A molecular epidemiological investigation of contagious caprine pleuropneumonia in goats and captive Arabian sand gazelle (Gazella marica) in Oman.

BACKGROUND: Contagious caprine pleuropneumonia (CCPP) is a fatal WOAH-listed, respiratory disease in small ruminants with goats as primary hosts that is caused by Mycoplasma capricolum subspecies capripneumoniae (Mccp). Twelve CCPP outbreaks were investigated in 11 goat herds and a herd of captive Arabian sand gazelle (Gazella marica) in four Omani governorates by clinical pathological and molecular analysis to compare disease manifestation and Mccp genetic profiles in goats and wild ungulates. RESULTS: The CCPP forms in diseased and necropsied goats varied from peracute (5.8%), acute (79.2%) and chronic (4.5%) while all of the five necropsied gazelles showed the acute form based on the clinical picture, gross and histopathological evaluation. Colonies of Mccp were recovered from cultured pleural fluid, but not from lung tissue samples of one gazelle and nine goats and all the isolates were confirmed by Mccp-specific real time PCR. Whole genome-single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis was performed on the ten isolates sequenced in this study and twenty sequences retrieved from the Genbank database. The Mccp strains from Oman clustered all in phylogroup A together with strains from East Africa and one strain from Qatar. A low variability of around 125 SNPs was seen in the investigated Omani isolates from both goats and gazelles indicating mutual transmission of the pathogen between wildlife and goats. CONCLUSION: Recent outbreaks of CCPP in Northern Oman are caused by Mccp strains of the East African Phylogroup A which can infect goats and captive gazelles likewise. Therefore, wild and captive ungulates should be considered as reservoirs and included in CCPP surveillance measures.

Compartment 1 acidosis associated with hemorrhagic diathesis causing mortalities among racing camels in Oman.

Camels are adapted to digestion of dry rough forages for their nutrition, and sudden change to highly digestible feed during the racing season causes digestive disorders. The current study investigated the cause of death among racing dromedary camels within 3-7 days following a sudden onset of fever ≈ 41 °C, colic with tarry feces, and enlarged superficial lymph nodes. Marked leukopenia, low RBC count and thrombocytopenia, deranged liver and renal function tests, and prolonged coagulation profiles were reported. Compartment 1 fluid revealed a pH of 4.3-5.2 with absence or few ciliated protozoa and Gram-positive microbial flora. Widespread petechial to ecchymotic hemorrhages were observed in various organs including the gastrointestinal tract (compartment 3 and colon), lungs, and heart. Fibrin thrombi in arterioles, capillaries, venules, and medium-sized veins were observed especially in the pulmonary interstitium, submucosa of the large intestine (ascending colon), deep dermis, and renal cortex. Furthermore, widespread hemorrhages and necrosis were constant histopathological lesions in parenchymatous organs. Based on clinical signs, hematology, blood biochemistry, and gross and microscopical findings, the cases were diagnosed as compartment 1 acidosis associated with hemorrhagic diathesis and endotoxicosis. Finally, compartment 1 acidosis associated with hemorrhagic diathesis is a serious fatal disease on the Arabian Peninsula in racing dromedaries causing multi-organ dysfunction and coagulopathy and disseminated hemorrhages.

Cellular infiltration, cytokines, and histopathology of skin lesions associated with different clinical forms and stages of naturally occurring lumpy skin disease in cattle.

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) caused by the Capripoxvirus LSD virus which infects cattle, leading to a serious disease characterized by fever and the eruption of skin nodules all over the surface of the body. Our understanding of the pathogenesis of this disease is still incomplete, particularly the immunopathological alterations occurring in the skin nodules of infected animals. Therefore, we collected skin nodules from naturally infected cattle with different forms of the disease, both in the early stage of clinical infection and after disease progression. The skin samples were examined both histopathologically and immunohistochemically using a variety of antibodies targeting immune cellular markers and cytokines. As a result, the dermatohistopathology revealed orthokeratotic hyperkeratosis, vasculitis, epidermal microvesicles, and cellules claveleuses of Borrel in the early stage of infection, with the severity of the lesions correlating with the severity of the clinical disease. Meanwhile, late-stage samples had epidermal hyperkeratosis as well as dermal lymphocytic and histiocytic infiltrations. The predominant cellular infiltrates in the cutaneous lesions of early-stage LSD samples were interferon (IFN)-γ+ cells and CD4+ T lymphocytes with few macrophage lineage cells. However, in the late-stage samples, numerous Iba-1+ macrophages, with few IFN-γ+ cells and CD4+ T lymphocytes, were detected. Our findings indicate that IFN-γ+ cells, CD4+ T lymphocytes, and macrophages play a key role in the immunity against natural LSD virus infection and imply that cutaneous vasculopathy associated with LSD virus infection is an immune-mediated lesion. The current study contributes to our understanding of the pathogenesis of LSD.

