Histology and immunofluorescent study of the pancreas in lovebird (Agapornis personatus).

BACKGROUND: Lovebird (Agapornis personatus) is a monotypic species of bird of the lovebird genus in the parrot family Psittaculidae and order Psittaciformes. OBJECTIVES: The present study was designed to investigate the histology and immunohistochemistry of the pancreas in the lovebird. METHODS: Totally, three adult birds were used. The pancreas was assessed using histological and immunofluorescent staining to detect insulin, glucagon, somatostatin, pancreatic polypeptide (PP) and neuropeptide Y (NY). RESULTS: The exocrine pancreas was composed of pyramidal acinar cells with zymogen granules at the apical cytoplasm. The endocrine pancreas was identified as large alpha, small beta and mixed islets of Langerhans. No intercalated duct was observed. Alpha cells with a density of 28.55% were the most numerous cell type, which were populated throughout the large islets, especially at the periphery. The beta cells with a density of 15.78% were accumulated mostly at the periphery of islets. The delta cells exhibited 17.81% intensity. Despite their lower density, the distribution of delta cells was like that of A cells throughout the islets. PP and NY cells were distinguished with densities of 14.69% and 20.63%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Although the arrangement of acinar cells, ductal systems and endocrine islets reflects patterns observed in various avian species, the absence of intercalated duct, the presence of three types of Langerhans islets as alpha, beta and mixed islets and the high expression of NY in the islets were some unique features observed in the current study. These findings contribute to the broader understanding of avian pancreas histology.

Morphology and morphometry of sperm in Kurdish stallions, a local breed from western Iran.

The present work was designed for a thorough investigation into the sperm morphology and morphometry of Kurdish stallions. The semen samples were collected from 10 Kurdish stallions. Three preparations from each ejaculate were stained with eosin-nigrosin (EN), Diff-Quik (DQ) and Rose Bengal (RB). The area, perimeter, length and width of the sperm head as well as tail length and total sperm length were measured. The parameters ellipticity, elongation, roughness and regularity were calculated. The morphology of sperm was also investigated under scanning and transmission electron microscopes. DQ and RB provided more clarified images for examining sperm structures compared to the EN method. The head length, head width, area and perimeter in EN were significantly higher than those in DQ and RB (p ≤ .05). Furthermore, the difference in head width, head area and head perimeter between DQ and RB was not significant (p ≥ .05). The tail length and total sperm length in all methods were close together (p ≥ .05). The highest percentage of normal sperm was seen in DQ and RB methods (82.55 ± 2.88 and 88.31 ± 5.19) respectively. The highest values for ellipticity, elongation and regularity were found in RB, whereas the highest value for roughness was measured in EN. Tail defects including coiled tails, and folded midpieces were the most frequent. Scanning electron microscope revealed two types of head shapes: heads with round anterior border, and heads with flat anterior border. The results indicated that despite the routine use of EN for morphological assessment of stallion sperm, RB and DQ can be considered for more clarified details of sperm structure including acrosome and midpiece. Furthermore, the Kurdish stallion sperm has morphometric traits in the normal range established for stallions; yet, some traits were larger than those reported for other breeds. It seems that the sperm of the Kurdish stallion has a longer head and tail in comparison with other horse breeds.

Therapeutic effect of sodium alginate on bleomycin, etoposide and cisplatin (BEP)-induced reproductive toxicity by inhibiting nitro-oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis.

Impaired spermatogenesis and male infertility are common consequences of chemotherapy drugs used in patients with testicular cancer. The present study investigated the effects of sodium alginate (NaAL) on testicular toxicity caused by bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin (BEP). Rats in group 1 received normal saline, while groups 2 and 3 were treated with 25 and 50 mg/kg of NaAL, respectively. Group 4 was treated with a 21-day cycle of BEP (0.5 mg/kg bleomycin, 5 mg/kg etoposide, and 1 mg/kg cisplatin), and groups 5 and 6 received BEP regimen plus 25 and 50 mg/kg of NaAL, respectively. Then, sperm parameters, testosterone levels, testicular histopathology and stereological parameters, testicular levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and the expression of apoptosis-associated genes including Bcl2, Bax, Caspase3, p53, and TNF-α were evaluated. Our findings revealed that NaAL improved sperm parameters, testosterone levels, histopathology, and stereology parameters in BEP-administrated rats. NaAL also improved testis antioxidant status by enhancing TAC and ameliorating MDA and NO. Further, modifications to the expression of Bcl2, Bax, Caspase3, p53, and TNF-α suggested that NaAL alleviated BEP-induced apoptosis and inflammation. Collectively, NaAL protects rats' testes against BEP-evoked toxicity damage through the modulation of nitro-oxidative stress, apoptosis, and inflammation.

