Non-Status Epilepticus female rats show seizure-like behaviors in the chronic phase of Pilocarpine experimental model / Ratas sem Status Epilepticus apresentam comportamento do tipo crise epiléptica na fase crônica do modelo experimental da Pilocarpina

Abstract Only few studies have focus on animals that received Pilocarpine (Pilo) and did not develop behavioral status epilepticus (SE) and, whether they may become epileptic in the model's chronic phase. Previews works observed mossy fiber sprouting in the hippocampus of Non-SE (NSE) rats, while others observed spontaneous and recurrent seizures (SRS) 6 - 8 months after animals received Pilo. It is known that neuronal excitability is influenced by female hormones, as well as, the occurrence of SE in castrated and non-castrated female rats. However, it is not known whether females that received Pilo and did not show SE, may have SRS. The aim of this work was to investigate whether castrated and non-castrated female rats that did not show behavioral SE after Pilo, will develop SRS in the following one-year. For that, animals received 360 mg/kg of Pilo and were video monitored for 12 months. SE females from castrated and non-castrated groups became epileptic since the first month after drug injection. Epileptic behaviors were identified watching video monitoring recordings in the fast speed. Castrated and Non-castrated NSE animals showed behaviors resembling seizures described by Racine Scale stages 1 - 3. Motor alterations showed by NSE groups could be observed only when recordings were analyzed in slow speed. In addition, behavioral manifestations as, rhythmic head movements, sudden head movements, whole body movements and immobility were also observed in both, SE and NSE groups. We concluded that NSE female rats may have become epileptic. Adding to it, slow speed analysis of motor alterations was essential for the observation of NSE findings, which suggests that possibly many motor alterations have been underestimated in epilepsy experimental research.

Resumo Poucos são os estudos com foco em animais que receberam Pilocarpina (Pilo) e não desenvolveram status epilepticus (SE) comportamental e, se os mesmos se tornarão epilépticos na fase crônica do modelo. Autores observaram o brotamento das fibras musgosas no hipocampo de ratos Não-SE (NSE), enquanto outros observaram crises espontâneas e recorrentes (CER) 6 - 8 meses após receberam a droga. A excitabilidade neuronal é influenciada pelos hormônios femininos e, da mesma forma, a ocorrência de SE em ratas castradas e não-castradas. Entretanto, não é sabido se as fêmeas que não apresentam SE terão CER. O objetivo deste trabalho foi investigar se fêmeas castradas e não castradas que não tiveram SE comportamental após a injeção de Pilo desenvolverão CER dentro de um ano. Para isto, os animais receberam 360 mg/kg de Pilo e foram videomonitorados por 12 meses. As fêmeas SE castradas e não-castradas se tornaram epilépticas desde o primeiro mês pós Pilo. O comportamento epiléptico foi identificado assistindo as gravações na velocidade rápida. As fêmeas NSE castradas e não-castradas apresentaram comportamentos similares aos estágios 1 - 3 da Escala de Racine. As alterações motoras nestes grupos (NSE) foram observadas apenas quando as videomonitoração foi analisada na velocidade lenta. Além destas, manifestações comportamentais como movimentos rítmicos da cabeça, movimentos súbitos da cabeça, movimentos de todo o corpo e imobilidade também foram observadas em ambos grupos, SE e NSE. Concluímos que as fêmeas NE podem ter se tornado epilépticas. Adicionado a isto, a análise das alterações motoras na velocidade lenta foi essencial para a observação dos achados das fêmeas NSE, o que sugere que possivelmente muitas alterações motoras têm sido subestimados na pesquisa em epilepsia experimental.

Non-Status Epilepticus female rats show seizure-like behaviors in the chronic phase of Pilocarpine experimental model / Ratas sem Status Epilepticus apresentam comportamento do tipo crise epiléptica na fase crônica do modelo experimental da Pilocarpina

Only few studies have focus on animals that received Pilocarpine (Pilo) and did not develop behavioral status epilepticus (SE) and, whether they may become epileptic in the model's chronic phase. Previews works observed mossy fiber sprouting in the hippocampus of Non-SE (NSE) rats, while others observed spontaneous and recurrent seizures (SRS) 6 - 8 months after animals received Pilo. It is known that neuronal excitability is influenced by female hormones, as well as, the occurrence of SE in castrated and non-castrated female rats. However, it is not known whether females that received Pilo and did not show SE, may have SRS. The aim of this work was to investigate whether castrated and non-castrated female rats that did not show behavioral SE after Pilo, will develop SRS in the following one-year. For that, animals received 360 mg/kg of Pilo and were video monitored for 12 months. SE females from castrated and non-castrated groups became epileptic since the first month after drug injection. Epileptic behaviors were identified watching video monitoring recordings in the fast speed. Castrated and Non castrated NSE animals showed behaviors resembling seizures described by Racine Scale stages 1 - 3. Motor alterations showed by NSE groups could be observed only when recordings were analyzed in slow speed. In addition, behavioral manifestations as, rhythmic head movements, sudden head movements, whole body movements and immobility were also observed in both, SE and NSE groups. We concluded that NSE female rats may have become epileptic. Adding to it, slow speed analysis of motor alterations was essential for the observation of NSE findings, which suggests that possibly many motor alterations have been underestimated in epilepsy experimental research.

