lost their contact with its neighborhood cells in some areas, and these gaps were filled with collagen fibers. Germ cells showed dilated cisternae of smooth endoplasmic reticulum, cytoplasmic electron-dense bodies and clear regions. CONCLUSIONS: Similar electron microscopic findings observed in the torsion and ligation groups indicate that testicular ischemia rather than twisting of the spermatic cord is responsible for the ultrastructural changes in the contralateral side.

The protective effect of taurine pretreatment on carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatic damage--a light and electron microscopic study.

The results regarding taurine pretreatment on CCl(4)-induced hepatic injury are controversial. To assess the therapeutic efficacy of taurine on rat liver injury, hepatic malondialdehyde, glutathione, and hydroxyproline levels together with morphologic alterations in the liver following CCl(4) administration were investigated. The rats were divided into three groups. Taurine-treated animals received 15 ml/kg/day of a 5% taurine solution by a gastric tube for 5 days before administering CCl(4) (2 ml/kg, intraperitoneally, in a single dose). CCl(4)-treated rats received the same amount of saline solution. Control animals received no treatment. The increase of hepatic malondialdehyde formation in the CCl(4)-treated group was partially prevented by taurine pretreatment, but taurine had no significant effect on the glutathione and hydroxyproline content in the CCl(4)-treated rats. Taurine pretreatment induced a marked beneficial effect regarding the prevention of hepatocellular necrosis and atrophy as demonstrated morphologically. In conclusion, these results suggest that taurine pretreatment might not significantly change the biochemical parameters, but prevents the morphologic damage caused by CCl(4) in the early stages.

Immunohistochemical localization of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF-R) in normal and diseased newborn lung tissues.

The distribution of EGF receptors (EGF-R) was examined in normal, hyaline membrane diseased and pneumonic newborn lung tissues by immunohistochemical methods under the light microscope. The PAP technique with polyclonal antibodies was performed to demonstrate the EGF receptor localisation in these tissues. Strong EGF-R reactivity was observed on bronchiolar epithelium and type I and type II alveolar cells in normal newborn lung tissues; whereas, poor reactivity was observed in alveolar macrophages. On the other hand, strong immunoreactivity was detected in type I alveolar cells and alveolar macrophages in hyaline membrane disease, but no reactivity was present in type II alveolar cells. The strongest immunoreactivity was observed in alveolar macrophages of newborn pneumonic lung tissues. In conclusion, the most meaningful form of reactivity was observed in normal newborn lung tissues of airway track and respiration area. This result is related with the maturation of the lungs after birth.