Investigation the effects of 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2-APB) on aminoglycoside nephrotoxicity.

Investigation the protective effect of transient receptor potential channel modulator 2-Aminoethoxydiphenyl Borate (2-APB) on aminoglycoside nephrotoxicity caused by reactive oxygen species, calcium-induced apoptosis and inflammation was aimed. Forty Wistar rats were divided (n=8) as follows: Control group; DMSO group; 2-APB group; Gentamicin group (injected 100 mg/kg gentamicin intramuscularly for 10 days); Gentamicin+ 2-APB group (injected 2 mg/kg 2-APB intraperitoneally, then after 30 minutes 100 mg/kg gentamicin was injected intramuscularly for 10 days). Blood samples were collected for biochemical analyses, kidney tissue samples were collected for light, electron microscopic and immunohistochemical investigations. In gentamicin group glomerular degeneration, tubular dilatation, vacuolization, desquamation of tubular cells and hyaline cast formation in luminal space and leukocyte infiltration were seen. Disorganization of microvilli of tubular cells, apical cytoplasmic blebbing, lipid accumulation, myelin figure like structure formation, increased lysosomes, mitochondrial swelling and disorganization of cristae structures, apoptotic changes and widening of intercellular space were found. TNF-α, IL-6 and caspase 3 expressions were increased. BUN and creatinine concentrations were increased. Increase in MDA levels and decrease in SOD activities were determined. Even though degeneration still continues in gentamicin+2-APB treatment group, severity and the area it occupied were decreased and the glomerular and tubule structures were generally preserved. TNF-α, IL-6, caspase 3 immunoreactivities and BUN, creatinine, MDA concentrations were reduced and SOD activities were increased markedly compared to gentamicin group. In conclusion, it has been considered that 2-APB can prevent gentamicin mediated nephrotoxicity with its anti-oxidant, anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory effects.

Investigation of miR-26b and miR-27b expressions and the effect of quercetin on fibrosis in experimental pulmonary fibrosis.

In this study, investigation of the effects of Quercetin on Bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis and fibrosis-associated molecules miR-26b and miR-27b was aimed. Control group was given 10% saline on the 0th day, and saline was administered for 21 days starting from the 8th day. Group 2 was given 50 mg/kg Quercetin for 21 days starting from the 8th day. Group 3 was given 10 mg/kg Bleomycin Sulfate on day 0, and sacrificed on the 22nd and 29th day. Group 4 was given 10 mg/kg Bleomycin Sulfate on the 0th day, and was given 50 mg/kg Quercetin for 14 days, and 21 days starting from day 8. Lung tissues were examined using light and electron microscopic, immunohistochemical and molecular biological methods. Injury groups revealed impaired alveolar structure, collagen accumulation and increased inflammatory cells in interalveolar septum. Fibrotic response was decreased and the alveolar structure was improved with Quercetin treatment. α-SMA expressions were higher in the injury groups, but lower in the treatment groups compared to the injury groups. E-cadherin expressions were decreased in the injury groups and showed stronger immunoreactivity in the treatment groups compared to the injury groups. miR-26b and miR-27b expressions were lower in the injury groups than the control groups, and higher in the treatment groups than the injury groups. Quercetin can be considered as a new treatment agent in the idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, since it increases the expression levels of miR-26b and miR-27b which decrease in fibrosis, and has therapeutic effects on the histopathological changes.

Effects of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells on doxorubicin-induced liver injury in rats.