Poucos são os estudos com foco em animais que receberam Pilocarpina (Pilo) e não desenvolveram status epilepticus (SE) comportamental e, se os mesmos se tornarão epilépticos na fase crônica do modelo. Autores observaram o brotamento das fibras musgosas no hipocampo de ratos Não-SE (NSE), enquanto outros observaram crises espontâneas e recorrentes (CER) 6 - 8 meses após receberam a droga. A excitabilidade neuronal é influenciada pelos hormônios femininos e, da mesma forma, a ocorrência de SE em ratas castradas e não-castradas. Entretanto, não é sabido se as fêmeas que não apresentam SE terão CER. O objetivo deste trabalho foi investigar se fêmeas castradas e não castradas que não tiveram SE comportamental após a injeção de Pilo desenvolverão CER dentro de um ano. Para isto, os animais receberam 360 mg/kg de Pilo e foram videomonitorados por 12 meses. As fêmeas SE castradas e não-castradas se tornaram epilépticas desde o primeiro mês pós Pilo. O comportamento epiléptico foi identificado assistindo as gravações na velocidade rápida. As fêmeas NSE castradas e não-castradas apresentaram comportamentos similares aos estágios 1 - 3 da Escala de Racine. As alterações motoras nestes grupos (NSE) foram observadas apenas quando as videomonitoração foi analisada na velocidade lenta. Além destas, manifestações comportamentais como movimentos rítmicos da cabeça, movimentos súbitos da cabeça, movimentos de todo o corpo e imobilidade também foram observadas em ambos grupos, SE e NSE. Concluímos que as fêmeas NE podem ter se tornado epilépticas. Adicionado a isto, a análise das alterações motoras na velocidade lenta foi essencial para a observação dos achados das fêmeas NSE, o que sugere que possivelmente muitas alterações motoras têm sido subestimados na pesquisa em epilepsia experimental.

Non-Status Epilepticus female rats show seizure-like behaviors in the chronic phase of Pilocarpine experimental model

Abstract Only few studies have focus on animals that received Pilocarpine (Pilo) and did not develop behavioral status epilepticus (SE) and, whether they may become epileptic in the models chronic phase. Previews works observed mossy fiber sprouting in the hippocampus of Non-SE (NSE) rats, while others observed spontaneous and recurrent seizures (SRS) 6 - 8 months after animals received Pilo. It is known that neuronal excitability is influenced by female hormones, as well as, the occurrence of SE in castrated and non-castrated female rats. However, it is not known whether females that received Pilo and did not show SE, may have SRS. The aim of this work was to investigate whether castrated and non-castrated female rats that did not show behavioral SE after Pilo, will develop SRS in the following one-year. For that, animals received 360 mg/kg of Pilo and were video monitored for 12 months. SE females from castrated and non-castrated groups became epileptic since the first month after drug injection. Epileptic behaviors were identified watching video monitoring recordings in the fast speed. Castrated and Non-castrated NSE animals showed behaviors resembling seizures described by Racine Scale stages 1 - 3. Motor alterations showed by NSE groups could be observed only when recordings were analyzed in slow speed. In addition, behavioral manifestations as, rhythmic head movements, sudden head movements, whole body movements and immobility were also observed in both, SE and NSE groups. We concluded that NSE female rats may have become epileptic. Adding to it, slow speed analysis of motor alterations was essential for the observation of NSE findings, which suggests that possibly many motor alterations have been underestimated in epilepsy experimental research.

Resumo Poucos são os estudos com foco em animais que receberam Pilocarpina (Pilo) e não desenvolveram status epilepticus (SE) comportamental e, se os mesmos se tornarão epilépticos na fase crônica do modelo. Autores observaram o brotamento das fibras musgosas no hipocampo de ratos Não-SE (NSE), enquanto outros observaram crises espontâneas e recorrentes (CER) 6 - 8 meses após receberam a droga. A excitabilidade neuronal é influenciada pelos hormônios femininos e, da mesma forma, a ocorrência de SE em ratas castradas e não-castradas. Entretanto, não é sabido se as fêmeas que não apresentam SE terão CER. O objetivo deste trabalho foi investigar se fêmeas castradas e não castradas que não tiveram SE comportamental após a injeção de Pilo desenvolverão CER dentro de um ano. Para isto, os animais receberam 360 mg/kg de Pilo e foram videomonitorados por 12 meses. As fêmeas SE castradas e não-castradas se tornaram epilépticas desde o primeiro mês pós Pilo. O comportamento epiléptico foi identificado assistindo as gravações na velocidade rápida. As fêmeas NSE castradas e não-castradas apresentaram comportamentos similares aos estágios 1 - 3 da Escala de Racine. As alterações motoras nestes grupos (NSE) foram observadas apenas quando as videomonitoração foi analisada na velocidade lenta. Além destas, manifestações comportamentais como movimentos rítmicos da cabeça, movimentos súbitos da cabeça, movimentos de todo o corpo e imobilidade também foram observadas em ambos grupos, SE e NSE. Concluímos que as fêmeas NE podem ter se tornado epilépticas. Adicionado a isto, a análise das alterações motoras na velocidade lenta foi essencial para a observação dos achados das fêmeas NSE, o que sugere que possivelmente muitas alterações motoras têm sido subestimados na pesquisa em epilepsia experimental.

Long-term lung inflammation is reduced by estradiol treatment in brain dead female rats

OBJECTIVES: Lung transplantation is limited by the systemic repercussions of brain death (BD). Studies have shown the potential protective role of 17β-estradiol on the lungs. Here, we aimed to investigate the effect of estradiol on the long-lasting lung inflammatory state to understand a possible therapeutic application in lung donors with BD. METHODS: Female Wistar rats were separated into 3 groups: BD, subjected to brain death (6h); E2-T0, treated with 17β-estradiol (50 μg/mL, 2 mL/h) immediately after brain death; and E2-T3, treated with 17β-estradiol (50 μg/ml, 2 ml/h) after 3h of BD. Complement system activity and macrophage presence were analyzed. TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-10, and IL-6 gene expression (RT-PCR) and levels in 24h lung culture medium were quantified. Finally, analysis of caspase-3 gene and protein expression in the lung was performed. RESULTS: Estradiol reduced complement C3 protein and gene expression. The presence of lung macrophages was not modified by estradiol, but the release of inflammatory mediators was reduced and TNF-α and IL-1β gene expression were reduced in the E2-T3 group. In addition, caspase-3 protein expression was reduced by estradiol in the same group. CONCLUSIONS: Brain death-induced lung inflammation in females is modulated by estradiol treatment. Study data suggest that estradiol can control the inflammatory response by modulating the release of mediators after brain death in the long term. These results strengthen the idea of estradiol as a therapy for donor lungs and improving transplant outcomes.

