Anatomical, histochemical and surface ultrastructural characteristics of cavum nasi of the common quails (Coturnix coturnix. Erlangeri).

Ten normal, mature and common quails were used to study in detail the gross anatomy, histochemical and surface ultrastructural characteristics of the nasal cavity. The relationship between the structure and function of the nasal cavity also were assessed. The quail nasal cavity was divided into the vestibule, nasal cavity proper and fundus. The nasal cavity began rostrally by two slit-like external nares located laterally in the middle third of the upper beak. A previous authors stated that no rostral concha but the current study record that the rostral nasal concha was located opposite the nostrils and exhibited a C-shaped appearance in transverse section and was 5 mm long and 3 mm wide. The middle nasal concha was narrow and elongated. The caudal nasal concha was spherical, located caudodorsal to the rostral nasal concha and measured 2 mm in diameter. The infraorbital sinus was a roughly triangular cavity situated immediately rostral to the orbit. The histological and surface ultrastructural study of the nasal cavity of common quail did not studied previously. Histologically, the cavum nasi was composed of three regions: vestibule, respiratory and olfactory. The vestibule was lined with stratified squamous epithelium that was keratinized rostrally and non-keratinized caudally. The respiratory region was covered by pseudostratified columnar epithelium. Intra-epithelial mucous glands were present in the respiratory region and displayed a strong reaction with Alcian blue. The lining epithelium in the olfactory region was pseudostratified and contained olfactory, supporting and basal cells.

Curcumin and cinnamon mitigates lead acetate-induced oxidative damage in the spleen of rats.

Lead toxicity is a common occupational and environmental health hazard that exerts many toxic effects on animals and humans, including immunotoxicity. Curcumin (CUR) and cinnamon (CIN) are common medicinal herbs with immunostimulatory and antioxidant properties. Therefore, this study investigated the protective effect of curcumin and cinnamon against lead acetate (LA)-induced splenotoxicity in rats via hemato-biochemical, immunological, oxidative stress marker, CYP-2E1 expression, histological, and immunohistological evaluations. Four groups of seven rats each were used: the control group received corn oil as a vehicle; the lead acetate group received (100 mg/kg), the CUR + LA group received curcumin (400 mg/kg) plus lead acetate, and the CIN + LA group received cinnamon (200 mg/kg) plus lead acetate orally for 1 month. LA exposure induced macrocytic hypochromic anemia, leukocytosis, neutrophilia, monocytosis, and lymphopenia. Additionally, significant elevations in serum iron, ferritin levels, and transferrin saturation percentage with significant decline of total and unsaturated iron binding capacities (TIBC and UIBC), transferrin, and immunoglobulin G and M levels were recorded. In addition, lead acetate significantly upregulated splenic CYP-2E1 expression, that was evident by significant depletion of reduced glutathione (GSH) activity and elevation of malondihyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), and protein carbonyl (PC) concentrations in the spleen. Histologically, hyperplasia of lymphoid follicles, hemosiderin deposition, and disturbance of CD3 and CD68 immuno-expressions were evident in the spleen from the lead acetate group. However, curcumin and cinnamon administration restored the hemato-biochemical, immunological, and oxidative stress parameters as well as histological and immunohistological pictures toward normalcy. In conclusion, curcumin and cinnamon can partially ameliorate LA-induced oxidative damage in the spleen, possibly through their antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and gene-regulating activities.

Comparative immuno-modulatory effects of basil and sesame seed oils against diazinon-induced toxicity in rats; a focus on TNF-α immunolocalization.

