Development of the extraocular muscles during the fetal period.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the morphometric development of the extraocular muscles in the fetal period and to create a modified Tillaux spiral. METHODS: We dissected 157 fetal eyes (82 right eyes, 75 left eyes) obtained from 79 fetuses (46 boys, 33 girls) between 13 and 40 weeks of gestation. The tendon widths of the extraocular muscles and the distances of the tendon attachment sites to the limbus were measured. Tillaux's modified spiral was created. RESULTS: In addition to the rectus muscles, we added tendon widths and tendon-limbus distances of the upper (SO) and lower (IO) obliques to the modified Tillaux spiral. When tendon widths were compared between genders, no statistically significant difference was observed. When tendon widths were compared between the sides, it was determined that SO was more in the left eye, whereas other extraocular muscles were more in the right eye. There was no statistically significant difference between genders when the distances of tendon attachment sites to the limbus were compared. There was no statistically significant difference in SO and IO values between the sides. There was a statistically significant difference in the rectus muscles and this difference was found to be higher in the right eye. CONCLUSION: We think that the findings obtained will contribute to disciplines such as fetopathology, obstetrics, ophthalmology and plastic surgery and to future studies on this subject.

The Morphological Anatomy of the Menisci of the Knee Joint in Human Fetuses.

BACKGROUND: Development of the foetal period of the meniscus has been reported in different studies. AIMS: Evaluation of lateral and medial meniscus development, typing and the relationship of the tibia during the foetal period. STUDY DESIGN: Anatomical dissection. METHODS: We evaluated 210 knee menisci obtained from 105 human foetuses ranging in age from 9 to 40 weeks' gestation. Foetuses were divided into four groups, and the intra-articular structure was exposed. We subsequently acquired images (Samsung WB 100 26X Optical Zoom Wide, Beijing, China) of the intra-articular structures with the aid of a millimetric ruler. The images were digitized for morphometric analyses and analysed by using Netcad 5.1 Software (Ak Mühendislik, Ankara, Turkey). RESULTS: The lateral and medial meniscal areas as well as the lateral and the medial articular surface areas of the tibia increased throughout gestation. We found that the medial articular surface areas were larger than the lateral articular surface areas, and the difference was statistically significant. The ratios of the mean lateral and medial meniscal areas to the lateral and medial articular surface areas, respectively, of the tibia decreased gradually from the first trimester to full term. The most common shape of the medial meniscus was crescentic (50%), and that of the lateral meniscus was C-shaped (61%). CONCLUSION: This study reveals the development of morphological changes and morphometric measurements of the menisci.

Radiological investigation and clinical evaluation of the morphometric development of the forearm in human fetuses / Investigación radiológica y evaluación clínica del desarrollo morfométrico del antebrazo en fetos humanos

Fetal period of time during which the fetus grows rapidly and the organs are formed. The prenatal and postnatal analyses of the fetal structure provide information as to fetal growth, growth retardation, gestational age and congenital malformations. The development of the skeletal system during the intrauterine period takes place in an orderly manner as it also does in other systems. It was aimed that the morphometric development of the forearm in human fetuses during the period between 20-40 gestational weeks be radiologically investigated and that its clinical importance be evaluated, as well. A total of 100 fetal forearms (50 fetuses: 23 male, 27 female), the ages of which varied between 20-40 gestational weeks, without having any external pathology or anomaly were incorporated into the study. The fetuses were separated into groups according to weeks, trimesters and months. After the general external measurements of the fetuses had been performed, the mammographies and forearm radiographies of the fetuses were shot in the way that the forearms would remain in a prone position. Morphometric measurements pertaining to forearm structures were taken from the forearm radiographies that were shot with the help of a digital compass. Later on, the morphometric measurements in question were statistically evaluated. The mean values and the standard deviations of the measured parameters were determined according to gestational weeks, trimesters and months. There was a significant correlation between the measured parameters and the gestational age (p<0.001). In the comparison of the measured parameters between trimesters and months, it was observed that there was a statistically significant difference between the groups (p<0.05). Separately, it was also determined that there was no statistically significant difference in the comparison of the parameters, which was made between genders and right-left forearms (p>0.05). As for the results obtained in our study, we are of the opinion that the data obtained during this study period will be beneficial for the involved clinicians, such as those in charge of gynecology, radiology, forensic medicine and perinatology, in terms of evaluating the clinical studies related to the morphometric development of the forearm throughout the fetal period, in determining the fetal age and sex, and also in determining the pathologies and variations regarding the development of fetal skeletal system.