SHELL Part of Nucleus Accumbens and Its Laterality Has Important Role in Response to Chronic Stress in Female Rats

Abstract The nucleus accumbens shell (NAcSh) plays a role in appetitive and negative motivation with sex differences in responses. NAcSh and its laterality in metabolic and hormonal responses to chronic stress in female rats is evaluated via transient inactivation of this nucleus during stress induction. Animals in the stress groups received consecutive stress for four days and transient inactivation of NAcSh was performed by administrating lidocaine (0.2%) unilaterally or bilaterally in the nucleus for five minutes before electric foot shock induction. After stress termination, food and water intake, latency to eat, plasma glucose, corticosterone, estradiol and progesterone were measured in all groups. Results showed that stress increased food intake and blood glucose level, but there were no change in the latency to eat and the amount of water intake. The right side, the left side, and both sides of NAcSh may be dominant in latency to eat, food intake, and both water intake and plasma glucose level, respectively. Although chronic stress included no changes for corticosterone and progesterone, it increased estradiol level in plasma. Also, bilateral and right sides of NAcSh may have modulatory effects on stress in corticosterone and progesterone, respectively, without affecting estradiol. It can be concluded that the NAc shell plays a pivotal role in metabolic and hormonal responses to chronic stress in a laterality manner in female rats.

Effects of repeated immobilization stress on hypothalamic-pituitary- ovarian axis in female rats / 中国应用生理学杂志

To explore the effects of repeated immobilization stress on hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis in female rats. Methods: Forty female SD rats were randomly divided into two groups: control group (n=20) and experimental group (n=20). One group was fed normally, the other group was subjected to incremental load restraint stress. Brake stress once a day in the retainer (starting at 9: 00 a.m.), braking for 2 hours on the first day, increasing load by 0.5 hours a day for two weeks. Body weight, estrous cycle, sex hormone, organ coefficient, pathology and expression of related genes were detected to explore the harm of hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis. Repeated immobilization stress caused weight loss, prolonged estrous cycle, and changed the organ coefficient and morphology of ovaries and uterus. QPCR technique was used to detect the related genes. It was found that the expressions of gonadotropin releasing hormone, pituitary gonadotropin releasing hormone receptor, follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone mRNA were decreased significantly, while the expressions of ovarian follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone receptor mRNA were increased significantly. The expression of estrogen receptor mRNA in ovary and uterus was decreased significantly. Repeated immobilization stress may disrupt the estrous cycle by interfering with the endocrine regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, thus damaging the gonadal and reproductive endocrine function of female animals.

The protective influence of vitamin c against different skeletal malformations in prenatal embryos and postnatal newborns of female rats treated with indomethacin during pregnancy / 国际药学研究杂志

This study was carried out in the animal house laboratories of the Department of biology in the Faculty of Education for Girls/University of Kufa from 1/6/2018 until 1/8/2018, for the purpose of demonstrating the possible preventive effects of vitamin C against skeletal malformations in embryos in pregnancy for 20 days (prenatal) and postnatal newborns respectively for pregnant female rats that treated with indomethacin with a concentration of 8.40 mg/kg. In the current study, 40 female rats (aged 12 weeks) with a mean weight of (135.5 g) were employed and 40 fertile males with age (12 weeks). The females were placed with males for matting, and after obtaining the required number of pregnant female rats, which were divided into (4) main groups, each group contained 10 pregnant female rats. The first group was treated with normal saline that was represented the control group, while the second group was administrated indomethacin drug with a concentration of 8.40 mg/kg only, whereas the third group was subjected to vitamin C with concentration of 85 mg/kg only, and the fourth group was submitted to vitamin C with concentration of 85 mg/kg + indomethacin drug with a concentration of 8.40 mg/kg. Moreover, all the females in the four groups were orally administrated with a special administration tube(gavage) from the first day of pregnancy until delivery and by a dose every day, (5) female rats were explained during pregnancy for 20 days(prenatal), while the remaining (5) female rats were left in each major group to postpartum, the weights of prenatal fetuses and neonatal were measured, as well as skeletal structures(bone skeletons) of prenatal fetuses and postnatal were cleared for studying the structural skeletal changes and abnormalities. The results of this study showed that there was a significant decrease (P 0.05) between these two groups. Also, the findings of present study pointed to a significant decrease (p 0.05)were revealed when the groups that treated with vitamin C with a concentration of 85 mg/kg and the groups of vitamin C with a concentration of 85 mg/kg + indomethacin drug with a concentration of 8.40 mg/kg were compared with each other. Furthermore, the data did not show any skeletal malformations of the fetuses during pregnancy for (20) days (prenatal)and postpartum births in the control groups and groups that orally given vitamin C with a concentration of 85 mg/kg, as well as the groups of vitamin C with a concentration of 85 mg/kg + indomethacin drug with a concentration of 8.40 mg/kg respectively in comparison to the other experimental groups submitted to indomethacin drug with a concentration of 8.40.1 mg/kg which showed various skeletal abnormalities were observed in the fetuses during pregnancy for (20) days (prenatal)and postpartum births in these groups when compared with the control groups and the other study groups.