Doxorubicin (DOX) is a potent chemotherapeutic agent and has toxic effects on various organs, including the liver. In the current study, we aimed to investigate the effects of bone-marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell (BM-MSC) administration on DOX-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. 24 Wistar-albino rats were divided into three groups: Control, DOX, and DOX+MSC. DOX (20 mg/kg) was administered to the DOX group. In the DOX + MSC group, BM-MSCs (2 × 106 ) were given through the tail vein following DOX administration. DOX administration led to significant structural liver injury. Besides this, oxidative balance in the liver was impaired following DOX administration. DOX administration also led to an increase in apoptotic cell death in the liver. Structural and oxidative changes were significantly alleviated with the administration of BM-MSCs. Furthermore, BM-MSC administration suppressed excessive apoptotic cell death. Our findings revealed that BM-MSC administration may alleviate DOX-induced liver injury via improving the oxidative status and limiting apoptotic cell death in the liver tissue.

Immunohistochemical examination of androgen receptor and estrogen receptor alpha expressions in obstructive and non-obstructive azoospermia.

In this study, the expression of the androgen receptor (AR) and estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) in testicular tissue of male patients with obstructive azoospermia (OA) and non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. NOA (n = 23) and OA (n = 21) groups were created according to clinical and laboratory archival records. Testicular sperm extraction tissue sections were evaluated according to Johnsen's tubular biopsy scoring (JTBS) method. ERα and AR immunostaining results were evaluated semiquantitatively. Serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone, and estradiol were analyzed. Serum FSH and LH concentrations were greater, and testosterone concentrations were lower than the normal values in the NOA group, whereas the OA group revealed normal hormonal values. Serum estradiol concentrations in groups were in the normal range. JTBSs were significantly lower in the NOA group. Decreased AR expression and increased ERα expression were observed in the NOA group compared to the OA group. This suggests that ERα and AR are expressed in Sertoli cells, Leydig cells, and myoid cells and are required for normal testicular function. Decreased expression of the AR and increased expression of ERα in the testis may negatively affect spermatogenesis.Abbreviations: AR: androgen receptor; ER: estrogen receptor; ERα: estrogen receptor alpha; FSH: follicle-stimulating hormone; JTBS: Johnsen's tubular biopsy scoring; LH: luteinizing hormone; NOA: non-obstructive azoospermia; OA: obstructive azoospermia; TESE: testicular sperm extraction.

Morphological features of the secretory phase endometrium in women with unexplained infertility.

In this study, we evaluated the structural features of the endometrial tissues, the immunohistochemical expression of MUC-1, which plays an important role in implantation, and the biochemical markers during the implantation window. Randomly chosen 18 fertile and 18 unexplained infertile women that have 27-32 days long menstrual cycle, normal hormonal values, normal USG findings of ovary and endometrium were included. Five, six, and seven days after ovulation, endometrial biopsies were taken and prepared in accordance with light and electron microscopy tissue preparation methods. Immunohistochemical methods were used to determine MUC-1 expression in the tissues. Serum hormone levels were determined. The MUC-1 immunoreactivity, as well as the serum levels of FSH, LH, TSH, estrogen, progesterone, and total testosterone did not differ significantly between the two groups; however, prolactin levels were higher in the infertile group. In the unexplained infertile samples, intraepithelial lymphocytes were frequently observed, the microvilli of the surface columnar epithelium were widespread, cells with pinopodes as well as vesiculated cells were minimal, pinopode development was insufficient, and the development of the endometrial glands was deficient. It was concluded that these structural differences observed in the surface and glandular epithelium of the endometrium in unexplained infertile patients may be due to the insufficiency of these cells in responding to steroid hormones; therefore, these changes may affect the implantation of the blastocyst in the endometrium.

The effects of the anti-Müllerian hormone on folliculogenesis in rats: light and electron microscopic evaluation.

