Pendrin and sodium/iodide symporter protein expression in the testicular tissue of normal and diabetic rats in prepubertal and post pubertal stages.

Pendrin (PDS) and sodium/iodide symporter (NIS) are transmembrane proteins that are located in numerous tissue types, particularly thyroid follicular epithelial cells, where they are entrusted with the regulation of iodine molecules. In the present study, we aimed to clarify changes in PDS and NIS protein expression, in the testicular tissue of prepubertal and post pubertal rats at normal or diabetic conditions. Forty Wistar albino male rats (20 prepubertal and 20 post pubertal) were divided into four groups, as follows: group I was prepubertal control, group II was prepubertal diabetic (60 mg/kg intraperitoneal [ip] streptozotocin [STZ]), group III was post pubertal control, and group IV was post pubertal diabetic (60 mg/kg ip STZ). Ki67 immunoreactivity decreased in testicular tissue of both the prepubertal and post pubertal diabetic groups; the apoptotic tubule index and apoptotic cell number increased in the diabetic groups as compared to the control groups. Pendrin immunoreactivity was detected in seminiferous tubules and Leydig cells; and was significantly reduced in the diabetic groups (P<0.05). The number of cells positive for NIS was significantly decreased in prepubertal and post pubertal rats with diabetes, compared to the controls. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) analysis showed that PDS and NIS values were significantly reduced in the prepubertal and post pubertal diabetic groups as compared to the control groups. Our results indicate a potential relationship between puberty and PDS and NIS expression in rat testicular tissue and showed the decreasing effects of diabetes on PDS and NIS expression in testicular tissues in rats.

Effects of hyperthyroidism on expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and apoptosis in fetal adrenal glands.

This study investigated the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), vascular density, and apoptosis in fetal rat adrenal glands with hyperthyroidism in late gestation. Twelve mature female Wistar albino rats with the same biological and physiological features were used for this study. Rats were divided into two groups: control and hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism was induced by daily subcutaneous injections of L-thyroxine (250 µg/kg) before pregnancy for 21 days and during pregnancy. Rats in the control and hyperthyroidism groups were caged according to the number of male rats. Zero day of pregnancy (Day 0) was indicated when the animals were observed to have microscopic sperm in vaginal smears. Pregnant rats were sacrificed on the 20th day of pregnancy; blood from each animal was collected to determine the concentrations of maternal adrenocorticotropic hormone and thyroxine. Rat fetuses were then quickly removed from the uterus, and the adrenal glands of the fetuses were dissected. VEGF expression, vascular density, and apoptosis were analyzed in fetal rat adrenal glands. Maternal serum levels of the adrenocorticotropic hormone and free thyroxine were significantly higher in the hyperthyroidism group than in the control group. Immunohistochemistry revealed that the number of VEGF positive cells and vessel density significantly increased in the hyperthyroidism rat fetal adrenal group compared with the control group. Hyperthyroidism did not change the fetal and placental weights and the number of fetuses. This study demonstrates that hyperthyroidism may have an effect on the development of rat adrenal glands mediated by VEGF expression, angiogenesis, and apoptosis.

Does tamoxifen citrate prevent pulmonary fibrosis due to silica inhalation?

BACKGROUND: As shown in several studies, besides being used in breast cancer, tamoxifen is also known for its antifibrotic effects via reducing the serum TGF-beta levels. We investigated the possible preventive effect of tamoxifen in rats exposed to silica particles depending on the antifibrotic effect. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 102 adult female Wistar Albino rats were divided into five groups. First two groups (control and tmx) were free of silica and the last three groups (slc, tmx1 and tmx 10) were exposed to crystalline silica. The rats in tmx, tmx1 and tmx10 groups received 10 mg/kg, 1 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg of body weight tamoxifen, respectively. On day 84, all rats were sacrified and tissue samples were obtained together with blood samples. The differences in serum TGF-ß levels, histological grades of fibrosis and inflammation in the lung and liver tissues together with addional biochemical markers were calculated between the groups. RESULTS: Silicosis occurred in slc, tmx1 and tmx10 groups in 100%, 91.7% and 52.1%, respectively. Liver fibrosis did not occur. The highest mean lung fibrosis scores were obtained in slc group while the scores were lower in tmx1 group and the lowest in tmx10 within silica-exposed rats. Nevertheless, the inflammation scores were higher in tamoxifen-administered rats in a dose-dependent pattern. CONCLUSION: Silica inhalation did not result in liver fibrosis. Tamoxifen is found to prevent lung fibrosis and reduce serum TGFß-1 levels while increasing lung inflammation (Tab. 3, Fig. 3, Ref. 27).

