[Alterations to morphometry, histomorphometry and histochemistry of spleen following chronic methylphenidate intake in animal model]

Spleen is an organ that plays a major role in body's immune system and can affect some medicines on it. The purpose of this study is to examine the chronic effect of Methylphenidate on plasma cells and the morphometric and histomorphometric changes in spleen. In this study, a total of 18 adult male mice were divided into one control and two experimental groups. The experimental groups received Methylphenidate 2 and 10 mg/kg body weight, daily by gavage for 40 days. After the treatment, the number of plasma cells, morphometric and histomorphometric changes in spleen and also the weights of mice were studied. The results showed that there is a significant statistical difference between the control and experimental groups in the number of plasma cells, morphometric and histomorphometric structures of spleen and also in the body weight [p<0.05]. The results of this study indicate the harmful effect of Methylphenidate on spleen - an organ that has a major role in body's immune system

[ effect of soybean meal on the maintenance of cartilage in animal knee joints]

The soybean is one of the most important diet protein resources and induces a reduction of joint pain. The aim of the present study was to determine the incidence of joint disorders and arthritis, especially in the knee joint. According to the feed regimens, 36 female mice [balb/c; 3 weeks old] were divided into 3 groups including Group 1: Low protein for 6 months; Group 2: Low protein for 3 months and then followed by complete [or full] protein without soybean meal for the next 3 months and Group 3: Low protein for the first 3 months and then followed by complete protein with 20% soybean meal for the next 3 months. Finally the serum alkaline phosphatase [ALP] was measured and sections from the tibial cartilage were histomorphometrically studied. The thickness of the middle part of the tibial cartilage and the number of chondrocytes in the group used soybean meal [148/84 +/- 14/05, 12/77 +/- 1/57, respectively] showed a significant difference compared with the other groups [p<0.001]. Meanwhile, serum ALPlevels [76/402L/U] and the concentrations of the inter-cellular substance in the 3th group showed no significant difference compared with the other groups. It is concluded that soybean may effect on the growth of the knee joint cartilage in animals and also may induce stability of the knee joint cartilage in individuals with protein deficiency since childhood