In this study, we evaluated the effects of anti-Müllerian hormone on follicle development and oocyte quality with light and electron microscopy. Twenty-four adult female rats were divided into four groups. After estrous cycle synchronization, on the first day, control group rats were injected with 0.5 ml saline, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th groups were injected 1 µgr, 2 µgr, and 5 µgr anti-Müllerian hormone, respectively. On the third day, intracardiac blood samples were taken for follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, estradiol, and progesterone serum level measurements. Ovaries were obtained for light and electron microscopic examinations. Secondary (antral) follicles were decreased while atretic follicles were increased in number parallel with an increased dose of anti-Müllerian hormone injection. Atresia of the follicles was demonstrated with apoptosis of granulosa cells characterized by apoptotic bodies and with paraptosis characterized by the vacuole formation in the cytoplasm, enlargement of granular endoplasmic reticulum cisternae and perinuclear cisternae in granulosa cells. Premature luteinization characterized by increased lipid droplets, mitochondria with tubular cristae, and smooth-surfaced endoplasmic reticulum in the cytoplasm of granulosa cells were detected in some growing follicles. In the anti-Müllerian hormone injected experimental groups, cystic follicles characterized by a large antrum, attenuated granulosa cell layer, and flattened granulosa cells that face the antrum were observed. Corpus luteum and stroma were similar in all groups. It was concluded that increasing doses of anti-Müllerian hormone caused increased atresia in developing follicles, premature luteinization of granulosa cells in some follicles, and cystic follicle formation in the further developing follicles.

Investigation of the effects of vitamin D treatment on the ovarian AMH receptors in a polycystic ovary syndrome experimental model: an ultrastructural and immunohistochemical study.

The aim of this study was to demonstrate the effects of vitamin D treatment on ultrastructural changes and AMHR2 expression in the ovary in PCOS rat model. A total of 24 female prepubertal rats were divided into 3 groups. In group 1, sesame oil was injected and used as control group. In group 2, PCOS was created by the injection of 6 mg/kg/day DHEA. In group 3, PCOS was created and 120 ng/100 g 1,25 (OH)2D3 treatment was performed. At the end of the 28th day, the blood samples were collected. The ovarian tissues were obtained for electron microscopic and immunohistochemical examinations. Serum AMH, testosterone, FSH, LH levels and LH/FSH ratios were higher in the PCOS group compared to the control group and decreased in the treatment group compared to the PCOS group. AMHR2 expression was increased in atretic and premature luteinizate antral follicles in the PCOS group compared to the control group, and decreased in the treatment group compared to the PCOS group. PCOS group electron micrographs showed degenerative changes in developing follicles, cystic follicles characterised with granulosa cell layer attenuation and thickening of the theca cell layer, and lipid accumulation in the interstitial cells. Structural changes observed in the PCOS group were improved with vitamin D treatment. As a result, there is an interaction between PCOS, AMH serum levels and AMHR2 in the ovarian follicles. Vitamin D has a positive effect on hormonal and structural changes in the PCOS group. We concluded that vitamin D supplementation may be beneficial in PCOS patients.

Investigation of conjunctivochalasis histopathology with light and electron microscopy in patients with conjunctivochalasis in different locations.

PURPOSE: To investigate changes in conjunctival tissue of conjunctivochalasis (CCh) patients and to determine the relationship between pathological findings and localization of loose conjunctiva. METHODS: Our study included nineteen eyes of 19 patients who were referred to Cukurova University Ophthalmology Department based on ocular surface symptoms and CCh detected in ocular examination. Amniotic membrane was applied after conjunctival excision as surgical treatment. The control group was formed with five eyes of five patients who are similar in terms of age and gender distribution with our study group. Tissue samples obtained from the study and control groups were investigated with light and electron microscopy. RESULTS: Results of pathological examination of conjunctival tissues revealed increased inflammation in 13 patients (68%), lymphatic ectasia in 12 patients (63%), and loss of goblet cells in 17 patients (89%). Destruction of elastic fibers was detected in all cases by staining with elastic van Gieson. After semiquantitative assessment, varying degrees of light microscopic findings were noted considering the localization of CCh. No statistically significant relationship was observed between light microscopic findings and CCh location (p > 0.05 for all). Electron microscopic investigation revealed increase in intercellular spaces, increased cytoplasmic electron density, and the presence of slight vacuolization in cell cytoplasm, and heterochromatin clumping in nuclei of cells in conjunctival samples. CONCLUSIONS: Mechanical and inflammatory factors induce development of CCh, and signs associated with these factors can be detected with light and electron microscopy of conjunctival tissue. No relationship was observed between CCh localization and pathological changes in tissues examined in our study, and large-scale case series are required to evaluate the possible effect of CCh localization on pathological findings.