El período fetal es el tiempo en el cual el feto crece rápidamente y se forman los órganos. Los análisis prenatal y postnatal de la estructura fetal proporcionan información sobre el crecimiento fetal, el retraso de crecimiento, la edad gestacional y las malformaciones congénitas. El desarrollo del sistema esquelético, como también el de otros sistemas durante el período intrauterino, avanza de manera ordenada. Se investigó radiológicamente el desarrollo morfométrico del antebrazo en fetos humanos durante el período comprendido entre 20-40 semanas gestacionales y se evaluó su importancia clínica. Un total de 100 antebrazos fetales (50 fetos: 23 de sexo masculino, 27 de sexo femenino), cuya edad varió entre 20-40 semanas de gestación, sin patología externa o anomalía, fueron incluidos en el estudio. Los fetos fueron separados en grupos de semanas, trimestres y meses. Después de realizar las mediciones externas generales de los fetos, las mamografías y las radiografías fueron realizadas de tal manera que los antebrazos permanecieran en pronación. Las radiografías de las medidas morfométricas correspondientes a las estructuras del antebrazo se tomaron con apoyo de una compás digital; posteriormente, las medidas fueron tratadas estadísticamente. Los valores medios y las desviaciones estándar de los parámetros medidos se determinaron de acuerdo con las semanas de gestación, los trimestres y los meses. Hubo una correlación significativa entre los parámetros medidos y la edad gestacional (p <0,001). En la comparación de los parámetros medidos entre los trimestres y los meses, se observó una diferencia estadísticamente significativa entre los grupos (p <0,05). Se determinó también que no hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas en la comparación de los parámetros, que se realizó entre los sexos y los antebrazos derecho-izquierdo (p> 0,05). En cuanto a los resultados de nuestro estudio, los datos obtenidos durante este período de estudio serán beneficiosos para los clínicos, como también para profesionales de las áreas de ginecología, radiología, medicina forense y perinatología, en la evaluación de estudios clínicos relacionados con el desarrollo morfométrico del antebrazo durante todo el período fetal, determinación de la edad y el sexo fetal, así como en la determinación de variaciones en el desarrollo del sistema esquelético fetal.

Appearance of external genital organs and types of hymen in Turkish female foetal cadavers.

The present study's purpose was to determine the size and morphometric development of the female external genital organs on foetal cadavers. Dimensions of labia majora, labia minora and clitoris, bilabial diameter, vertical and horizontal diameters of hymenal opening, distance between the external urethral orifice and hymenal opening, distance between the clitoris and external urethral orifice and anogenital distance were measured. The hymenal types were determined. Mean values of parameters according to gestational weeks, months and trimesters were calculated. Imperforate hymen were determined in the first trimester. Twenty-eight foetuses with annular hymen, 25 foetuses with imperforate hymen, and 1 foetus with septated hymen were determined in the second trimester. Twenty-four foetuses with annular hymen, 3 foetuses with imperforate hymen, 1 foetus with fimbriated hymen, and 1 foetus with hymenal tag were determined in the third trimester. All foetuses in the full term were determined with annular hymen.

Location of facial foramina and mandibular angle from cone beam computed tomographic scans.

PURPOSE: The current study's purpose was to determine morphometric analysis of all facial foramina and mandibular angle relative to surgical landmarks from cone beam computed tomographic scans. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three-dimensional computed tomographic scans were reconstructed from data of 100 patients (200 sides) aged between 19 and 76 years. Morphometric measurements of all facial foramina relative to surgical landmarks were taken. Mandibular angle was measured. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between the left and right sides for all parameters (P > 0.05). Therefore, we found bilateral symmetry in the position of all facial foramina and mandibular angle. However, statistically significant differences were determined in sexes in some of these parameters and mandibular angle. CONCLUSIONS: The knowledge about locations of facial foramina and mandibular angle is important for performing local nerve block and surgery in the face to avoid the neurovascular structures. This study provides a guideline for locations of facial foramina and mandibular angle, which may help surgeons to understand the nerve location precisely during surgery.