Characterization of the pancreas of common pheasant (Phasianus colchicus): A light and transmission electron microscope study.

The present work was carried out to investigate the structure and ultra structure of the pancreas in the common pheasant (Phasianus colchicus). Totally, five healthy adult pheasant were used. The pancreas was assessed using histochemistry and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The pancreas was composed of four lobes: dorsal, ventral, third, and splenic lobes. These lobes emptied into ascending duodenum through three excretory ducts as: ventral duct, splenic duct, and a common duct for dorsal and third lobes. The exocrine pancreas was constituted of pyramidal-shaped acinar cells with aggregation of zymogen granules at their apical cytoplasm. The endocrine pancreas was identified as large islet of Langerhans as α islets and small islets as ß ones. No mixed islet was observed. At the level of TEM, two types of acinar cells were distinguished: Dark cells with electron dense cytoplasm, and indented nucleus, Light cells with electron lucent cytoplasm, and regular nucleus. The α islets were mainly constituted by A and D cells, whereas the ß islets principally contained B cells and a few A cells. No D cells were identified in ß islets. B cells were characterized by their polymorphic granules which were surrounded by a narrow halo zone. The granules of D cells were quite different. These cells contained large spherical granules with lower density as compared to the A or B granules surrounded by a limiting membrane. In conclusion, the pancreas of the common pheasant has a species-specific feature which must be considered in phylogenic studies. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: The common pheasant's pancreas was composed of four lobes as dorsal, ventral, third, and splenic lobe. There were three excretory ducts. Ventral duct for ventral lobe, a common duct for both dorsal and third lobes, and a distinct splenic duct for splenic lobe. The exocrine acini were composed of two distinct types of cells: dark cells and light cells. The large alpha islets were composed of alpha cells and a few numbers of delta cells and small beta islets were composed of beta cells and a few numbers of alpha cells.

Histological and Immunohistochemical Investigation of the Cerebellum in Porcupine and Guinea Pig.

The present study was designed to investigate the cerebellum histology and immunohistochemistry in porcupine (Hystrix cristata) and guinea pig (Cavia porcellus). Two adult porcupines and two adult guinea pigs were used. For general histology, crystal violet and Luxol fast blue stains were applied. For immunohistochemistry, myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG), neurofilament 200 (NF200), calbindin D-28K, and glial fibrillary-associated protein (GFAP) were investigated. The cerebellar cortex in both species was composed of three cellular layers: molecular, granular, and Purkinje cell (PC) layers. Purkinje cells in the porcupine showed a purple-colored and dark blue-colored cytoplasm in reaction to the crystal violet and Luxol fast blue staining, respectively. In the guinea pig, PC has a uniform reaction to the Luxol fast blue with dark-blue-colored cytoplasm. However, in response to the crystal violet, some PC with dark-purple cytoplasm showed stronger reaction than other PC which showed light-purple cytoplasm. The PC layer in some folia of the porcupine cerebellum was composed of 2-3 layers. The expression rates of calbindin D-28K, MAG, GFAP, and NF200 in the porcupine cerebellum were determined to be 19%, 42.5%, 62%, and 30%, respectively. These values were determined to be 27%, 34%, 43.5%, and 31.5%, respectively, in the guinea pig cerebellum.

Gross anatomy, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and bone mineral densitometry of the ovine metacarpo/metatarsophalangeal joint.