Evaluation of the Intravesical Ureters after Failed Endoscopic Treatment of Vesicoureteral Reflux with Dextranomer/hyaluronic Acid in Children via Light and Transmission Electron Microscopic Analysis. A Matched Case-Control Study.

INTRODUCTION: The cytokine profile and the ultrastructural changes of refluxing ureterovesical junctions(UVJs) of children treated with failed dextranomer/hyaluronic-acid (Dx/HA) injections were investigated using immunohis-tochemical methods and transmission electron microscopy(TEM). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eighteen children who had undergone injection for reflux were included the study. The smooth muscle arrangement of the ureteral wall, transforming growth factor-? (TGF-?1),vascular-endotheli-al-growth factor (VEGF) and CD34 were evaluated immunohistochemically, and the results were compared with 10 age-matched autopsy specimens as controls. The ultrastructural evaluation and morphological description was made semi-quantitatively and compared with published data. RESULT: Four of the patients (22%) were male, and 14 (78%) were female. The mean age of the patients was 105.4 ± 44.5(48-184) months. There was no correlation between the vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) grade and age (P = 0.85). The mean VEGF and CD34 scores were 16.2 ± 9.6 (0-90) cells per HPF and 10.2 ± 3.5 (4-16) vessels per HPF in ureters with reflux; these values were 60.6±16.4 (32-84) cells per HPF and 17.8 ± 4.1 (12-24) vessels per HPF in the control group. The amount of VEGF and CD34 were significantly decreased in patients compared with the control group (P < 0.001, P < 0.001).The TGF-?1 levels were significantly higher in patients with VUR compared with the control group (34.2 ± 19.9 vs 5.0±1.9; P=0.001).The amount of VEGF, CD34, and TGF-?1 were not correlated with the grade of reflux (P = 0.26, P = 0.94, and P = 0.42, respectively). Ultrastructural changes in the muscle cells were observed in all the VUR specimens (Grade II-IV). CONCLUSION: Refluxing ureters exhibited immune-histopathological abnormalities and ultrastructural changes of the muscle cells in all VUR specimens in the ureterovesical junctions of children treated with failed Dx/HA injec-tions for reflux.

Molecular basis of vascular damage caused by cigarette smoke exposure and a new approach to the treatment: Alpha-linolenic acid.

Exposure to cigarette smoke (CS) causes vessel damage and mechanism of this damage has not yet been clearly identified. Therefore, in this study we aimed to investigate whether vessel damage due to the CS exposure will be prevented by the alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) or not which has anti-inflammatory effect in mice. For this reason, mice were grouped as controls (with and without CS) and ALA (with and without CS). The CS application continued 5 days a week for two months. At the end of two months, the mice were killed by cervical dislocation and their blood and thoracic aortas were isolated. ALA Treatment increased acetylcholine relaxations. CS decreased acetylcholine relaxation. CS with ALA treatment increased acetylcholine relaxations versus just CS treatment. CS caused rising in cyclooxigenase-2 and phospholipase A2 levels. This rise is inhibited with ALA treatment. CS decreased eNOS levels. But this result was not statistically significant. Furthermore, according to electron microscopic study CS damaged both smooth muscle and endothelium. While ALA treatment prevented smooth muscle damage it didn't prevent endothelial damage. Using cigarette and CS exposure is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Our study showed that this disease.

Investigation of the uterine structural changes in the experimental model with polycystic ovary syndrome and effects of vitamin D treatment: An ultrastructural and immunohistochemical study.