Anatomical relation between sciatic nerve and piriformis muscle and its bifurcation level during fetal period in human.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to determine the morphometric development, location and variant formations of the sciatic nerve using anatomic dissection method during the fetal period. METHODS: Sciatic nerves of 200 human fetuses (103 males and 97 females) aged between 9 and 40 weeks of gestation were studied bilaterally. The bifurcation level of the sciatic nerve to its terminal branches was evaluated with respect to popliteal fossa. Then the length of the sciatic nerve, starting from where it leaves the piriformis muscle till the bifurcation point of the nerve, and its width at the point where it leaves infrapiriforme foramen and its width at the bifurcation level were measured. We also measured the distance of the sciatic nerve to the ischial tuberosity, the greater trochanter and the intergluteal sulcus. Mean values and standard deviations of all parameters according to trimesters were calculated. RESULTS: We found that all parameters increase with age during the fetal period (P < 0.05). Parameters do not show any significant differences between sexes (P > 0.05). In our analysis, we observed that in 98 % of the cases (on the right and the left side) the sciatic nerve leaves the pelvis below the piriformis muscle. The remaining cases (2 %) are variant formations. CONCLUSION: We believe that our study will be useful for better understanding of sciatic nerve development and it may contribute to future studies in obstetrics, orthopedics and fetal pathology. Knowledge of variant formations of the sciatic nerve, its bifurcation level and its relation with neighboring structures may be important for blockade of the nerve in newborn surgeries.

Size and location of thyroid gland in the fetal period.

PURPOSE: The present study's purpose was to examine the size and location of the thyroid gland using anatomic dissection methods on fetal cadavers. METHODS: This study was performed on 200 spontaneously aborted human fetuses (100 males and 100 females) aged between 9 and 40 weeks of gestation. Fetuses without any external and internal pathology or anomaly were included in this study. Fetuses were divided into four groups based on gestational ages as follows: first group 9-12 weeks (first trimester), second group 13-25 weeks (second trimester), third group 26-37 weeks (third trimester) and fourth group 38-40 weeks (full term). The fetuses were also grouped into monthly cohorts as follows: 9-12 weeks, 3rd month; 13-16 weeks, 4th month; 17-20 weeks, 5th month; 21-24 weeks, 6th month; 25-28 weeks, 7th month; 29-32 weeks, 8th month; 33-36 weeks, 9th month; and 37-40 weeks, 10th month. The anterior necks of fetuses were dissected and the thyroid glands exposed. Vertebral and laryngeal levels and the dimensions (width, length, thickness and weight) of the fetal thyroid glands were determined by anatomical dissection methods. The dimensions and ratios of the fetal thyroid gland (weight/fetal body weight) were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean values and standard deviations of all parameters by gestational weeks, months, and trimesters were calculated. It was found that all parameters increased with gestational age. No significant differences were observed between genders in all parameters (P > 0.05). There were no significant differences between the right and the left sides for parameters of the thyroid glands. The levels of the superior poles of the thyroid lobes were located at the cervical (C) C1-C3 vertebral bodies. The levels of the inferior poles of the thyroid lobes were located at C4-C5 vertebral bodies. The levels of the superior poles of thyroid lobes were located between the upper ½ and lower ½ of the thyroid cartilage or cricoid cartilage. The levels of the inferior poles of the thyroid lobes were located between the second and sixth tracheal rings. The distance between the superior poles of the thyroid gland and the hyoid bone increased throughout the fetal period. The dimensions of fetal thyroid glands increased with gestational age. The ratio between thyroid gland weights and fetal body weights was unchanged during the fetal period. CONCLUSIONS: We believe that the results obtained from this study will be useful in monitoring thyroid glands in the intrauterine period as well as recognizing early diagnosis and treatment of thyroid anomalies. It will also contribute to future studies in obstetrics, perinatology, and fetopathology.

A morphometric study of suprarenal gland development in the fetal period.