This study was aimed to provide anatomical atlas of the ovine metacarpo/metatarsophalangeal joints using computed tomography (CT) scan and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), as well as to investigate bone mineral density (BMD) and morphometric features of this joint. The limbs of twenty adult Sanjabi sheep were examined. Imaging was performed using a 16-slice multi-detector CT scanner and a 1.5 Tesla MRI scanner. The obtained images were correlated with corresponding anatomical sections. BMD was measured by Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) method. Also morphometric features included distance between metacarpal and metatarsal heads, width of metacarpal and metatarsal head, length, width and the height of the proximal sesamoid bones were measured. In MRI images, compact bones, ligaments and tendons showed less signal intensity (hypointense). The fatty tissue and bone marrow had more signal intensity (hyperintense), but articular cartilage and synovial fluid showed moderate signal intensity. BMD in the left hind limb was significantly higher than other three limbs (p ≤ 0.05). The length of proximal sesamoid bones in left forelimb was higher than right forelimb (p ≤ 0.05). The thickness of proximal sesamoid bones in left limbs was higher than those in their counterparts (p ≤ 0.05). The width of the medial head in the forelimbs was significantly greater than the hind limbs (p ≤ 0.05). The present results might be useful in managing the clinical techniques on this joint. Larger volume of the proximal sesamoid bones and wider medial head in the forelimbs compared to the hindlimbs impel this speculation that the centre of gravity is closer to the forelimbs.

Microanatomy of the cerebellum in Persian squirrel (Sciurus anomalus), a transmission electron microscopy, and immunohistochemical study.

The present study was aimed to investigate the cerebellum histology in the Persian squirrel (Sciurus anomalus), using immunohistochemical staining and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The brain of 4 adult Persian squirrels (2 males and 2 females) were used. For general histology, crystal violet and Luxol fast blue stains were applied. For immunohistochemical examination, myelin associated glycoprotein (MAG), neurofilament 200 (NF200), Calbindin D 28 K, and glial fibrillary associated protein (GFAP) were investigated. The cerebellar cortex was composed of three traditional cellular layers, including molecular, granular and Purkinje cell (Pc) layers. Numerous Nissl bodies detected in the cytoplasm of Pc, which given a purple or blue appearance to the cytoplasm. At the level of TEM, Purkinje cells were identified by their large euchromatin nucleus with an indented plasma membrane. The cytoplasm was high electron dense containing well-developed rough endoplasmic reticulum (Er), smooth Er, Golgi apparatus in perinuclear region, numerous mitochondria in oval and spherical shapes, free ribosomes, and lysosomes were dispersed throughout the cytoplasm. The expression rate of calbindin D 28 K, MAG, GFAP, and NF200 was determined 49%, 24%, 71%, and 43% respectively. The cerebellum of the Persian squirrel has a common structure similar to those reported in other mammals. However, at the level of TEM, some unique structural features were observed. These results might be taken as a set of basic information for more detailed future studies investigating histophysiology of the cerebellum and its pathological changes in the Persian squirrel as well as for comparative purposes in rodent species.

Microanalysis of the stomach of southern white-breasted hedgehog (Erinaceus concolor): Histological, histochemical, immunohistochemical, and scanning electron microscopic studies.

This study was designed to provide more detailed knowledge on the stomach histochemistry and immunohistochemistry in the southern white-breasted hedgehog (Erinaceus concolor). Two animals were used in the present work. Periodic acid Schiff's (PAS) and Alcian blue were used for histochemical purposes. SOX9, gastrin, serotonin, and glucagon markers were traced immunohistochemically. The mucosa was extremely folded in the fundus with numerous opening of glands. The body and pylorus mucosa were almost smooth and equipped with gastric gland openings. A simple columnar epithelium covered the stomach entirely. Cardiac glands region was mucus secreting with both positive and negative reactions to PAS. Fundic mucosa was contained cardiac glands near to the cardia, and toward the body it was divided into the light and dark zones. These zones and body contained proper gastric gland, which constituted of parietal, chief, and mucous neck cells. These glands contained PAS-positive cells on their basal portions. The pyloric glands were mucus secreting but negative for PAS. All gastric glands were Alcian blue-negative, but epithelium showed moderate reaction especially in the pylorus. SOX and gastrin were express highly in the body and fundus. The expression of serotonin and glucagon was rare. Comparatively, some similarities between the stomach of hedgehog and dog can be assumed. The present findings provide additional information concerning the histochemical characteristics and endocrine cells distribution in the stomach of the southern white-breasted hedgehog (Erinaceus concolor). Further detailed studies are required to enhance the current knowledge on histophysiology of the digestive system in this species as a pet and exotic animal. HIGHLIGHTS: The stomach was simple glandular type. The fundus was divided into light and dark zones similar to the dog. The proper gastric glands were periodic acid Schiff's positive at their basal parts.