In this study, we aimed to investigate the structural changes seen in the endometrium in experimental PCOS rat model and the effects of vitamin D treatment on these changes at immunohistochemical and electron microscopic levels. 24 prepubertal female rats were divided into three groups. Two groups were injected with dehydroepiandrosterone and one of them was treated with 1,25(OH)2 D3 at the same time. The control group was injected with sesame oil. At the end of the 28th day, the blood samples were collected. Uterus tissues were prepared for light and electron microscopic examinations. Epithelial, stromal and endometrial thickness measurements were investigated. Immunohistochemical staining was applied against caspase-3 and Ki-67. Serum AMH and estradiol levels were higher in PCOS group compared to the control group. Serum progesterone levels were similar in all groups. Endometrial, epithelial and stromal thickness measurements were increased in PCOS group compared to the control group, and decreased in the vitamin D treatment group compared to the PCOS group. Light and electron microscopic results of PCOS group showed an increase in apoptosis and proliferation. In the PCOS group, immunohistochemical staining of caspase-3 and Ki-67 were found to be higher than in the control group, but stainings were decreased with vitamin D treatment compared to PCOS group. Structural changes observed in endometrium may be related to implantation problems seen in patients with PCOS. Our studies suggest that vitamin D therapy may be beneficial in these patients.

Effects of vitamin D on ovary in DHEA-treated PCOS rat model: A light and electron microscopic study.

AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of vitamin D treatment on ovary in experimentally designed polycystic ovary syndrome of female rats using light and electron microscopic techniques. METHODS: Twenty-four female pre-pubertal rats were divided into control, DHEA and DHEA+Vit.D groups. In DHEA group, the PCOS rat model was developed by 6mg/kg/day dehydroepiandrosterone administration as subcutaneously injections. In DHEA+Vit.D group, 6 mg/kg/day DHEA and 120ng/100g/week 1,25(OH)2D3 was performed simultaneously. Controls were injected with vehicle alone. At the end of the 28 days, blood samples were collected and the ovarian tissues were taken for histological examinations. RESULTS: FSH, LH levels, LH/FSH ratio, and testosterone levels showed a significant increase in DHEA group when compared with the control group. Moreover, these measurements were lower in the treatment group than the DHEA group. In DHEA group, increased number of atretic follicles and cystic follicles were seen with light microscopic analysis. Cystic follicles with attenuated granulosa cell layers and thickened theca cell layers and lipid accumulation in interstitial cells were observed by electron microscope. It is observed that atretic and cystic follicles were decreased as a result of vitamin D treatment. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate the curative role of vitamin D treatment on the androgen excess in PCOS rat model which causes abnormalities in ovarian morphology and functions. Vitamin D has positive effects on the hormonal and structural changes observed in PCOS, but it has been concluded that long-term use may be more beneficial.

Membranous nephropathy presenting with nephrotic syndrome in a child with thalassemia major.

Few data on the renal effects of thalassemia syndrome are available in the literature. Recent clinical studies identified proximal tubular damage and glomerular filtration abnormalities in thalassemia. Iron-chelating agents might be nephrotoxic as well, but proven glomerular injury, either due to anemia or chelating therapy, has not previously been demonstrated in thalassemia patients. Here, we report the first thalassemia patient presenting with nephrotic syndrome to be diagnosed with membranous nephropathy in the literature.

The comparison of histological results of experimentally created facial nerve defects repaired by 2 different anastomosis techniques: classic suture technique or tissue adhesives for nerve anastomosis?