Effect of Tripterygium Glycosides Tablets on reproductive toxicity in female rats with Ⅱ type collagen induced arthritis / 中国中药杂志

The aim of this paper was to observe the toxic effect of Tripterygium Glycosides Tablets( TG) on the reproductive system of Ⅱ type collagen induced arthritis( CIA) male rats,and to explore the toxic mechanism preliminarily. Fifty SD rats were randomly divided into normal control group( Con),model group( CIA),Tripterygium Glycosides Tablets clinical equivalent dose groups of 1,2,4 times( 9,18,36 mg·kg-1),10 rats in each group,and were given by gavage once a day for 42 days after the first immunization.The organ indexes of uterine and ovarian were calculated on days 21 and 42. Histopathological and morphological changes of uterine and ovarian were observed under optical microscope. The concentration of estradiol( E2),follicle-stimulating hormone( FSH),luteinizing hormone( LH),17α-hydroxylase( CYP17 A1) and cytochrome P450 19 A1( CYP19 A1) in serum were detected by ELISA. Immunohistochemistry was used to observe the expression of Bax and Bcl-2 related proteins in the apoptosis pathway of uterus and ovary. The results showed that compared with the Con group,CIA group could reduce the number of uterine glands( P<0.05),but no significant changes were observed in other groups. Compared with the CIA group,there were no significant changes in the coefficients of uterus and ovary in the Tripterygium Glycosides Tablets groups. The number of uterine glands,total follicles in the ovary,mature follicles and corpus luteum,the distribution of blood vessels and mitochondria had a certain inhibitory trend,and also slightly increased the number of atresia follicles,but the histopathological quantitative indicators were not statistically different. Except that 2 times clinical dose of Tripterygium Glycosides Tablets could significantly reduce the content of CYP19 A1( P<0. 05) after 42 d administration,there were no significant changes in serum estrogen E2,FSH,LH and estrogen synthesis key enzymes CYP17 A1 in each administration group. Medium and high doses of Tripterygium Glycosides Tablets could increase the expression of apoptotic protein Bax in uterine and ovarian tissues( P<0. 05,P<0. 01),and all the administration groups could inhibit the expression of apoptotic inhibiting protein Bcl-2( P <0. 05,P<0. 01,P<0.001),42 d was more obvious than 21 d. In conclusion,4 times and less than 4 times Tripterygium Glycosides Tablets did not cause obvious toxicity and histopathological changes in the reproductive organs of CIA rats,but it could reduce the level of serum estrogen synthesis key enzyme CYP19 A1 and affect the content of apoptosis-related proteins Bax and Bcl-2 in uterus and ovary tissues. The relevant mechanism needs further study.

Effect of a gel containing pilocarpine on vaginal atrophy in castrated rats

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of Carbopol gel formulations containing pilocarpine on the morphology and morphometry of the vaginal epithelium of castrated rats. METHODS: Thirty-one female Wistar-Hannover rats were randomly divided into four groups: the control Groups I (n=7, rats in persistent estrus; positive controls) and II (n=7, castrated rats, negative controls) and the experimental Groups, III (n=8) and IV (n=9). Persistent estrus (Group I) was achieved with a subcutaneous injection of testosterone propionate on the second postnatal day. At 90 days postnatal, rats in Groups II, III and IV were castrated and treated vaginally for 14 days with Carbopol gel (vehicle alone) or Carbopol gel containing 5% and 15% pilocarpine, respectively. Next, all of the animals were euthanized and their vaginas were removed for histological evaluation. A non-parametric test with a weighted linear regression model was used for data analysis (p<0.05). RESULTS: The morphological evaluation showed maturation of the vaginal epithelium with keratinization in Group I, whereas signs of vaginal atrophy were present in the rats of the other groups. Morphometric examinations showed mean thickness values of the vaginal epithelium of 195.10±12.23 μm, 30.90±1.14 μm, 28.16±2.98 μm and 29.84±2.30 μm in Groups I, II, III and IV, respectively, with statistically significant differences between Group I and the other three groups (p<0.0001) and no differences between Groups II, III and IV (p=0.0809). CONCLUSION: Topical gel formulations containing pilocarpine had no effect on atrophy of the vaginal epithelium in the castrated female rats.

Effects of different lighting on reproductive system in depressive female rats / 中国病理生理杂志

AIM:To investigate the effects of different lighting on the reproductive system in depressive female rats.METHODS:Healthy adult female rats were randomly chosen as control group , and the depressive adult female rats in SPF grade were randomly divided into 5 groups (7 rats each):depressive model group, sulfur lamp group, heat radia-tion lamp group , fluorescent lamp group and LED lamp group .After 45 d of continuous illumination , the estrous cycle was observed by the vaginal exfoliated cells , and the organ indexes of ovary and uterus were calculated .The concentrations of estiadrol (E2), prolactin (PRL), progesterone (PROG) and testosterone (T) in the serum were detected by ELISA, and the histopathological lesion of ovary was observed under microscope with HE staining .RESULTS:The estrous cycle exhib-ited serious disorder , the ovaries exhibited serious congestion , and the organ indexes of ovary and uterus and the concentra-tions of E2 , PRL, PROG and T decreased significantly in the rats in depressive model group compared with control group (P<0.05).The estrous cycle and histopathological damage of ovary were obviously improved , and the concentrations of E2 , PRL, PROG and T were significantly increased after the sulfur lamp lighting in the depressive female rats compared with depressive model group .No obvious change and improvement of the reproductive functions in the heat radiation lamp group, fluorescent lamp group and LED lamp group was observed .CONCLUSION:The reproductive functions of depres-sive female rats are improved by sulfur lamp lighting .

Effect of Isolation Stress on Glucose/Lipid Metabolism in Spontaneously Diabetic Torii (SDT) Fatty Rats.