Protective potential of royal jelly against hydroxyurea -induced hepatic injury in rats via antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptosis properties.

Hydroxyurea (HDU) is a widely used medication for various malignancies, thalassemia, and sickle cell anemia with reported side effects. The current study investigated HDU- induced hepatic injury and the protective potential of the royal jelly (RJ) against this hepatotoxic effect in the light of hepatic oxidative/ antioxidative status, pro-inflammatory cytokine, apoptosis signaling pathway, and histopathology. Sixty albino rats were used (n = 10/group) for 60 days: control, RJ (100 mg/kg body weight, orally), HDU (225 mg/kg body weight, orally), 2HDU (450 mg/kg body weight, orally), and HDU + RJ groups. HDU-treated rats showed significant elevation of liver function tests as aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase, as well as malondialdehyde and nitric oxide (oxidative biomarkers) and significant decreased hepatic antioxidant molecules (reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase), compared to a control group, that more pronounced in the high dose of HDU. In addition, HDU induced significant upregulation of TNF-α and the Caspase-3 apoptotic pathway. Moreover, the liver of HDU treated groups showed various hepatic lesions from mild to severe necrotic changes related to the HDU dose. However, administration of RJ with HDU improved liver function tests, liver histology, and hepatic oxidative/antioxidative status concerning HDU groups. Furthermore, oral RJ administration with HDU significantly lessens the immune-expression area % of TNF-α and Caspase-3. Thus, the royal jelly has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties against HDU- induced hepatic injury and could be, therefore, used as adjuvant therapy in patients with long-term HDU medication.

Leucocytozoon caulleryi in Broiler Chicken Flocks: Clinical, Hematologic, Histopathologic, and Molecular Detection.

Despite the vast Egyptian poultry production, scanty information is available concerning the infection of haemprotozoan parasites as pathogens in commercial broilers. In the present study, we provided the first detection of leucocytozoonosis in five broiler chicken flocks in El-Beheira Egyptian governorate. Despite the low mortality rates in the affected flocks (0.3%-1% as a 5-day mortality), severe postmortem (hemorrhagic spots and scars) and histopathologic lesions appeared in different organs including skeletal muscles, liver, kidney, pancreas, abdominal cavity, and bursa of Fabricius. Evaluation of blood smears revealed gametocytes in erythrocytes and leukocytes. Conventional reverse transcriptase-PCR and partial sequence analysis of mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase b gene detected Leucocytozoon caulleryi. GenBank accession numbers of the five Egyptian L. caulleryi isolates were obtained. The five L. caulleryi were 99.9% identical to each other and 99.14% similar to the L. caulleryi mitochondrial DNA gene of Asian strains from India, Japan, Malaysia, South Korea, Taiwan, and Thailand.

Leucocytozoon caulleryi en parvadas de pollos de engorde: detección clínica, hematológica, histopatológica y molecular. A pesar de la vasta producción avícola en Egipto, se dispone de escasa información sobre la infección de parásitos hemoprotozoarios como patógenos en pollos de engorde comerciales. En el presente estudio, se proporciona la primera detección de leucocitozoonosis en cinco parvadas de pollos de engorde en la gobernación egipcia de El-Beheira. A pesar de las bajas tasas de mortalidad en las parvadas afectadas (0.3% -1% como mortalidad de 5 días), aparecieron graves lesiones post mortem (manchas hemorrágicas y cicatrices) e histopatológicas en diferentes órganos, incluidos músculo esquelético, hígado, riñón, páncreas, cavidad abdominal y bolsa de Fabricio. La evaluación de los frotis de sangre reveló gametocitos en eritrocitos y leucocitos. Mediante un método de transcripción reversa con PCR convencional y el análisis parcial de secuencias del gene del citocromo oxidasa b mitocondrial se detectó Leucocytozoon caulleryi. Se obtuvieron los números de acceso de la base de datos GenBank de los cinco aislados de los L. caulleryi egipcios. Los cinco L. caulleryi eran 99.9% idénticos entre sí y 99.14% similares al gene del ADN mitocondrial de L. caulleryi de cepas asiáticas de India, Japón, Malasia, Corea del Sur, Taiwán y Tailandia.