Diazinon (DZN), a common organophosphorus insecticide (OPI), has hazardous effect to human and animals with its ubiquitous use. Considering the implication of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the OPIs toxicity, the present study was aimed to evaluate the ameliorative properties of basil (BO) and sesame (SO) seed oils against the toxic effect of DZN. Forty adult male albino rats were divided into four experimental groups (n = 10 rats/group); control, DZN (10 mg/kg b.w/day), DZN + BO (5 ml/kg b.w/day), and DZN + SO (8 ml/kg b.w/day) groups, treated for a period of 4 weeks. DZN-exposed animals showed significant elevation in serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine (Cr) with a significant decline in testosterone level compared with control. On the other hand, DZN + BO and DZN + SO groups revealed significant decreases in ALT, AST, BUN, and Cr with a significant increase in testosterone level when compared with DZN-exposed animals. Oxidative/antioxidant indices revealed significant increases of malondialdehyde (MDA) levels along with significant decreases of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (Gpx), and catalase (CAT) activities among DZN-treated rats compared with control. Distinctly lower levels of MDA and increased activities of SOD, Gpx, and CAT were evident in both DZN + BO and DZN + SO groups when compared with DZN-exposed animals. Inflammatory and immuno-modulatory markers assessment showed a significant increase in TNF-α with a significant decline in IL-10 level in DZN group; meanwhile, both DZN + BO and DZN + SO groups revealed significant declines in levels of TNF-α with significant increases in IL-10. Corresponds immunohistochemistry, the total scores (TS) of TNF-α immunostainings in hepatorenal, testicular, and epididymal tissues of control, DZN + BO and DZN + SO groups were significantly lower than those values of DZN group. Additionally, the examined tissues of DZN + BO group revealed significant lower TS of TNF-α immunostaining compared with DZN + SO group. The overall data suggested that both BO and SO can be efficiently used as preventive herbal compounds against DZN-induced oxidative stress with special reference to their possible antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and free radical activities. However, BO has more potent protective effect against DZN-induced tissue injury at both immunohistochemical and molecular levels.

Antiapoptotic and antioxidant capacity of phytochemicals from Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) and their potential effects on monosodium glutamate-induced testicular damage in rat.

Monosodium glutamate (MSG), common flavor enhancer and feed additive, causes male reproductive dysfunction. However, Roselle tea, popular Hibiscus sabdariffa (HS) beverage, has a controversial effectiveness on male fertility. Therefore, the current study aimed to investigate either the adverse effect of aqueous HS extract (HSE) on the testicle or its potential ameliorative role including some stress markers, biochemical and immunohistochemical expressions in rats subjected to MSG. Here, the animals were divided into four groups that were given distilled water, HSE, MSG, and HSE + MSG respectively via gavage. After 6 weeks from the beginning of experiment, blood samples were collected for hormonal analysis. Additionally, testicular specimens were excised and processed for oxidative/antioxidant parameters determination, histological examination, and immunohistochemical evaluation of Bax and PCNA positive spermatogenic cells. Preliminary phytochemical analyses as well as antioxidant capacity of the HSE were tested. Our results revealed a strong inhibitory activity of the HSE phytochemical constituents against DPPH radical. MSG group revealed a significant decrease of testosterone, LH, FSH, and antioxidant parameters with elevated MDA compared with control and HSE groups. Additionally, an alteration of the testicular histo-architecture was observed among MSG group along with increased Bax and decreased PCNA positive cells. Meanwhile, the HSE showed a potent protective effect against testicular damage as well as oxidative stress induced by MSG. On the whole, our findings provide evidence that HSE can ameliorate MSG-induced testicular toxicity via induction of cell proliferation along with reduction of oxidative stress and cellular apoptosis in adult rat that attributed to the antioxidant and antiapoptotic effects of its phytochemical constituents.

Effect of oregano essential oil supplementation on performance, biochemical, hematological parameters and intestinal histomorphometry of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix Japonica).