Aim: The Spontaneously Diabetic Torii (SDT) fatty rat is a novel obese type 2 diabetic model, showing hyperphagia, obesity, and diabetes mellitus from a young age. In this study, we investigated the effects of isolation stress on pathophysiology in SDT fatty rats. Methods: SDT fatty rats (4 weeks old) were housed 3 per cage for 2 weeks and separated as males or females so as each gender will be placed in a separate cage to avoid mating. After acclimatization in 6 weeks of age, the rats were exposed to isolation stress (IS) (one rat per cage, using 5 animals in each sex). In the control group, each sex of experimental rats were housed separately continuously 3 per cage (using 6 animals in each sex). Food intake, body weights, and blood chemical parameters, such as glucose, insulin, triglyceride and total cholesterol levels, of the rats from 6 to 15 weeks of age were measured at every 3 weeks. Satellite groups were prepared for pathological analyses. Necropsy of satellite group was performed at 12 weeks of age, and the pathological analyses, such as adrenal, thymus and spleen, were performed. Results: The blood glucose level in IS group in female SDT fatty rats was significantly increased at 12 weeks of age as compared with that in control group. Female SDT fatty rats showed accelerated diabetic progression, but the male rats did show the effects of IS on the glucose/lipid metabolism. In male SDT fatty rats, an increase of adrenal weight and a decrease of thymus weight were observed in IS group and the female rats in IS group showed a tendency of an increase of adrenal weight and a decrease of thymus weight. In histopathological analyses, adrenal hypertrophy and thymus atrophy were observed in IS group in both male and female rats. Conclusion: Isolation stress affected the progression of diabetes in female SDT fatty rats. Housing conditions is a factor to care for in evaluation of pathophysiology in diabetic models.

Effects of coal-burning type of fluorosis on hypothalamic-pituitary-ovary axis function in female rats / 中华地方病学杂志

Objective To observe the influence of coal-burning type of fluorosis on hypothalamic-pituitaryovary axis function and to explore possible mechanism in female rats.Methods Sixty SD rats were divided into two groups according to body weight with the method of random number table:control group and fluorosis group,30 rats in each group.Fluorosis group was feed with corn powder baked by high fluorine coal from Zhijin area.Changes of female rats' teeth during fluorine exposure were observed.After feeding for 180 days,24 h urine was collected in estrus and fluorine level was tested using fluoride ion-selective electrode; rats were executed and bone fluorine level was tested with high-temperature ashing-fluorine ion-selective electrode.Femoral artery blood was collected and serum was separated to test the contents of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH),luteinizing hormone (LH),testosterone (T),estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P) with electrochemiluminescence radioimmunoassay and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH),inhibin (INH) with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA),respectively.Organs,including hypothalamus,pituitary gland and ovary were weighted,and organ coefficients were calculated.Pathological morphology of hypothalamus,pituitary gland and ovary was observed after staining and ultrastructure of ovary was examined by electron microscopy.Results Coal-burning induced fluorine poisoning rat model was established successfully.There were no significant differences statistically in organ coefficients between fluorosis groups (0.032 ± 0.004,0.014 ± 0.008,0.037 ± 0.009) and controls (0.035 ± 0.005,0.012 ± 0.006,0.035 ± 0.004,t =0.46,0.87,0.64,all P ＞ 0.05).Rats serum GnRH,FSH,LH and T levels [(21.654 ± 4.765),(29.580 ± 5.221),(53.988 ± 6.506),(23.962 ± 2.255)μg/L] of fluorosis groups were all higher than those of controls [(10.384 ±2.250),(19.217 ± 4.743),(30.314 ± 4.443),(7.883 ± 1.973)μg/L,t =6.762,4.646,9.503,16.971,all P ＜ 0.05].But the level of P,INH [(12.635 ± 3.841),(18.926 ± 3.465)μg/L] were all lower than those of controls [(21.045 ±4.768),(48.076 ± 3.525)μg/L,t =4.344,18.649,all P ＜ 0.05].Serum E2 levels of control group and fluorosis group were (35.375 ± 10.662) and (27.500 ± 12.783)μg/L,respectively.The difference between groups was not statistically significant (t =1.821,P ＞ 0.05).No pathological changes were observed in the two groups of female hypothalamus,pituitary tissue by light microscopy and electron microscopy.Under light microscope,in the control group of normal ovarian tissue,more corpus luteum and different developmental stages of follicles were seen,granulosa cells were neatly arranged in a monolayer or multilayer.In fluorosis group,severe edema of ovarian interstitial cells and follicle degeneration increased.Cell structure and cell contours were blurred and unclear with occasional mature follicles.Under transmission electron microscope,in control group,normal ovarian granulosa cell ultrastructure was observed,nuclei were round,nuclear chromatin was uniform distributed,cytoplasm was rich in mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum,and normal morphology.In fluorosis group,granulosa cells and interstitial cells showed apoptotic characters,such as nucleoli disappearing,mitochondrial swelling and chromatin aggregating at the nuclear membrane.Conclusions Fluorosis can induce ovarian tissue apoptosis,severely damage the micro environment.Reduction of P and INH affects ovarian,maturation and ovulation and leads to secretion of GnRH,FSH and LH.Fluorosis caused by coal-burning may induce the injury of ovary and cause abnormal secretion of hypothalamic-pituitary-ovary axis.Fluorosis has affected parts of female axis which may not be in the hypothalamus,pituitary,but causes ovarian tissue damage.

Behavioral effects of endogenous or exogenous estradiol and progesterone on cocaine sensitization in female rats

Cocaine sensitization is a marker for some facets of addiction, is greater in female rats, and may be influenced by their sex hormones. We compared the modulatory effects of endogenous or exogenous estradiol and progesterone on cocaine-induced behavioral sensitization in 106 female rats. Ovariectomized female rats received progesterone (0.5 mg/mL), estradiol (0.05 mg/mL), progesterone plus estradiol, or the oil vehicle. Sham-operated control females received oil. Control and acute subgroups received injections of saline, while the repeated group received cocaine (15 mg/kg, ip) for 8 days. After 10 days, the acute and repeated groups received a challenge dose of cocaine, after which locomotion and stereotypy were monitored. The estrous cycle phase was evaluated and blood was collected to verify hormone levels. Repeated cocaine treatment induced overall behavioral sensitization in female rats, with increased locomotion and stereotypies. In detailed analysis, ovariectomized rats showed no locomotor sensitization; however, the sensitization of stereotypies was maintained. Only females with endogenous estradiol and progesterone demonstrated increased locomotor activity after cocaine challenge. Estradiol replacement enhanced stereotyped behaviors after repeated cocaine administration. Cocaine sensitization of stereotyped behaviors in female rats was reduced after progesterone replacement, either alone or concomitant with estradiol. The behavioral responses (locomotion and stereotypy) to cocaine were affected differently, depending on whether the female hormones were of an endogenous or exogenous origin. Therefore, hormonal cycling appears to be an important factor in the sensitization of females. Although estradiol increases the risk of cocaine sensitization, progesterone warrants further study as a pharmacological treatment in the prevention of psychostimulant abuse.

