Quantitative changes in testicular structure and function in rat exposed to mobile phone radiation.

The possible effects of the electromagnetic fields (EMF) generated by mobile phones on reproductive functions have been discussed in recent years. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of EMF emitted from mobile phones on the rat testis morphology and histopathology using stereological techniques. We also investigated cortisol, testosterone, FSH and LH levels. A total of thirty-two (n = 32) male Wistar albino rats were used in this study. Animals were randomly divided into four groups as control (C, n = 8), sham (Sh, n = 8), mobile phone speech (Sp, n = 8) and mobile phone standby (ST by). Morphometric measurements were made with the help of a computer-assisted stereological analysis system. The testis weight and volume were significantly lower in the EMF exposed groups. The mean volume fraction of interstitial tissue was higher, but the volume fraction of tubular tissue was lower in the EMF-exposed groups. The mean tubular and germinal tissue volume, seminiferous tubule diameter and germinal epithelium height were also lower in EMF exposed groups. The cortisol levels in the EMF-exposed groups were significantly higher. In conclusion, the EMF created by mobile phones caused morphologic and histological changes by the affecting germinal epithelium tissue negatively.

Post-natal growth in the rat pineal gland: a stereological study.

The purpose was to observe the changes in a rat pineal gland using stereological techniques during lactation and post-weaning periods. Thirty Wistar albino rats were studied during different post-natal periods using light microscopy. Pineal gland volume was estimated using the Cavalieri Method. Additionally, the total number of pinealocytes was estimated using the optical fractionator technique. Pineal gland volume displayed statistically significant changes between lactation and after weaning periods. A significant increase in pineal gland volume was observed from post-natal day 10 to post-natal day 90. The numerical density of pinealocytes became stabilized during lactation and decreased rapidly after weaning. However, the total number of pinealocytes continuously increased during post-natal life of all rats in the study. However, this increment was not statistically significant when comparing the lactation and after weaning periods. The increase in post-natal pineal gland volume may depend on increment of immunoreactive fibres, capsule thickness or new synaptic bodies.

Giant coronary sinus and absent right superior vena cava.

Although persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) is rare, it is the most common thoracic venous anomaly. The prevalence of PLSVC is 0.3 % in a general population and 10 % in patients with congenital heart disease. Diagnosis of PLSVC is usually incidental during cardiovascular imaging or surgery. Although PLSVC is usually not associated with any negative hemodynamic effect, it is important to be aware of its existence, since it may cause problems in central venous catheterization, pacemaker implantation and cardiopulmonary bypass. The overall proportion of absent right superior vena cava in patients with PLSVC is approximately 20 %. If PLSVC is associated with absence of the right superior vena cava, the coronary sinus may become gigantic due to excessive inflow. Herein, we report a case of PLSVC complicated by the absence of a right superior vena cava resulting in a giant coronary sinus.

An MRI study of the meniscofemoral and transverse ligaments of the knee.

Our aim was to assess the anatomic localization, dimensions and incidence of the transverse and meniscofemoral ligaments, which can show anatomic variations or be mistaken for some pathologic conditions. In 100 healthy subjects (52 female, 48 male) whose ages ranged from 12 to 84 years, sagittal and coronal magnetic resonance images of the knee were obtained. There was at least one anterior or posterior meniscofemoral ligament in 82 cases. The anterior meniscofemoral ligament was present in 8 of the female and 4 of the male subjects. The posterior meniscofemoral ligament was found in 20 female and 22 male subjects. Both the anterior and posterior meniscofemoral ligaments were present in 15 female and 13 male subjects. The transverse ligament of knee was encountered in 19 female and 12 male subjects. In the females, average lengths of the anterior and posterior meniscofemoral ligaments were 9.87 +/- 4.79 mm and 25.60 +/- 5.50 mm, respectively. The corresponding values in the males were 11.11 +/- 2.57 mm and 28.80 +/- 5.49 mm, respectively. In the females, average width of the anterior and posterior meniscofemoral ligaments were 2.45 +/- 1.02 mm and 2.30 +/- 1.15 mm, respectively. The corresponding values in the males were 2.52 +/- 0.87 mm and 2.30 +/- 1.15 mm, respectively. On MRI assessment, in order to differentiate intra-articular lesions such as osteochondral and meniscal fragments or pseudotear of the lateral meniscus from the normal ligamentous anatomy of knee, the orientation and characteristic localization of the meniscofemoral ligaments should be taken into account. The French version of this article is available in the form of electronic supplementary material and can be obtained by using the Springer LINK server located at http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00276-002-0023-8.