This study was performed to evaluate the efficacy of two levels of dietary oregano essential oil (OEO) on growth performances, biochemical, hematological parameters, and intestinal histomorphology in Japanese quail. A total number of 99 quail chicks were divided into three groups (33 quails per group): Control, OEO 150 mg kg-1, and OEO 300 mg kg-1 treated groups for 42 days. Feed conversion ratio (FCR), feed intake, weight gain, and edible organ weight were recorded. Biochemical and hematological parameters were determined. Histomorphological examination of hepatic and intestinal tissues was performed. FCR was significantly improved and feed intake was significantly decreased in OEO 150 mg kg-1 group compared to control. No detectable changes were observed in the lipid profile. Meanwhile, total protein, albumin, globulin, and H/L ratio were significantly increased in OEO 300 mg kg-1 at day 21. Uric acid and creatinine were significantly increased in the OEO 300 mg kg-1 group at day 42. A significant increase was observed in the whole thickness of the small intestine in the OEO 150 mg kg-1 group besides a significant increase in villi length, width, and crypt depth. Vacuolar and fatty degeneration of the hepatocytes along with Kupffer cell hypertrophy was observed in OEO 300 mg kg-1 group. It was concluded that OEO 150 mg kg-1 improved the quail's performance, intestinal histomorphometry as well as hematological parameters with no negative impacts on biochemical parameters.

Molecular cloning and cellular expression of the cholesterol synthesizing enzymes during the prenatal development of the optic nerve in the dromedary camel (Camelus Dromedarius).

The Cholesterol-synthesizing proteins (HMGCS1 and HMGCS2) are mitochondrial enzymes that believed to catalyze the first reaction of ketogenesis, the process by which energy is provided from fats in the absence of carbohydrates. Typically, astrocytes developed from its progenitor cells in the embryonic optic nerve and enriched with HMGCS1 and 2. However, the detailed histomorphology of camel HMGCS1 and 2 remains to be clearly defined. Here, we investigated the changes that associate with astrocytes differentiation within the developing camel optic nerve. Firstly, we isolated cDNAs encoding HMGCS1 and 2 from the optic nerve. Then, we found that HMGCS1 shared high similarity to human, while HMGCS2 showed a lower similarity and was more diverse. Immunohistochemical studies revealed that distinct correlation of astrocytes differentiation with HMGCS1 and 2 expressions in the developing camel optic nerve. Both encoded proteins were localized throughout the cytoplasm, as well as the nuclei of the astrocytes. In addition, semi-quantitative PCR analysis and western analysis confirmed that both HMGCS1 and 2 were highly expressed in camel optic nerve as well as other tissue, but they were lower in both skeletal and heart muscles. Moreover, various stains such as Sudan black and florescence filipin stains were used to visualize the free cholesterol in the astrocytes, indicating the enzymatic activity of HMGCS1 and 2. Together, our study reported the first comprehensive investigation of the molecular cloning and cellular expression of HMGCS1 and 2 in the optic nerve of dromedary camel.

The ameliorative potential of probiotics and/or silymarin on thioacetamide induced hepatotoxicity in rats: histological and immunohistochemical study / El potencial de mejora de los probióticos y / o silimarina sobre la hepatotoxicidad inducida por tioacetamida en ratas: estudio histológico e inmunohistoquímico

Thioacetamide (TAA) is one of the common fungicidal agents that induce liver injury varying from inflammation, necrosis, and fibrosis to cirrhosis. Many recent studies reported the beneficial effect of probiotics and silymarin on hepatotoxicity regardless the causative agents. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the ameliorative role of probiotics and/or silymarin on TAA induced hepatotoxicity in rats via histological, and immunohistochemical methods. Twenty five male albino rats were used for this experiment and were divided into five groups (n=5 rats/group); group I acts as negative control, group II was orally administrated distilled water for six weeks, then injected with TAA (200 mg/kg b.wt./ 5 ml physiological saline/ I.P.) twice a week for another six weeks, group III was treated with probiotics at a dose of 135 mg/ kg b.wt. orally in drinking water daily for six weeks, then injected with TAA (dosage of group II), twice weekly for another six weeks, group IV was treated with silymarin at a dose of 200 mg/ kg b.wt orally 4 times per week for six weeks, then injected with TAA (dosage of group II), twice weekly for another six weeks and group V was treated with combination of both probiotics and silymarin, at the same dosage in groups III and IV respectively then injected with TAA (dosage of group II), twice weekly for another six weeks. Histologically, TAA induced hepatocytes degeneration, inflammatory cells infiltration, and pseudolobular parenchyma as well as, high apoptosis and low proliferation rates that were proved by immunohistochemical staining for caspase 3 and ki-67 respectively. Probiotics and/or silymarin improved the histological feature of hepatocytes, reduced apoptosis and stimulated proliferation. Based on these results, we concluded that the use of probiotics and silymarin combination ameliorates the hepatotoxic effect of TAA in rats more than the use of probiotics or silymarin alone.