Effects of kefir on ischemia-reperfusion injury.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the effect of kefir on Ischemia-Reperfusion (I/R) injury on rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 24 male Sprague-Dawley rats between 250-350 g were selected. Rats were divided into three groups, and there were eight rats in each group. Rats were fed for 60 days. All of the rats were fed with the same diet for the first 30 days. In the second thirty days, kefir [10 cc/kg/day body weight (2 x 109 cfu/kg/day)] was added to the diet of the study group by gavage method. In all groups, lung and kidney tissues were removed after the procedure and rats were sacrificed. The biochemical and histopathological changes were observed in the lung and kidney within the samples. Serum urea, creatinine and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) were determined. RESULTS: Kefir + I/R groups was compared with I/R groups, a significant decrease (p < 0.05) was seen in Lipid peroxidation (MDA) levels of lung and renal tissues. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT) and Glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities of lung and kidney tissues decreased in I/R groups (p < 0.05). The enzyme activities in Kefir + I/R groups of renal tissues were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than I/R, not significantly different in lung tissues (p < 0.05). Kefir reduced the levels of serum urea, creatinine and TNF-α significantly. CONCLUSIONS:   This would be useful in this model against ischemia/reperfusion, and shows the protective effect of kefir in tissue and serum functions.

Effects of methylene blue in acute lung injury induced by blunt chest trauma.

BACKGROUND: We studied whether methylene blue (MB) treatment blunts chest trauma-induced lung injury in rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats, 200-300g, were used. The rats were divided into five groups (n=8): control, early contusion (EC), early contusion + methylene blue (2 mg/kg, EC+MB), late contusion (LC), and late contusion + methylene blue (2 mg/kg, LC+MB). RESULTS: Histopathological analysis showed increased hemorrhage, alveolar wall thickness, edema, and inflammatory cell infiltrates in the EC and LC rats, which decreased upon MB treatment. Immunohistochemical studies revealed that MB reduced activation of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and the number of active terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL)-positive cells. A significant increase was observed in the malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) levels in the EC group compared to the control group (p<0.05). In addition, a significant decrease was reported in the glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) levels (p<0.01), but no significant difference was observed in the catalase (CAT) levels among the groups. The MDA level was significantly higher in the LC group compared to the control group, whereas the GSH level was significantly lower compared to the control group. The NO level in the EC+MB group was significantly lower when compared to the NO level in the EC group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The present study provides evidence that MB might serve as a therapeutic treatment for blunt chest trauma.

The effect of royal jelly on CD3+, CD5+, CD45+ T-cell and CD68+ cell distribution in the colon of rats with acetic acid-induced colitis

Background: Traditional medicines and health supplements have historically been used to treat many illnesses but most of them have not been evaluated objectively to prove their efficacy. We have been investigating the effects of royal jelly (RJ) supplements on acetic acid-induced colitis on the distribution of CD3+, CD5+, CD45+ T-cell and CD68+ cells in rats. Methods: The rats were divided into four equal groups: control group, royal jelly-treated (RJ - 150mgkg−1 body weight), acetic acid-treated (colitis) and acetic acid-treated (colitis) +royal jelly (CRJ - 150mgkg−1 body weight). Colitis was induced by intracolonic instillation of 4% acetic acid; the control group received physiological saline (10mLkg−1). Colon samples were obtained under deep anaesthesia from animals in four groups. Tissues were fixed in 10% formalin neutral buffer solution for 24h and embedded in paraffin. Results: The proliferative response of CD3+ and CD45+ T cells stimulated with colitis was affected by colitis treated with RJ. No differences were found in CD5+ T cells and CD68+ macrophages in the colitis treated with RJ. Conclusions: This study has shown that RJ has anti-inflammatory and cell regeneration effect in the colon of rats with acetic acid induced colitis(AU)

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The effect of royal jelly on CD3(+), CD5(+), CD45(+) T-cell and CD68(+) cell distribution in the colon of rats with acetic acid-induced colitis.