PURPOSE: The present study's purpose was to examine the morphometric development of the suprarenal gland using anatomic dissection methods during the fetal period. METHODS: This study was performed on 172 human fetuses (76 males and 96 females) and 344 fetal suprarenal glands obtained from ages 9-40 weeks of gestation with no external pathology or anomaly. Fetuses were divided into 4 groups between gestational ages as follows: Group 1, 9-12 weeks (first trimester); Group 2, 13-25 weeks (second trimester); Group 3, 26-37 weeks (third trimester); and Group 4, 38-40 weeks (full term). Also, the fetuses were grouped into monthly cohorts: 9-12 weeks 3rd month, 13-16 weeks 4th month, 17-20 weeks 5th month, 21-24 weeks 6th month, 25-28 weeks 7th month, 29-32 weeks 8th month, 33-36 weeks 9th month, and 37-40 weeks 10th month. The suprarenal glands were dissected in the abdominal cavity. The dimensions (width, length, and thickness), volumes and weights of the suprarenal glands were evaluated. The ratio of the fetal suprarenal gland weight/fetal body weight, the ratio of the fetal suprarenal gland volume/fetal kidney volume, and the ratio of the fetal suprarenal gland dimensions/fetal kidney dimensions were evaluated. RESULTS: Mean values and standard deviations of all parameters according to gestational weeks and trimesters were calculated. It is found that all parameters increase with gestational age. There was significant correlation between gestational age and all parameters (p < 0.001). No significant differences were observed between sexes for any of the parameters (p > 0.05). There was no difference between the right and left sides of parameters except the thickness of the suprarenal glands. The left suprarenal glands were thicker than the right. The ratio of suprarenal volumes to kidney volumes was determined, and we observed that the ratio decreased during the fetal period. CONCLUSIONS: We believe that the results obtained from this study will be beneficial in understanding the development of suprarenal glands and also contribute to future studies in obstetrics, perinatology, and fetopathology.

The morphometry of patella and patellar ligament during the fetal period.

This study aims to determine the development and morphology of the patella and patellar tendon and to obtain morphometric data about these structures during the fetal period. One hundred five human fetuses (55 males and 50 females) aged 9-40 weeks were used in this study. Fetuses were divided into four groups between gestational weeks; Group I (9-12 weeks), Group II (13-25 weeks), Group III (26-37 weeks), and Group IV (38-40 weeks). The patella and patellar ligament were exposed via anatomical dissection; the dimensions (length, width, thickness) and the width of the lateral and medial articular surfaces of the patella, and the length and width of the patellar ligament, were measured using a Vernier's caliper. No significant differences were observed between genders or sides for any of the parameters (P > 0.05), and a significant correlation was found between gestational age and all parameters (P < 0.001). All parameters of the patella and patellar ligament were found to be different statistically between trimesters (P < 0.05). This study reveals the development, morphological changes, and the morphometric measurements of the patella and patellar ligament during the fetal period. We hope that the present results can be useful for future studies.

Development of the abdominal aorta and iliac arteries during the fetal period: a morphometric study.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine the location and morphometric development of the fetal abdominal aorta and the iliac arteries. METHODS: The study was carried out between 1996 and 2008 on 172 spontaneously aborted human fetuses (76 males and 96 females) aged between 9 and 40 weeks. None of the fetuses had any external pathology or anomaly. The location of the abdominal aorta was determined in reference to the vertebral column. This was followed by measurements of the lengths, external diameters of the origin of the aorta, and bifurcation of aorta as well as the bifurcation angles of the abdominal aorta. The vertebral levels at which the abdominal aorta started and bifurcated were determined. The lengths and external diameters of the common iliac arteries, diameters of the internal and external iliac arteries, and lengths of the external iliac arteries were measured. The vertebral levels of bifurcation of the common iliac arteries were determined. RESULTS: The fetal abdominal aorta lay in the midline, in front of the vertebral column. The mean bifurcation angle of the abdominal aorta was greater than adults in the third trimester and at full term. The lengths and diameters of the abdominal aorta and the iliac arteries increased with gestational age, and significant positive correlations were found. There were no sex or laterality differences in either parameter. External diameter of the internal iliac artery was larger than that of the external iliac artery. Bifurcation of the abdominal aorta to the common iliac arteries was more inferior compared to the adults, and these levels rose with gestational age. CONCLUSION: The morphometric parameters and location of the fetal abdominal aorta and the iliac arteries were determined by the present study. We conclude that the abdominal aorta lay in the midsagittal plane. The bifurcation level of the abdominal aorta arose with gestational age and at full term, and reaches to the same level as adults. In the early fetal period, the bifurcation level of the common iliac artery was more inferior compared to the adults, and they reach the adult positions around full term. The diameter of the internal iliac artery was nearly one and a half times larger than the external iliac artery. The findings of this study would be present, detailed information about the development of the abdominal aorta and the iliac arteries; this will also contribute to radiological (ultrasound and MR) studies in the intrauterine period.