A Study of Serum Levels of Select Heavy Metals and Histology of Brain, Lung, Heart and Ileum of Rats Chronically Exposed to Kerosene.

In rural Africa, a number of alternative treatment options are explored because of poverty and unawareness. Kerosene is one such agent used for the treatment of a myriad of diseases. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of trace amounts of kerosene on lung, heart, brain and intestine in rats. Eighteen rats were used consisting of 6 rats per group. The first and second groups were administered kerosene (0.4 ml of kerosene/kg body weight) through oral and dermal route respectively. Six other rats served as the control. Results showed significant damage to all the tissues examined; with pathologic presentation comprising of pulmonary congestion, severely stunted villi, congestion of coronary vessels, and diffuse spongiosis of the cerebral cortex in kerosene administered group while control group featured no visible lesion. Although As, Al and Cd were not significantly different in kerosene exposed groups compared with control, Si was significantly lower (oral), and significantly increased (dermal) (p<0.05) compared with control. Results of this study suggest that exposure to even small quantities of kerosene may damage a variety of organs/tissues in the body and its exposure to human subjects for whatever reason should be discouraged.

Avaliação da sensibilidade insulínica, transdução do sinal insulínico e da densidade mineral óssea em ratas tratadas com fluoreto de sódio / Evaluation of insulin sensitivity, insulin signal transduction and bone mineral density in rats treated with sodium fluoride

Define-se a osteoporose como uma doença sistêmica, caracterizada pela degradação microarquitetônica do osso e diminuição da massa óssea, que promove aumento da fragilidade óssea com risco de fratura. Vários estudos investigaram a utilização de fluoreto de sódio (NaF) para o tratamento contra a osteoporose. O flúor, quando ingerido, pode acumular-se em tecidos calcificados, como dentes e ossos, podendo alterar a qualidade destes tecidos. Além de influenciar o metabolismo ósseo, o flúor também pode alterar a homeostase glicídica. Estudos em ratos demonstraram que o tratamento crônico com NaF (20 mg/L) na água de beber promoveu a diminuição do sinal insulínico e resistência à insulina. Pesquisas apontam o desenvolvimento de um novo eixo endócrino envolvendo os ossos e o metabolismo da glicose e, isto, abre uma perspectiva de opções terapêuticas para o tratamento de várias patologias. Portanto o objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar o efeito da ingestão hídrica com fluoreto de sódio na dose de 50 mg/L em ratas ovariectomizadas em: 1) grau de fosforilação em tirosina do substrato do receptor de insulina (pp185 - IRS-1/IRS-2) em tecido adiposo branco (TAB); 2) concentrações plasmáticas de glicose, insulina, colesteróis, triacilglicerol, TNF-α, IL-6, cálcio, osteocalcina e flúor; 3) densidade óssea e propriedades biomecânicas (rigidez, força máxima e tenacidade) em tíbias; 4) análise histomorfométrica. Quarenta e duas ratas Wistar (dois meses de idade) ovariectomizadas foram distribuídas aleatoriamente em dois grupos: 1) grupo controle (OVX-C), o qual foi submetido ao tratamento sem NaF, mas com uma solução de NaCl (9,54 mg/kg p.c.) que contém a mesma quantidade de sódio em relação à do grupo NaF; 2) grupo NaF (OVX-F) que foi submetido ao tratamento com NaF (50 mg/L) administrado na água de beber durante 42 dias. Após esse período foram determinados: 1) o grau de fosforilação em tirosina da pp185 em TAB; 2) as concentrações plasmáticas de glicose, insulina, osteocalcina...

Osteoporosis is defined as a systemic disease characterized by bone degradation microarchitectonic and decreased bone mass, which promotes increased bone fragility and eventual fracture risk. Several studies have investigated the use of sodium fluoride (NaF) in the treatment for osteoporosis. Fluoride when ingested can accumulate in calcified tissues such as teeth and bones and may alter the quality of these tissues. Besides influencing bone metabolism, fluoride can also alter glucose homeostasis. Studies in rats have shown that chronic treatment with NaF (20 mg/L) in the drinking water has promoted the reduction in insulin signaling, and insulin resistance. Researches indicate the developing of a new endocrine axis involving the bones and glucose metabolism, and this opens a perspective of therapeutic options for the treatment of several pathologies. Therefore the aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of water intake with sodium fluoride at a dose of 50 mg/L in ovariectomized rats: 1) tyrosine phosphorylation status of insulin receptor substrate (pp185 - IRS-1 / IRS- 2) in white adipose tissue (WAT); 2) plasma glucose, insulin, cholesterols, triglyceride, TNF-α, IL-6, calcium, fluoride and osteocalcin; 3) bone density and biomechanical properties (stiffness, maximum force and toughness) in the tibia; 4) tibia histomorphometric analysis. Fourty-two female Wistar rats (two months old) were ovariectomized and randomly distributed into two groups: 1) control (OVX-C), which was subjected to the treatment without NaF group but with a solution of NaCl (9.54 mg/kg bw) containing the same amount of sodium in relation to the NaF group; 2) NaF group (OVX-F) which was subjected to treatment with NaF (50 mg/L) administered in drinking water for 42 days. After this period, the following evaluations were carried out: 1) tyrosine phosphorylation status of pp185 in TAB; 2) plasma concentrations of glucose, insulin, osteocalcin, cholesterol, triglyceride, TNF-α, IL-6...