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare the histological regeneration characteristics of nerve fibers at the anastomosis lines performed by classic suture technique or a tissue adhesive (N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate). METHODS: The control group consisted of 7 rabbits. The 21 rabbits were randomly divided into 3 groups based on the harvesting week. In the study group following preparation of facial nerve bilaterally, a 0.5-cm segment of facial dorsal buccal nerve was resected, and the defect was repaired with a nerve graft, which was harvested from sural nerve of the same side by 8-0 nylon suture technique and by application of N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate on the other side. RESULTS: Electron microscopic examination at consecutive second, fourth, and sixth days (corresponding to 4th, 8th, and 12th week in human subjects) revealed increased nerve degeneration findings in N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate group when compared with microsuture repair technique. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate is not an appropriate material for nerve anastomosis.

Ultrastructural and immunohistopathological evaluation of intravesical ureters via electron and light microscopy in children with vesicoureteral reflux.

PURPOSE: We used immunohistochemical methods and transmission electron microscopy to investigate the cytokine profiles and ultrastructural changes in the ureterovesical junction of children with primary vesicoureteral reflux. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 39 distal intravesical ureters were obtained from 23 children who underwent ureteroneocystostomy for primary vesicoureteral reflux. Ureteral wall smooth muscle organization and transforming growth factor-ß1, vascular endothelial growth factor and CD34 were evaluated immunohistochemically and compared to controls, which consisted of 10 age matched autopsy specimens. Ultrastructural evaluations and morphological descriptions were performed semiquantitatively and compared to the published data. RESULTS: Of the patients 6 (26%) were male and 17 (74%) were female, and mean ± SD age was 73.2 ± 34.3 months (range 12 to 168). There was no correlation between reflux grade and age (p = 0.39). Smooth muscle disorganization score differed significantly between patients with intravesical ureters and controls (p = 0.01). Transforming growth factor-ß1 levels were significantly higher (p = 0.001) and vascular endothelial growth factor levels and microvessel densities were significantly lower in the patients with reflux compared to controls (both p <0.001). Vascular endothelial growth factor, CD34 and transforming growth factor-ß1 levels did not correlate with reflux grades (p = 0.84, p = 0.76 and p = 0.10, respectively). Urothelium, lamina propria and tunica adventitia appeared normal in the specimens for all grades of vesicoureteral reflux using transmission electron microscopy. Damage was observed in the muscular layers of the ureterovesical junction, especially in patients with grade IV or V reflux. CONCLUSIONS: Primary refluxing ureters exhibit immunohistopathological abnormalities compared to normal ureters irrespective of reflux grade, and ultrastructural changes are especially severe in cases of high grade reflux. These abnormalities can hinder the normal ureteral valve mechanism, and may lead to reflux due to smooth muscle dysfunction and microvascular alterations.

Intravitreal injection of methotrexate in an experimental rabbit model: determination of ultrastructural changes.

PURPOSE: To investigate the ultrastructural changes of the rabbit retina induced by intravitreal methotrexate injection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten New Zealand white rabbits were enucleated bilaterally at different time periods after intravitreal methotrexate injection. One rabbit was used as control group and one rabbit was used as intact group. Histopathological examinations were performed under light and electron microscopy. Early (within first three days after injection) and long-term (one month after serial injections) effects of intravitreal methotrexate on the retina were investigated. RESULTS: Retinal edema, vacuolization, and disintegration of mitochondria of the retinal cells were observed as early changes. The main long-term effects after serial injections were edema in the photoreceptor, inner nuclear, and ganglionic cell layers. Cellular disorganisation was seen on light microscopy. Electron microscopic examination revealed mitochondrial degeneration and vacuole formation in retinal cells, nuclear degeneration in outer nuclear layer, and membranous whorl formation in photoreceptor and nerve fiber layers. CONCLUSIONS: High dose intravitreal methotrexate injection may cause significant ultrastructural changes in the rabbit retina in varying severity. This finding may highlight the potential side effects of methotrexate on human retina in higher doses.

Mesenchymal stem cell: does it work in an experimental model with acute respiratory distress syndrome?