BACKGROUND: Traditional medicines and health supplements have historically been used to treat many illnesses but most of them have not been evaluated objectively to prove their efficacy. We have been investigating the effects of royal jelly (RJ) supplements on acetic acid-induced colitis on the distribution of CD3(+), CD5(+), CD45(+) T-cell and CD68(+) cells in rats. METHODS: The rats were divided into four equal groups: control group, royal jelly-treated (RJ - 150mgkg(-1) body weight), acetic acid-treated (colitis) and acetic acid-treated (colitis)+royal jelly (CRJ - 150mgkg(-1) body weight). Colitis was induced by intracolonic instillation of 4% acetic acid; the control group received physiological saline (10mLkg(-1)). Colon samples were obtained under deep anaesthesia from animals in four groups. Tissues were fixed in 10% formalin neutral buffer solution for 24h and embedded in paraffin. RESULTS: The proliferative response of CD3(+) and CD45(+) T cells stimulated with colitis was affected by colitis treated with RJ. No differences were found in CD5(+) T cells and CD68(+) macrophages in the colitis treated with RJ. CONCLUSIONS: This study has shown that RJ has anti-inflammatory and cell regeneration effect in the colon of rats with acetic acid induced colitis.

Effect of royal jelly on experimental colitis Induced by acetic acid and alteration of mast cell distribution in the colon of rats.

This study investigated the effects of royal jelly (RJ) on acetic acid-induced colitis in rats. Twenty adult female Wistar albino rats were divided into four treatment groups of 5 animals each, including a control group (Group I); Group II was treated orally with RJ (150 mg kg(-1) body weight); Group III had acetic acid-induced colitis; and Group IV had acetic acid-induced colitis treated orally with RJ (150 mg kg(-1) body weight) for 4 weeks. Colitis was induced by intracolonic instillation of 4% acetic acid; the control group received physiological saline (10 mL kg(-1)). Colon samples were obtained under deep anaesthesia from animals in all groups. Tissues were fixed in 10% formalin neutral buffer solution for 24 h and embedded in paraffin. Six-micrometre-thick sections were stained with Mallory's triple stain and toluidine blue in 1% aqueous solution at pH 1.0 for 5 min (for Mast Cells). RJ was shown to protect the colonic mucosa against the injurious effect of acetic acid. Colitis (colonic damage) was confirmed histomorphometrically as significant increases in the number of mast cells (MC) and colonic erosions in rats with acetic acid-induced colitis. The RJ treatment significantly decreased the number of MC and reduced the area of colonic erosion in the colon of RJ-treated rats compared with rats with untreated colitis. The results suggest that oral treatment with RJ could be used to treat colitis.

Distribution and heterogeneity of mast cells in female reproductive tract and ovary on different days of the oestrus cycle in Angora goats.