Animal rabies situation in Sultanate of Oman (2017-2019).

Successful preventive and control measures of zoonotic diseases require updated epidemiological data. Sylvatic rabies is endemic in Oman since 1990. Studying of the prevalence of animal rabies in Oman (2017-2019) was the goal of the current study besides the clinical-histopathological investigations of rabies in different animal species. A total of 117 whole brains of different animal species from different regions of Oman were examined by fluorescent antibody test (FAT) and histopathology for rabies during 2017-2019. Sixty-four samples (54.7%) were positive for rabies by FAT. The most affected species were goat (53.1%) followed by camel (18.8%), which pose a great risk to farmers and veterinarians. Positive fox cases were (10.9%). Most confirmed cases of animal rabies were submitted from Northern regions of Oman. Rabies was reported recently in Al Wusta among wild ruminants, Central Oman. The seasonal cycle of animal rabies in Oman was year-round with the peak from December to April. The clinical signs and neuropathological findings were nearly similar in different animal species. Histopathology-positive cases had Negri bodies in pyramidal and purkinje neurons, non-suppurative encephalitis features, and neuronal degeneration and necrosis. The sensitivity and specificity of histopathological diagnosis of rabies in different animals were 76.47% and 100.00%, respectively. Finally, sylvatic rabies remains a major challenge to the public and animal health in Oman. Although of the value of histopathological diagnosis of rabies if no other technique is available, other complementary tests must be employed to confirm negative results.

Molecular characterization and diagnostic investigations of rabies encephalitis in camels (Camelus dromedaries) in Oman: a retrospective study.

The accurate and early diagnosis of rabies is critical for undertaking public health measures in animals. The aim of the current study was to identify the molecular characterization of the circulating rabies virus (RABV) among camels (Camelus dromedaries) in Oman and to evaluate the efficacy of the histopathology and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) as diagnostic tools of acute rabies encephalitis in camels in comparison with direct fluorescent antibody test (dFAT). Of the forty-five brain samples from suspected camels submitted to the Animal Health Research Center in Oman (2009-2013), 22 cases were positive by dFAT and RT-PCR. Two positive samples were subjected for N gene nucleotide sequencing and phylogenetic analysis (accession numbers GU353156 and KC883998 for brain samples collected in 2009 and 2011, respectively). The specificity and sensitivity of histopathology were 100% and 81%, respectively, while in RT-PCR were 100% and 100%, respectively. The neuropathological changes were presence of intracytoplasmic inclusions (Negri bodies) in the pyramidal neurons of the hippocampus beside prominent cerebral and cerebellar congestion and hemorrhage. Neuronal necrosis with satellitosis and neuronophagia were also noticed in the cerebrum of affected brains. Conclusively, there was one genetic group of RABV with 99% homology circulating in Omani camels. Also, it is concluded that histopathological examination is a safe and reliable diagnostic tool when only formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded material is available, but the negative results should be reaffirmed by dFAT or RT-PCR.

First report of an outbreak of cerebral coenurosis in Dhofari goats in Oman.

This study documented the first outbreak of cerebral coenurosis in goats in Salalah, southern Oman. Deaths of 130 (16.6%) adult native goats in a herd (n=780) were reported from January to June 2017. Affected goats showed various nervous signs ended by death. Investigations for thiamine deficiency, polioencephalomalacia, caprine arthritis encephalitis, and listeriosis were negative. Upon necropsy, multiple (1-4) thin-walled cysts 2-3.5 cm in diameter containing clear fluid with numerous clusters of protoscolices in the cerebrum and cerebellum had replaced the brain parenchyma, causing space-occupying lesions. Parasitologically, the recovered cysts were Coenurus cerebralis, based on the arrangement of protoscolices, and the number and size of their hooks. Morphologically, each protoscolex had four suckers and a rostellum with double-crown hooks. The large and small hooks were 157.7±0.5 µm and 115±0.6 µm in length, respectively. Histopathologically, the parasite destroyed the affected tissues associated with multifocal to diffuse lymphocytic, non-suppurative meningoencephalitis; ischemic neuronal necrosis; and malacia. This is the first report of cerebral coenurosis in livestock in Oman, which should alert the local public health authorities for the application of prevention and control measures.