The antioxidant effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Ashrasi date palm on sperm parameters and DNA fragmentation in diabetic rats.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes-induced oxidative stress can have adverse effects on sperm and its DNA integrity. The Ashrasi date palm (ADP) has potent antioxidant properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant effect of ADP hydroalcoholic extract on sperm parameters and sperm DNA fragmentation in diabetic rats. METHODS: Forty male rats were randomly divided into five groups (n = 7): 1, control; 2, diabetic; 3-5, diabetic + ADP (30, 90 and 270 mg/kg for groups 3, 4 and 5, respectively). After preparation of ADP extract and its phytochemical screening, it was administered orally to rats, once a day for 5 weeks. At the end of the study, sperm parameters and sperm DNA fragmentation in all groups were investigated. RESULTS: At doses of 90 and 270 mg/kg, ADP extract significantly increased the sperm viability compared to diabetic group 2 (p = 0.04 and p = 0.03, respectively) and resulted in a significant decrease in immotile sperm (p = 0.002 and p = 0.006, respectively). At a dose of 270 mg/kg, a considerable enhancement of forward sperm motility was observed (p = 0.04) and there was a significant decrease in sperm DNA fragmentation (p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: The findings of the present study show for the first time that the hydroalcoholic extract of ADP has protective and antioxidant effects against diabetes-induced oxidative stress and can improve sperm parameters and protect sperm DNA integrity.

Histological, transmission electron microscopic, and immunohistochemical study of the adrenal gland in the Persian squirrel (Sciurus anomalus).

This research was aimed to present the histological and ultrastructure properties of the adrenal gland in the Persian squirrel. Two male and female animals were included in the study. The adrenal gland was bean-shaped and located on the cranial pole of kidney. The enveloping capsule was dense connective tissue that reacted positively with Periodic-Acid Schiff (PAS) and Masson trichrome stainings. The parenchyma of the gland consisted of two-part, namely cortex and medulla; the cortex had three layers: zona glomerulosa (ZG), zona fasciculata (ZF), and zona reticularis (ZR). The cells of the ZG were mainly spherical and ovoid with circular arrangement and few lipid droplets in TEM micrographs. The cells of the ZF were columnar and spherical that were arranged in cord-like rows. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) indicated conspicuous lipid droplets and mitochondria in this zone. The cells of the ZR were arranged in a tangled networks and were almost similar to those in the ZF. TEM images showed fewer lipid vesicles in the ZR compared to the ZF and ZG. Chromaffin cells were located in the medulla of the adrenal gland in two layers. TEM images showed that some of them were smaller and contained fewer secretory granules; other cells were larger and contained more electron-dense secretory granules. Immunofluorescence staining showed that steroidogenic factor 1 (SF1) expressed from cortex to the corticomedullary junction (CMJ) and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) expressed in the medulla. In conclusion, the results indicated both similarities and differences between the adrenal gland of the Persian squirrel and other animals such as mammals and rodents.

Female infertility and herbal medicine: An overview of the new findings.

Infertility is defined as the failure to achieve a successful pregnancy after 12 months' sexual activity that affects 15%-17% of couples in the world and about 50% of them are related to female infertility factors. In this study, using the PRISMA checklist and MeSH keywords, 128 articles were extracted from various databases (PubMed, Cochrane library, WHO, Iranmedex, Science Direct, SID, and Google Scholar search engine) without language and time restrictions, and 128 articles were selected after eliminating duplicate studies. In this review, we present some solid evidence for role of herbal medicine in the treatment of female infertility. The results of this study showed that different parts of some plants are rich in polyphenolic compounds (isoflavones and flavonoids) and other compounds which are beneficial to in reproductive health in women. The compounds in these plants, along with regulating the female endocrine pathways, and improving symptoms of menopause, treat female reproductive disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), premature ovarian failure (POF), endometriosis, hyperprolactinemia, and hypothalamic dysfunction; moreover, because of their anticancer, antioxidant, and antidepressant properties, they can be used in traditional medicine or in the pharmaceutical industry as safe compounds in women's health.

Antidiabetic effects of the ethanolic extract of Allium saralicum R.M. Fritsch on streptozotocin-induced diabetes in a mice model.