The physiological distribution of mast cells (MCs) in the reproductive tract and ovary of 12 Angora goats was determined using light microscopic histochemical techniques. Uterus (corpus uteri and cornu uteri), uterine cervix, uterine tubes (isthmus and ampulla) and ovary samples were obtained by laparatomy from groups of animals during metoestrus, dioestrus and proestrus (days 5, 10 and 16 of the oestrous cycle). Tissues were fixed in Mota's fixative (basic lead acetate) for 48 h and embedded in paraffin. Six-micrometre-thick sections were stained with toluidine blue in 1% aqueous solution at pH 1.0 for 5 min and alcian blue-Safranin at pH 1.0 for 30 min. MCs were generally associated with blood vessels in all reproductive organs. In the uterus, they were concentrated mainly in the close of the uterine gland and deep stroma in the endometrium. Higher MC numbers were observed by toluidine blue staining in the uterus, uterine cervix and uterine tubes on days 10 (corpus uterine: 4.7 +/- 3.8 and cornu uterine: 4.9 +/- 3.5) and 16 (corpus uterine: 5.9 +/- 4.5 and cornu uterine: 5.4 +/- 2.4) of the oestrous cycle compared with day 5 (p < 0.05). Mast cells were not observed in the follicles, the corpus luteum and the underside of the surface epithelium of the ovarian cortex, but were observed in the interstitial cortical stroma and the ovarian medulla. In the ovary, MC numbers were significantly higher on day 16 of the oestrous cycle (cortex: 3.4 +/- 2.4 and medulla: 5.7 +/- 4.5, p < 0.05). Safranin-positive connective tissue MCs were not observed in the uterine tube on any occasion. These results indicate oestrous cycle-related changes in the number and location of MCs in goat reproductive organs.

Age-related changes in the number of mast cells in the avian lymphoid organs.

The distribution of mast cells (MCs) was studied in the lymphoid organs (thymus, bursa of Fabricius and spleen) of 0-, 7-, 21-, 30- and 120-day-old chickens, using light microscopic histochemical techniques. Tissues samples were obtained under deep anaesthesia from animals in five groups. Tissues were fixed in Mota's fixative (basic lead acetate) for 24 h and embedded in paraffin. Six-micrometre-thick sections were stained with toluidine blue in 0.5% aqueous solution at pH 1.0 for 5 min and Alcian blue/Safranine at pH 1.42 for 30 min. MCs were found in the organs, mostly associated with sinuses and blood vessels. A large increase in MCs was observed in both thymus and spleen of 21-day-old chickens compared with 0-, 7-, 30- and 120-day-old chickens. However, in the bursa of Fabricius, numbers of MCs were significantly higher in the 7-day-old group compared with other age groups. Safranine-positive MCs were not observed in all organs and age groups. These results showed age-related changes in the number of MCs in avian lymphoid tissues.

Therapeutic administration of anti-PcrV F(ab')(2) in sepsis associated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

The effects of rabbit-derived polyclonal Ab against PcrV, a protein involved in the translocation of type III secreted toxins of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, was investigated in two animal models of P. aeruginosa sepsis. In a mouse survival study, the i.v. administration of anti-PcrV IgG after the airspace instillation of a lethal dose of P. aeruginosa resulted in the complete survival of the animals. In a rabbit model of septic shock associated with Pseudomonas-induced lung injury, animals treated with anti-PcrV IgG intratracheally or i.v. had significant decreases in lung injury, bacteremia, and plasma TNF-alpha and significant improvement in the hemodynamic parameters associated with shock compared with animals treated in a similar manner with nonspecific control IgG. The administration of anti-PcrV F(ab')(2) showed protective effects comparable to those of whole anti-PcrV IgG. These results document that the therapeutic administration of anti-PcrV IgG blocks the type III secretion system-mediated virulence of P. aeruginosa and prevents septic shock and death, and that these protective effects are largely Fc independent. We conclude that Ab therapy neutralizing the type III secretion system has significant potential against lethal P. aeruginosa infections.

Mapping histology to metabolism: coregistration of stained whole-brain sections to premortem PET in Alzheimer's disease.

The association between [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) counts obtained 8 h before death and neurofibrillary tangle (NFT) staining density in a patient with Alzheimer's disease (AD) was evaluated. In our patient FDG-PET counts were globally decreased with a greater focal deficit in the left medial temporal region independent of volume loss. After death, whole-brain sections derived from cryomacrotome sectioning were stained for NFTs by the Gallyas method and elastically warped into their native space enabling registration with premortem FDG-PET data. Gallyas staining density was localized to the paralimbic cortex of the basal forebrain, medial temporal, and orbital frontal regions. The poor correlation between NFT staining density and hypometabolism on FDG-PET implicates alternate mechanisms underlying the metabolic defect in AD.