First report of an outbreak of cerebral coenurosis in Dhofari goats in Oman / Primeiro relato de um surto de coenurose cerebral em cabras Dhofari em Omã

Abstract This study documented the first outbreak of cerebral coenurosis in goats in Salalah, southern Oman. Deaths of 130 (16.6%) adult native goats in a herd (n=780) were reported from January to June 2017. Affected goats showed various nervous signs ended by death. Investigations for thiamine deficiency, polioencephalomalacia, caprine arthritis encephalitis, and listeriosis were negative. Upon necropsy, multiple (1-4) thin-walled cysts 2-3.5 cm in diameter containing clear fluid with numerous clusters of protoscolices in the cerebrum and cerebellum had replaced the brain parenchyma, causing space-occupying lesions. Parasitologically, the recovered cysts were Coenurus cerebralis, based on the arrangement of protoscolices, and the number and size of their hooks. Morphologically, each protoscolex had four suckers and a rostellum with double-crown hooks. The large and small hooks were 157.7±0.5 µm and 115±0.6 µm in length, respectively. Histopathologically, the parasite destroyed the affected tissues associated with multifocal to diffuse lymphocytic, non-suppurative meningoencephalitis; ischemic neuronal necrosis; and malacia. This is the first report of cerebral coenurosis in livestock in Oman, which should alert the local public health authorities for the application of prevention and control measures.

Resumo Este estudo documentou o primeiro surto de coenurose cerebral em cabras em Salalah, Oman. A morte de 130 (16,6%) caprinos adultos nativos (n=780) foi relatada de janeiro a junho de 2017. As cabras afetadas mostraram distúrbios neurológicos, que culminaram em óbito. Investigações para deficiência de tiamina, polioencefalomalácia, encefalite por artrite caprina e listeriose foram negativas. Na necropsia, múltiplos (1-4) cistos de paredes finas com 2-3,5 cm de diâmetro contendo líquido claro com numerosos aglomerados de protoescólices no cérebro e no cerebelo haviam substituído o parênquima cerebral, causando compressão nas estruturas adjacentes. Os cistos recuperados foram identificados como sendo de Coenurus cerebralis, com base no arranjo dos protoescólices, e no número e tamanho de seus ganchos. Morfologicamente, cada protoescólice tinha quatro ventosas e um rostelo com dupla coroa de ganchos. Os ganchos grandes e pequenos tinham 157,7±0,5 µm e 115±0,6 µm de comprimento, respectivamente. Histopatologicamente, o parasita causou a destruição dos tecidos afetados associada à meningoencefalite linfocítica não-supurativa, que variou de multifocal a difusa, necrose neuronal isquêmica e malacia. Este é o primeiro relato de coenurose em ruminantes no Oman, o que deve servir de alerta para as autoridades locais da área de saúde para a aplicação de medidas de prevenção e controle.

Natural Ehrlichia ruminantium infection in two captive Arabian tahrs (Arabitragus jayakari) in Oman.

This study was investigated the cause of death of two captive adult Arabian tahrs (Arabitragus jayakari) died within 2-3 days after onset of fever and neurologic signs in a private farm in northern Batinah Region of Oman. Blood counting revealed leukocytosis attributed to neutrophilia and serum chemistry showed hypoproteinemia, increased creatine kinase and BUN. Upon autopsy, the animals exhibited mild ascites and hydrothorax, prominent hydropericardium, with large pale-yellow clear fluid coagulum, prominent epicardial petechiation, as well as severe pulmonary edema associated with frothy fluid in airways. Brain edema with congestion of meningeal and parenchymal vessels was prominent. Histopathology revealed severe congestion and edema of both lung and brain as well as cardiac myopathy. Ehrlichia ruminantium colonies (the causative organism of cowdriosis; OIE-listed disease) were demonstrated in the capillary endothelium of fresh brain squash and lung macrophages. This is the first report of natural E. ruminantium infection in Arabian tahr, the highly endangered species, based on typical clinical signs of acute cowdriosis and demonstration of E. ruminantium colonies in the brain capillary endothelial cells.