La tioacetamida (TAA) es uno de los agentes fungicidas más comunes que inducen lesiones hepáticas que varían desde inflamación, necrosis y fibrosis hasta cirrosis. Muchos estudios recientes informaron el efecto beneficioso de los probióticos y la silimarina sobre la hepatotoxicidad independientemente de los agentes causantes. Por lo tanto, el presente estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar el papel paliativo de los probióticos y / o silimarina en la hepatotoxicidad inducida por TAA en ratas a través de métodos histológicos e inmunohistoquímicos. Para este experimento se usaron veinticinco ratas albinas y se dividieron en cinco grupos (n = 5 ratas / grupo); el grupo I se usó como control negativo; en el grupo II se administró por vía oral agua destilada durante seis semanas y luego se inyectó TAA (200 mg / kg b.wt./ 5 ml solución salina fisiológica / IP) dos veces por semana durante otras seis semanas; el grupo III se trató con probióticos, dosis diaria de 135 mg / kg b.wt. por vía oral en agua potable, durante seis semanas y luego fue inyectado con TAA (dosis del grupo II), dos veces por semana durante otras seis semanas; el grupo IV se trató con silimarina, con una dosis de 200 mg / kg b.wt por vía oral 4 veces por semana durante seis semanas, luego se inyectó TAA (dosificación del grupo II), dos veces por semana durante otras seis semanas; y el grupo V, se trató con una combinación de ambos probióticos y silimarina con la misma dosis que en los grupos III y IV, respectivamente, luego fueron inyectados con TAA (dosificación del grupo II), dos veces por semana durante otras seis semanas. Histológicamente, la TAA indujo la degeneración de los hepatocitos, la infiltración de células inflamatorias y el parénquima pseudolobular, así como también una apoptosis alta y tasas de proliferación bajas que se probaron mediante tinción inmunohistoquímica para caspasa 3 y ki-67, respectivamente. Los probióticos y / o la silimarina mejoraron la característica histológica de los hepatocitos, redujeron la apoptosis y estimularon la proliferación. En base a estos resultados, concluimos que el uso de la combinación de probióticos y silimarina mejora el efecto hepatotóxico del TAA en ratas más que el uso de probióticos o silimarina individualmente.

Immunohistochemical and biochemical evidence for the presence of serotonin-containing neurons and nerve fibers in the octopus arm.

The octopus arm contains a tridimensional array of muscles with a massive sensory-motor system. We herein provide the first evidence for the existence of serotonin (5-HT) in the octopus arm nervous system and investigated its distribution using immunohistochemistry. 5-HT-like immunoreactive (5-HT-lir) nerve cell bodies were exclusively localized in the cellular layer of the axial nerve cord. Those cell bodies emitted 5-HT-lir nerve fibers in the direction of the sucker, the intramuscular nerves cords, the ganglion of the sucker, and the intrinsic musculature. Others 5-HT-lir nerve fibers were observed in various tissues, including the cerebrobrachial tract, the skin, and the blood vessels. 5-HT was detected by high-performance liquid chromatography in various regions of the octopus arm at levels matching the density of 5-HT-lir staining. The absence of 5-HT-lir interconnections between the cerebrobrachial tract and the other components of the axial nerve cord suggests that two types of 5-HT-lir innervation exist in the arm. One type, which originates from the brain, may innervate the periphery through the cerebrobrachial tract. Another type, which originates in the cellular layer of the axial nerve cord, may form an intrinsic network in the arm. In addition, 5-HT-lir fibers likely emitted from the neuropil of the axial nerve cord were found to project into cells showing staining for peripheral choline acetyltransferase, a marker of sensory cells of the sucker. Taken together, these observations suggest that intrinsic 5-HT-lir innervation may participate in the sensory transmission in the octopus arm.