Medicinal plants can protect different organs against diabetes-induced oxidative stress due to their antioxidant compounds. The present study was designed to investigate the potential of Allium saralicum R.M. Fritsch (A. saralicum) ethanolic extract to alleviate the adverse effects of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes in male BALB/c mice. Seventy male mice were randomly divided into seven groups (n = 10). Diabetes was experimentally induced by STZ (60 mg/kg bw). A. saralicum ethanolic extract with doses 5, 20, 80, and 320 mg/kg was administrated for 20 consecutive days in diabetic animals. Based on the obtained results, the untreated diabetic mice showed high blood glucose level, cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), white blood cells count (WBC), and platelets, as well as liver enzymes, urea, and creatinine. Administration of different doses of A. saralicum extract significantly reduced blood glucose level similar to glibenclamide. Also, the levels of catalase and superoxide dismutase enzymes restored toward normal level. All hepatic and renal function parameters as well as hematological parameters were improved following treatment with A. saralicum extract particularly at high doses. Histopathological studies showed a decrease in hepatic, renal, and pancreatic damage after treatment with A. saralicum extract. The results of the present work indicate that A. saralicum ethanolic extract can attenuate diabetic hepato-renal, pancreatic, and hematological damages.

Applied anatomy of the skull in the Arabian horse: A computed tomographic, cross-sectional, volumetric and morphometric study.

This study was conducted to present a comprehensive and integrative computed tomography (CT) - anatomical cross sections atlas of skull, volumetric properties of the paranasal sinuses, and morphometric values for surface cranial nerves in the adult Arabian horse. Ten heads of Arabian horse breed were used. The different structures in the nasal, oral and cranial cavities were determined and labelled in the anatomical sections and their corresponding CT scan images. Three paranasal sinuses namely maxillary, conchofrontal and sphenopalatine sinuses were identified in the CT scan images. The caudal maxillary sinus was the largest paranasal sinus with 131.93 ± 7.67 cm3 volume and the sphenopalatine sinus 13.3 ± 1.2 cm3 volume was the smallest one. The infraorbital foramen was located 4.16 ± 0.18 cm and 4.70 ± 0.35 cm far away from the most rostral point of the facial crest and alveolar root, respectively. The mean distance between the mental foramen and most lateral incisive tooth was 3.12 ± 0.29 cm. These results including present CT scan-cross-sectional atlas, paranasal sinuses volume and morphometric properties would be applicable in practice for more precise diagnosis of head lesions and blocking the surface terminal branches of the cranial nerves during surgical operations in this valuable horse's breed.

Histology of the small intestine in the common pheasant (Phasianus colchicus): A scanning electron microscopy, histochemical, immunohistochemical, and stereological study.

The present investigation was conducted to investigate the histology, immunohistochemistry, stereology, and ultrastructure of the small intestine in the common pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) using light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Ten birds were included in the study. The obtained findings revealed that three parts in the small intestine namely duodenum, jejunum, and ilium constituted of four layers from innermost to outermost including tunica mucosa, tunica submucosa, tunica muscularis, and tunica serosa. All parts of the small intestine had simple columnar epithelium with goblet cells reacted with Periodic Acid-Schiff and Alcian Blue stains especially in the jejunum and ileum. The cells on the tip of the duodenal villi showed immuno-positive staining for Sox9 protein, while the jejunum and ileum were negative. The jejunum had longest villi; however the duodenum had deepest crypt (p < .05). The villus surface of jejunum was significantly higher than duodenum and ileum (p < .05). SEM images revealed that the duodenum had cauliflower and leaf-like villi with plicas and recess between them. Jejunum had finger-like villi with a velvety view. The shape of the ileal villi was like that observed in the jejunum with slight differences. In conclusion, the jejunum was the most prominent region in the small intestine in terms of morphologic and morphometric features, which could be attributed to the absorption of more nutrients in this area. These obtained findings would be useful to improve the knowledge in the field of histophysiology properties of the bird's digestive system.

Melatonin protects rats testes against bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin-induced toxicity via mitigating nitro-oxidative stress and apoptosis.