Thymoquinone attenuates testicular and spermotoxicity following subchronic lead exposure in male rats: Possible mechanisms are involved.

AIMS: The testis is one of the main target organs for lead (Pb) toxicity. The current study was investigated the mechanism (s) of the therapeutic potential of thymoquinone (TQ), the active principle of Nigella sativa seed, against testicular toxicity following subchronic Pb exposure in the light of cytopathic effects, apoptotic signaling pathways, oxidative stress, serum sex hormones levels and testicular aromatase gene expression. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-two male albino rats were randomly allocated into control, PbAc (20 mg PbAc/kg bwt, orally), TQ (5 mg TQ/kg bwt dissolved in corn oil, orally), and PbAc + TQ groups for 56 successive days. KEY FINDINGS: PbAc-treated rats showed significant decrease of testes and epididymes weights, sperm count, motility and viability, spermatogenesis score and serum FSH, LH, testosterone and estradiol levels, as well as a significant decreased testicular antioxidant molecules (Superoxide dismutase enzyme and reduced glutathione), and a significant elevation of sperm abnormalities, oxidative biomarkers (Malondialdehyde and Nitric oxide) compared to a control group. In addition, Pb induced significant downregulation of aromatase gene expression, activation of Bax and Caspase-3 apoptotic pathways. Moreover, Pb caused complete seminiferous tubules hyalinization (38%), germinal epithelium sloughing (15%) and hypocellularity (8%). However, administration of TQ with PbAc improved sperm quality, testicular histology and oxidative/antioxidative status, and serum levels of LH, testosterone and E2 with respect to PbAc group. Additionally, TQ with PbAc significantly lessen the staining intensity and the area of Bax and Caspase-3 immunoexpression. SIGNIFICANCE: TQ might exert its acceptable therapeutic potential against Pb-induced testicular and spermotoxicity via anti-oxidative, endocrine and anti-apoptotic pathways.

Protective effect of diallyl sulfide against lead-mediated oxidative damage, apoptosis and down-regulation of CYP19 gene expression in rat testes.

AIMS: The present study aimed to investigate the potential therapeutic effect of diallyl sulfide (DAS), a natural component of garlic (Allium sativum), in the improvement of lead (Pb)-induced testicular toxicity and its underlying mechanisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-two male albino rats were randomly divided into control, PbAc (20 mg lead acetate/kg bwt, orally), DAS (200 mg/kg bwt, orally), and PbAc + DAS groups for 49 successive days. The investigation based on the following criteria: Paired testes and epididymides weights, epididymal sperm analysis, level of serum sex hormones (Testosterone and17ß-estradiol (E2)), aromatase (CYP19) expression, Malondialdehyde (MDA), Nitric oxide (NO), Superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme, reduced glutathione (GSH), testicular histopathology, spermatogenesis score and apoptosis detection (Caspase-3 immunoexpression). KEY FINDINGS: Pb caused significant decline in epididymal sperm count and motility, testes and epididymes weights, spermatogenesis score and serum testosterone and1E2, as well as a significant decrease in SOD and GSH level, and a significant elevation of MDA and NO compared to a control group. In addition, Pb induced significant downregulation of CYP19 gene expression, increase of Caspase-3 immunoreactivity, various testicular degenerative and necrotic changes. Whereas, co-treatment of rats with DAS improved sperm analysis, and testicular histology and antioxidative status. Furthermore, DAS co-administration regulated testicular CYP19 and Caspase-3 expressions. SIGNIFICANCE: Collectively, DAS seemed to be a promising agent for protection against Pb-induced testicular toxicity through antioxidative properties, beside regulation of testicular apoptosis and aromatase expression.

Experimental doxycycline overdose in rats causes cardiomyopathy.