Avaliação da sensibilidade insulínica, transdução do sinal insulínico e da densidade mineral óssea em ratas tratadas com fluoreto de sódio / Evaluation of insulin sensitivity, insulin signal transduction and bone mineral density in rats treated with sodium fluoride

Define-se a osteoporose como uma doença sistêmica, caracterizada pela degradação microarquitetônica do osso e diminuição da massa óssea, que promove aumento da fragilidade óssea com risco de fratura. Vários estudos investigaram a utilização de fluoreto de sódio (NaF) para o tratamento contra a osteoporose. O flúor, quando ingerido, pode acumular-se em tecidos calcificados, como dentes e ossos, podendo alterar a qualidade destes tecidos. Além de influenciar o metabolismo ósseo, o flúor também pode alterar a homeostase glicídica. Estudos em ratos demonstraram que o tratamento crônico com NaF (20 mg/L) na água de beber promoveu a diminuição do sinal insulínico e resistência à insulina. Pesquisas apontam o desenvolvimento de um novo eixo endócrino envolvendo os ossos e o metabolismo da glicose e, isto, abre uma perspectiva de opções terapêuticas para o tratamento de várias patologias. Portanto o objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar o efeito da ingestão hídrica com fluoreto de sódio na dose de 50 mg/L em ratas ovariectomizadas em: 1) grau de fosforilação em tirosina do substrato do receptor de insulina (pp185 - IRS-1/IRS-2) em tecido adiposo branco (TAB); 2) concentrações plasmáticas de glicose, insulina, colesteróis, triacilglicerol, TNF-α, IL-6, cálcio, osteocalcina e flúor; 3) densidade óssea e propriedades biomecânicas (rigidez, força máxima e tenacidade) em tíbias; 4) análise histomorfométrica. Quarenta e duas ratas Wistar (dois meses de idade) ovariectomizadas foram distribuídas aleatoriamente em dois grupos: 1) grupo controle (OVX-C), o qual foi submetido ao tratamento sem NaF, mas com uma solução de NaCl (9,54 mg/kg p.c.) que contém a mesma quantidade de sódio em relação à do grupo NaF; 2) grupo NaF (OVX-F) que foi submetido ao tratamento com NaF (50 mg/L) administrado na água de beber durante 42 dias. Após esse período foram determinados: 1) o grau de fosforilação em tirosina da pp185 em TAB; 2) as concentrações plasmáticas de glicose, insulina, osteocalcina...

Osteoporosis is defined as a systemic disease characterized by bone degradation microarchitectonic and decreased bone mass, which promotes increased bone fragility and eventual fracture risk. Several studies have investigated the use of sodium fluoride (NaF) in the treatment for osteoporosis. Fluoride when ingested can accumulate in calcified tissues such as teeth and bones and may alter the quality of these tissues. Besides influencing bone metabolism, fluoride can also alter glucose homeostasis. Studies in rats have shown that chronic treatment with NaF (20 mg/L) in the drinking water has promoted the reduction in insulin signaling, and insulin resistance. Researches indicate the developing of a new endocrine axis involving the bones and glucose metabolism, and this opens a perspective of therapeutic options for the treatment of several pathologies. Therefore the aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of water intake with sodium fluoride at a dose of 50 mg/L in ovariectomized rats: 1) tyrosine phosphorylation status of insulin receptor substrate (pp185 - IRS-1 / IRS- 2) in white adipose tissue (WAT); 2) plasma glucose, insulin, cholesterols, triglyceride, TNF-α, IL-6, calcium, fluoride and osteocalcin; 3) bone density and biomechanical properties (stiffness, maximum force and toughness) in the tibia; 4) tibia histomorphometric analysis. Fourty-two female Wistar rats (two months old) were ovariectomized and randomly distributed into two groups: 1) control (OVX-C), which was subjected to the treatment without NaF group but with a solution of NaCl (9.54 mg/kg bw) containing the same amount of sodium in relation to the NaF group; 2) NaF group (OVX-F) which was subjected to treatment with NaF (50 mg/L) administered in drinking water for 42 days. After this period, the following evaluations were carried out: 1) tyrosine phosphorylation status of pp185 in TAB; 2) plasma concentrations of glucose, insulin, osteocalcin, cholesterol, triglyceride, TNF-α, IL-6...

Efeito in vitro da triiodotironina sob o potencial osteogênico reduzido de células-tronco mesenquimais do tecido adiposo de ratas ovariectomizadas e com osteoporose / In vitro effects of triiodothyronine on the reduced osteogenic potential of adipose tissue derived mesenchymal stem cells from of ovariectomized rats and with osteoporosis

OBJETIVO: Avaliar se a triiodotironina (T3) aumenta a diferenciação osteogênica das células-tronco mesenquimais do tecido adiposo (CTM-TA) de ratas adultas ovariectomizadas e com osteoporose e compará-lo ao de ratas adultas e jovens sem osteoporose. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: CTM-TA foram cultivadas em meio osteogênico e distribuídas em sete grupos: 1) CTM-TA de ratas jovens sem osteoporose; 2) CTM-TA de ratas adultas sem osteoporose; 3) CTM-TA de ratas adultas com osteoporose e 4, 5, 6 e 7) CTM-TA de ratas adultas com osteoporose tratadas com T3 (0,01 nM, 1 nM, 100 nM e 1.000 nM). AVALIARAM-SE: atividade da fosfatase alcalina, conversão do dimetiltiazol (MTT), porcentagem de nódulos de mineralização, celularidade e quantificação de transcriptos gênicos para colágeno I, osteocalcina, osteopontina e Bmp-2. RESULTADOS: Independente da dose, T3 reduziu a conversão do MTT, a atividade da fosfatase, a porcentagem de células e a expressão de colágeno I em pelo menos uma das doses e dos períodos estudados (p < 0,05). Mas o tratamento com T3 não alterou o número de nódulos de mineralização e a expressão de osteopontina e Bmp-2 em culturas de CTM-TA de ratas adultas com osteoporose (p > 0,05). CONCLUSÃO: T3 apresenta efeitos negativos sobre alguns fatores envolvidos na diferenciação osteogênica de CTM-TA, sem, no entanto, reduzir a formação de nódulos de mineralização e a expressão de proteínas ósseas.