There is growing concern that some cytotoxic regimens for cancer adversely affect spermatogenesis and male fertility. Increasing evidence demonstrated that melatonin has beneficial impacts on reproductive processes; however, whether melatonin can protect against bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin (BEP) chemotherapy regimen-induced testicular toxicity, remains obscure. The present study aimed to explore the effect of melatonin on BEP-evoked testicular injury in rats. Adult male Wistar rats (n = 10/group) were intraperitoneally (i.p.) injected with one cycle of 21 days of 0.33 therapeutically relevant dose levels of BEP (.5 mg/kg bleomycin, 5 mg/kg etoposide, and 1 mg/kg cisplatin) with or without melatonin. At the end of the study, sperm parameters, testosterone level, stereology of testes, testicular levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC), the expression of apoptosis-associated genes such as Bcl2, Bax, Caspase-3, p53, and TNF-α (Real-time PCR and Immunohistochemistry) were evaluated. Our findings showed that melatonin restored spermatogenesis by improving sperm count, motility, viability, and morphology. Testosterone level, histopathology, and stereology of testes were significantly improved in melatonin-administrated groups. Furthermore, melatonin recovered the oxidative status of the testes through elevating TAC and ameliorating MDA and NO levels. More importantly, melatonin therapy suppressed BEP-evoked apoptosis by modulating Bcl-2, Bax, Caspase-3, p53, and TNF-α expression in testes. In conclusion, melatonin protects the testes against BEP-induced testicular damage by attenuating nitro-oxidative stress, apoptosis, and inflammation, which provides evidence for melatonin as a possible clinical therapy against BEP-associated gonadotoxicity and male sub/infertility.

Morphology of the tongue and laryngeal entrance in the Common pheasant (Phasianus colchicus); a light and scanning electron microscopic study.

The present work was carried out to describe morphological features of the tongue and laryngeal entrance of the Common pheasantPhasianus colchicus, using light and scanning electron microscopy. The lingual apex was taper-shaped with a shallow median sulcus. A V-shaped papillary crest with 15-20 caudally directed conical papillae was located between the radix and corpus linguae. The second row of papillae consisting of three caudolaterally directed conical papillae was arranged caudal to the main papillary crest. The mons laryngealis was equipped caudally with a double-layer of large conical papillae as pharyngeal crest, and few small conical papillae were seen around the glottis. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) observation showed that the apex linguae and corpus were covered with compact filiform papillae, while the radix linguae were free of papillae. Numerous openings of salivary gland can be seen on the radix linguae and mons laryngealis at higher magnification. On histological sections, all parts of the tongue and mons laryngealis were covered with a keratinised stratified squamous epithelium. The keratinised layer became thinner rostro-caudally. The simple alveolar salivary glands were distributed in the submucosa from the apex linguae to the radix linguae as well as the mons laryngealis. PAS staining revealed mucin-secreting activity of this glands. According to the findings, although the tongue and laryngeal entrance of the Common pheasant is characteristics of a galliform bird, it has some features similar to passeriformes and falconiformes.

Anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative and anti-apoptotic effects of Heracleum persicum L. extract on rats with gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity

Objective:To evaluate the effect of Heracleum persicum L. against gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. Methods:Thirty-six Wistar rats were divided into 6 groups including control (normal saline), gentamicin (80 mg/kg/d for 10 d), Heracleum persicum (750 mg/kg/d), and gentamicin (10 d) + Heracleum persicum extract at three different doses (250, 500, and 750 mg/kg/d for 40 d). Urine creatinine, urea, protein, and albumin levels were determined. In addition, serum urea, creatinine, sodium, potassium, cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-10), glutathione peroxidase activity, total antioxidant capacity, kidney malondialdehyde, stereological parameters, and expressions of apoptosis-related genes (p53, Bax, Bcl-2, and caspase-3) were measured. The LD50 of Heracleum persicum extract was determined based on Lorke's method. Histopathological evaluation was also performed. Results:In addition to decreased urine protein and albumin, and increased creatinine and urea, co-treatment with gentamicin and Heracleum persicum significantly reduced levels of creatinine and urea, and increased sodium and potassium in serum. Heracleum persicum treatment also improved stereological parameters and serum inflammatory cytokines. There was a significant increase in serum glutathione peroxidase activity and total antioxidant capacity as well as a reduction in malondialdehyde level. Furthermore, treatment with Heracleum persicum extracts downregulated p53, caspase-3, and Bax and upregulated Bcl-2 expressions. In histopathological evaluation, Heracleum persicum extracts showed protection against gentamicin-induced renal damages. Conclusions:Heracleum persicum exhibits protective effects against gentamicin-induced structural and functional renal impairments.