All reports of doxycycline-induced cardiomyopathy to date have been limited to accidental oral poisoning in calves. Therefore, the current study investigated the cardiomyotoxic effect of experimental doxycycline overdose in rats as a toxicity model which could be monitored using histopathological and biochemical assays. A total of 38-week-old male Wistar rats were divided into three groups consisting of 10 each. The first group was an untreated control group (D0 ), and the second group (D5 ) received doxycycline hyclate 25 mg/kg intragastrically twice daily (8 AM and 8 PM), which is 5-fold higher than the standard dose. The third group (D10 ) received 50 mg/kg intragastrically twice daily (8 AM and 8 PM), which is 10-fold higher than the standard dose. The dose continued for 10 consecutive days and revealed that the doxycycline toxicity was dose dependent. Mortality was recorded in the D10 group only (30%). The D5 rats exhibited minimal skeletal muscle injury and slight but significant increases in the skeletal muscle damage indicators creatine kinase (CK) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) compared to controls. The cardiac muscle of the D5 rats was histologically normal, and the D5 rats also exhibited normal levels of troponin I (cTnI), an indicator of cardiac muscle damage. In contrast, the D10 rats displayed cardiomyopathy, as well as significant increases in the muscle enzymes alanine aminotransferase (ALT), AST and CK and the cardiac damage indicator cTnI compared to control and D5 groups. Pulmonary lesions were observed in the D10 rats, primarily cardiac lesion-related alveolar heart failure cells. Thus the present study is the first to demonstrate that oral doxycycline poisoning (10 times the therapeutic dose)-induced cardiomyopathy is not limited to calves and could occur without any predisposing factors.

Neurohepatic toxicity of subacute manganese chloride exposure and potential chemoprotective effects of lycopene.

Excess manganese (Mn) is potentially toxic resulting in a permanent neurodegenerative disorder, clinically known as "manganism" that is distinctive for hepaticencephalopathy. The present study was designed to explore the toxic impacts of subacute Mn exposure on brain and liver tissues, and the relative abilities of lycopene in averting such neurohepatic damage. Rats were daily injected with MnCl(2) (0 or 6mg/kg, i.p.) 20 days after lycopene administration (0 or 10mg/kg, p.o.), and killed 4 weeks after MnCl(2) exposure. MnCl(2)-induced lipid peroxidation and perturbation in antioxidant system, increase of acetylcholinesterase, aminotransferases, and decrease alkaline phosphatase, and lactate dehydrogenase activities with hyperglycemia as demonstrated by Alzheimer type II astrocytosis, and periportal hepatic necrosis and apoptosis were prevented by lycopene. However, lycopene did not prevent the increased body burden of Mn and the altered Fe and Cu homeostasis induced by MnCl(2). Glutathione S-transferase and catalase activities, and glutathione content were reduced in MnCl(2)-challenged rats, and sustained by lycopene. Our results indicate that although lycopene failed to reduce Mn concentration or retain disturbed elemental status; it appears to be a highly effective in alleviating its neurohepatic deleterious effects by preventing lipid peroxidation, hyperglycemia and changes in the activity of acetylcholinesterase and hepatobiliary enzymes, and antioxidant pathways.

Influence of vitamin C supplementation on lead-induced histopathological alterations in male rats.

This study is intended to evaluate the efficacy of vitamin C (VC) in ameliorating the detrimental effects of long-term lead intoxication on the liver, kidneys, brain and testes as assessed by histopathology. A total of forty male Wistar rats (six-weeks-old) was divided into 4 groups: control group; lead-acetate (PbAc)-treated group (20 mgPbAc/kgbwt); PbAc+VC-treated group (20 mgPbAc/kgbwt plus 20 mg VC/kgbwt); and VC-treated group (20 mgVC/kgbwt). The Experimental period was lasted for 60 successive days in which PbAc was administered once daily while VC was supplemented every other day using intra-gastric intubation. At the end of the experimental period, all rats were sacrificed and pathological examinations were performed. Control and VC-supplemented rats showed normal liver, kidney, brain, and testes histology. In contrast, the liver of PbAc-intoxicated rats exhibited degenerated hepatocytes and portal inflammatory cell infiltrations. The kidneys showed degenerated glomeruli and formation of karyomegalic cells containing intranuclear inclusions in the proximal tubular epithelium. Cerebellar edema, cerebral satellitosis and encephalomalacia observed in the brain. Testicular tissues showed arrest of spermatogenesis and interstitial edema. Co-administration of VC with PbAc diminished the severity of pathological changes and reduced the number of affected organs compared to PbAc-intoxicated rats. These results show that low level of VC ameliorated and mitigated the adverse pathological impacts of chronic lead toxicity.