We hypothesized that bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) would have a possible role in the treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). ARDS disease model was developed in Wistar albino male rats by intratracheal instillation of physiological saline solution. Anesthezied and tracheotomized rats (n = 8) with ARDS were pressure-controlled ventilated. Isolated and characterized rat (r-) BM-MSCs were labeled with GFP gene, and introduced in the lungs of the ARDS rat-model. After applying of MSCs, the life span of each rat was recorded. When rats died, their lung tissues were removed for histopathological examination. Also the tissue sections were analyzed for GFP labeled rBM-MSCs and stained for vimentin, CK19, proinflammatory (MPO, IL-1ß, IL-6 and MIP-2) and anti-inflammatory [IL-1ra and prostaglandin E2 receptor (EP3)] cytokines. The histopathological signs of rat-model ARDS were similar to the acute phase of ARDS in humans. rBM-MSCs were observed to home in lung paranchyma. Although the infiltration of neutrophils slightly decreased in the interalveolar, peribronchial and perivascular area, a notable improvement was determined in the degree of hemorrhage, edema and hyaline membrane formation in rats treated with rBM-MSCs. Also decreased proinflammatory cytokines levels and increased the intensity of anti-inflammatory cytokines were established. Therefore MSCs could promote alveolar epithelial repair by mediating of cytokines from a proinflammatory to an anti-inflammatory response. As a novel therapeutic approach, mesenchymal stem cell treatment with intratracheal injection could be helpful in the management of critically ill patients with ARDS.

Immunohistochemical and electron microscopic examination of Cajal cells in ureteropelvic junction obstruction.

OBJECTIVE: We examine the ultrastructural configurations of Cajal cells by electron microscopy, as well as the quantitative changes occurring in Cajal cells by light microscopy. METHODS: In total, 35 patients with ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction and 7 patients without obstruction were compared immunohistochemically with c-kit (CD117) to quantify the number of cells. On electron microscopic examination, 7 patients with UPJ obstruction and 3 patients without obstruction were compared to evaluate the changes which occurred in the ultrastructural configuration of the Cajal cells. RESULTS: On light microscopic examination, it was determined that the Cajal cells, which demonstrate c-kit (CD117) immunoreactive character, were located near the circular muscle layer and parallel to the muscle cells. The number of Cajal cells in the control group was significantly increased compared to the number of cells in patients with UPJ obstruction (p < 0.001). On electron microscopic examination, the number of interstitial cells was also higher in the control group. A decrease in the number of the caveolae in these cells was seen in the group with UPJ obstruction compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: In UPJ obstruction, a decrease in the number of Cajal cells, as well as the changes in the morphologic structure of the Cajal cells, indicates that these cells have a role in the pacemaker system and are associated with ureteral peristalsis.

The effect of edaravone on ischemia-reperfusion injury in rat ovary.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of edaravone on experimentally induced ovarian torsion/detorsion ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. STUDY DESIGN: Forty-six female adult Wistar-Albino rats were utilized to create five groups: In group 1, only 5 mg/kg edaravone was given and ovary torsion was not performed. In group 2, torsion was not performed and no drug was given. In group 3, vehicle was given and torsion/detorsion was performed. In group 4, 1 mg/kg edaravone was given and torsion/detorsion was performed. In group 5, edaravone; 5 mg/kg drug was administered and torsion/detorsion was performed. Right ovarian torsion was simulated for a 3-h period of ischemia and a 1-h reperfusion period. Right ovaries were then surgically extirpated in all groups. In ovarian tissue samples malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and activity of superoxide dismutase were studied. Microscopic ovarian tissue damage was scored by histologic and electron microscopic findings. RESULTS: The MDA level in the group 5 was significantly lower than group 3 (p<0.001). Superoxide dismutase activity in the group 5 was significantly higher than group 3 (p<0.001). Histopathological ovarian tissue damage in the group 5 were significantly lower than group 3 (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: These results indicate that edaravone could be an effective agent in the short-term treatment and prevention of ovarian ischemia and reperfusion damage.