Anatomy of the Tarsometatarsal Region and Digits in the Ostrich (Struthio Camelus): A Computed Tomography and Cross-Sectional Study.

The ostrich is the largest living bird and has unique characteristics in its locomotor system that differentiate it from other bird species. The purpose of this study was to provide a reference atlas of reference-interval computed tomography (CT) and cross-sectional anatomy of the tarsometatarsal region and digits in the ostrich (Struthio camelus). The pelvic limbs of 25 ostriches were used for this imaging study. The transverse CT images were obtained from the middle third of the tarsometatarsal bone to the distal end of the third digit. The specimens were frozen and sectioned with an electric band saw at 1.5-2 cm intervals. The CT images were compared with the corresponding frozen cross sections. The bones, ligaments, and tendons were identified and labeled at each 1.5-2 cm intervals. The CT images provided anatomic details of the tendons and ligaments in the tarsometatarsal region and digits of the ostrich. The transverse CT images provided an excellent depiction of the anatomic structures of the leg and foot when compared with the corresponding frozen cross sections. The information presented in this study may be used as an initial reference when evaluating the CT images of an ostrich's tarsometatarsal region and digits. Moreover, the information provided in this report may be helpful in determining definitive diagnoses of musculoskeletal disorders affecting the lower leg in this species.

Anatomy of the head in the Saanen goat: a computed tomographic and cross-sectional approach.

The present work aimed to investigate the anatomical structures of the Saanen goat head and its volumetric properties using computed tomography (CT) and stereological methods. Eight adult Saanen goat heads were included in this study. The different cavities and structures of the head, including nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, oral cavity, orbital cavity, and cranial cavity were evaluated using CT scans, cross, sagittal, and coronal sections. The volume of head cavities and structures were estimated using the Cavalieri method. The results showed that the dorsal, middle and nasal ventral concha contained the dorsal, middle and ventral conchal sinuses, respectively. The paranasal sinuses constituted maxillary, frontal, lacrimal, and ethmoidal that were recognized and named in the CT scan images and their corresponding anatomical cross sections. The palatine and sphenoidal sinuses were not seen in the Saanen goat. Total volume of the head, nasal cavity and cranial cavity was estimated to be 1958 ± 205, 825.4 ± 62.6 and 423.6 ± 48.2 cm3, respectively. The frontal sinus was the largest paranasal sinus with a volume of 281.8 ± 16.9 cm3 and the lacrimal sinus with a volume 50.2 ± 6 cm3 was the smallest one. The ventral conchal sinus with a volume of 26.6 ± 4.5 cm3 and middle conchal sinus with a volume of 13.4 ± 2.6 cm3 were largest and smallest nasal sinuses, respectively. These results may be used as a basic data to provide a reference set for volume of the examined head structures resulting in better and more precise diagnosis of any pathological volume alteration.

The effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Vaccinium arctostaphylos L. on sperm parameters, oxidative injury and apoptotic changes in oxymetholone-induced testicular toxicity in mouse.

Anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) such as oxymetholone (OM) used for athletic enhancement, but increased free radicals damage and changes in hormonal levels, lead to serious and irreversible organ damage. Vaccinium arctostaphylos(V. arctostaphylos( has been demonstrated to have antioxidant and antiinflammatory effects. The aim of present study was to investigate V. arctostaphylos effect on OM-induced oxidative injury in mouse testis and sperm parameters. In this experimental study, 30 BALB/c mice were divided into five groups, including healthy, positive control(5 mg/kg OM) and three treatment groups (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg of V. arctostaphylos extract + 5 mg/kg OM). At the end of the study, serum luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and testosterone levels were measured. Testis stereological and sperm parameters were calculated. Antioxidant status was measured using nitric oxide (NO) and FRAP assay, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Furthermore, the expression of p53, caspase-3, Bax and Bcl-2 was measured. V. arctostaphylos decreased the serum level of testosterone, increased the LH and FSH, and improved the stereological and sperm parameters and down-regulated the p53, caspase-3 and Bax and up-regulated Bcl-2 genes. Furthermore, this dose decreased serum levels of NO and increased testis FRAP and MDA levels in treated groups compared with OM group. V. arctostaphylos extract has protective effects against testicular toxicity caused by OM.