OBJECTIVE: To examine if triiodothyronine (T3) increases osteogenic differentiation adipose tissue derived stem cells (ASCs) from ovariectomized adult rats with osteoporosis compared with young rats and adult rats without osteoporosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The ASCs were cultured in osteogenic medium and distributed into seven groups: 1) ASCs of young rats without osteoporosis; 2) ASCs of adult rats without osteoporosis; 3) ASCs of adult rats with osteoporosis and 4, 5, 6 and 7) ASCs of adult rats with osteoporosis treated with T3 (0.01 nM, 1 nM, 100 nM and 1,000 nM). We analyzed alkaline phosphatase activity, dimethylthiazol (MTT) conversion, percentage of mineralized nodules, cellularity and quantification of gene transcripts for collagen I, osteocalcin, osteopontin and Bmp-2. RESULTS: Regardless of the dose, T3 reduced the MTT conversion, alkaline phosphatase activity, percentage of cells and the expression of collagen I in at least one of the doses and periods studied (p < 0.05). But, the treatment with T3 does not modify the number of mineralized nodules and the expression of osteopontin and Bmp-2 in culture of ASCs from adult rats with osteoporosis (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: T3 has a negative effect on some factors involved in osteogenic differentiation of ASCs from adult rats with osteoporosis, without; however, reduce the formation of mineralized nodules and the expression of bone proteins.

Triiodotironina não aumenta a diferenciação osteogênica reduzida pela idade de células-tronco mesenquimais da medula óssea de ratas / Triiodothyronine does not increase osteogenic differentiation reduced by age in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells of female rats

OBJETIVO: Avaliar se a adição de T3 aumenta o potencial osteogênico das células-tronco mesenquimais da medula óssea (CTM-MO) de ratas adultas normais comparado ao de ratas jovens. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: CTM-MO foram cultivadas em meio osteogênico e separadas em seis grupos: 1) CTM-MO de ratas jovens; 2) CTM-MO de ratas adultas; 3, 4, 5 e 6) CTM-MO de ratas adultas com T3 nas concentrações de 0,01; 1; 100 e 1000 nM, respectivamente. Foram avaliados: atividade da fosfatase alcalina, conversão do dimetiltiazol (MTT) e síntese de colágeno aos sete, 14 e 21 dias e celularidade e número de nódulos de mineralização aos 21 dias de diferenciação. RESULTADOS: T3 reduziu significativamente a conversão do MTT, a atividade da fosfatase alcalina, a síntese de colágeno e a formação dos nódulos de mineralização em pelo menos uma das doses e dos períodos estudados (p < 0,05). Os valores foram menores quando comparados aos das CTM-MO de ratas jovens e adultas sem T3 (p < 0,05). CONCLUSÃO: T3 apresenta efeitos negativos sobre os fatores envolvidos na diferenciação osteogênica das CTM-MO de ratas adultas.

OBJECTIVE: To examine if triiodothyronine (T3) increases osteogenic differentiation in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) of adult rats compared with young rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: BMMSCs were cultured in osteogenic medium and distributed into six groups: 1) BMMSCs of young rats; 2) BMMSCs of adult rats; 3, 4, 5 and 6) BMMSCs of adult rats with T3 (0.01, 1, 100 to 1000 nM). We analyzed alkaline phosphatase activity, dimethylthiazol (MTT) conversion, and collagen synthesis at 7, 14, and 21 days, and percentage of cells per field and number of mineralized nodules at 21 days of differentiation. RESULTS: T3 reduced MTT conversion, alkaline phosphatase activity, collagen synthesis, and the synthesis of mineralizalized nodules in at least one of the doses and periods studied (p < 0.05). Values were lower when compared with young and adult rats BMMSCs (p < 0.05) without T3. CONCLUSION: T3 has a negative effect on the factors involved in osteogenic differentiation of BMMSC from adult rats.

Improving Active and Passive Avoidance Memories Deficits due to Permanent Cerebral Ischemia by Pomegranate Seed Extract in Female Rats

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of two weeks oral administration of pomegranate seed extract (PGSE) on active and passive avoidance memories after permanent bilateral common carotid arteries occlusion (2CCAO) to induce permanent cerebral ischemia in adult female rats. Methods: Seventy adult female Wistar rats (250 ± 20 g) were used. Animals were divided randomly into seven groups with 10 in each: 1) Sham-operated; 2) Ischemic; 3–6) Ischemic received PGSE (100, 200, 400 and 800 mg/2mL/kg, orally) for 14 days; 7) Ischemic received vehicle. In order to create 2CCAO, carotid arteries were ligatured and then cut bilaterally. Active and passive avoidance task were measured using criterion condition responses (CCRs) in Y-maze and step-through latency (STL) in two-way shuttle box in all female rats. Results: Both active and passive avoidance memories were significantly impaired in rats after cerebral hypoxia-ischemia (CHI) (P < 0.001). PGSE treatment significantly improved passive and active memory impairments with 2CCAO (P < 0.05, P < 0.01, and P < 0.001). No toxicity was observed even with high-dose PGSE consumption (800 mg/kg, for 14 days). Conclusion: PGSE exhibits therapeutic potential for avoidance memories, which is most likely related at least in part to its antioxidative and free radical scavenging actions.

Detection of Toxoplasma gondii in the milk of experimentally infected Wistar female rats

The milk of experimentally infected rats was investigated for the presence and possible transmission of Toxoplasma gondii. Wistar (Rattus norvegicus) female rats were divided into three groups and orally inoculated with bradyzoites. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was employed to detect the parasite in the milk. Transmission to the offspring was verified by indirect immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT), modified agglutination test (MAT), bioassay tests and PCR. Rat milk samples were PCR-positive, pups were serum-reactive to T. gondii and tissue samples also presented positive DNA results through PCR.