Size and location of the kidneys during the fetal period.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the morphometric development and location of the kidneys during the fetal period. METHODS: Three hundred and forty-four fetal kidneys, obtained from 172 human fetuses and aged between 9 and 40 weeks, were used in this study. Fetuses were divided into four groups according to the gestational weeks: first trimester, second trimester, third trimester, and full-term gestation. First, the anterior abdominal wall was dissected. Topographic localization of the kidneys in the abdominal cavity was then assessed. The distance between the inferior pole of the kidney and iliac crest was measured. The vertebral levels of the superior and the inferior poles and relations to ribs of the kidneys were determined. The distances between hilum of the kidneys and inferior vena cava, abdominal aorta, and midline of the vertebral column were determined. The dimensions (width, length, and thickness), weight, and volume of kidneys were measured. RESULTS: The results showed that the distance between the inferior poles of the kidneys and the iliac crest increases with gestational age. The vertebral levels of the superior and inferior poles of the kidneys increased during the fetal period. The level of the left kidney was higher than the level of the right kidney in the fetal period. The posterior surface relations to the ribs showed certain ascendance during gestation, corresponding to vertebral levels. However, fetal kidneys do not reach the same level as adults at full term. The kidneys move farther apart from the midline of the body during the fetal period. The dimensions, weight, and volume of the kidneys increased with gestational age during the fetal period. The ratio between kidney weights and fetal body weights were determined, and we observed that the ratio decreased during the fetal period. There were no sex or laterality differences in any parameter. CONCLUSIONS: The morphometric parameters and the location of the fetal kidneys were determined by the present study. This will also contribute to imaging of fetal kidneys and detection of kidney abnormalities in the intrauterine period. We hope that the present results can provide some useful findings for radiological (ultrasound and MR) studies.

An investigation on lung tissue damage and morphological changes in newborns of pregnant rats exposed to methidathion. Protective effects of caffeic acid phenethyl ester.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate histopathological changes in the lungs and morphological changes of newborn rats whose mothers are exposed to methidathion (MD) during their pregnancy, and also the effects of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) on these changes. METHODS: The study was conducted in the Faculty of Medicine, Suleyman Demirel University, Isparta, Turkey between May and June 2007. Fifty female Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into 5 groups, as follows: Group I (n=10): control group, Group II (n=10): 5mg/kg/day MD treated group in the first 7 days of pregnancy, Group III (n=10): 5 mg/kg/day MD + 10 umol/kg/day CAPE treated group in the first 7 days of pregnancy, Group IV (n=10): 5mg/kg/day MD treated group in the last 7 days of pregnancy, and Group V (n=10): 5 mg/kg/day MD + 10 umol/kg/day CAPE treated group in the last 7 days of pregnancy. The MD was administrated by oral gavage in corn oil, and the CAPE was administrated intraperitoneally. RESULTS: Tremors, agitation, and spasm of extremities were observed in pregnant rats after administration of MD. Histopathological examination of lung tissues revealed peribronchial inflammation, alveolar and bronchoalveolar hemorrhage, intraparenchymal vascular congestion and thrombosis, alveolar destruction, and intraparenchymal infiltration. CONCLUSION: Methidathion causes low weight gain and deaths among pregnant rats, increases intrauterine fetus deaths, causes low birth weights in the newborns, and histopathological changes in the lung tissues of newborn rats. The CAPE has an ameliorating effect on these histopathological alterations.

Anatomical development of the normal urachus during the fetal period.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the development of the normal urachus during the fetal period. METHODS: The study was carried out on 149 human fetuses (male 87, female 62) aged between 9-40 weeks, obtained with families' consent from Isparta Maternity and Children's Hospital, Isparta, Turkey, between 1997 and 2002. The study was carried out in the Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Suleyman Demirel University, Isparta, Turkey during 2004. The type of the urachus was assessed and was classified. The length, antero-posterior depth, and the transverse width of the urachus were measured. Finally, the relationship between the urachus and umbilical arteries was evaluated during the fetal period, whether they ran parallel to each other. RESULTS: Two types of urachus were observed: the inverted funnel (84%) and tubular (16%). The length, depth, and width of the urachus increased with gestational ages in all cases. A 2% variation was observed in the neighborhood between urachus and umbilical artery. CONCLUSION: Comparing our results with previous studies, the development of the urachus can be different in neonates and children. The mean urachus length was 14.8 -/+ 7.7mm during this period. The inverted funnel type is the most common type in our study. Hence, there can be some differences in the relationship between the urachus and umbilical arteries. The data obtained in the present study can be used as base knowledge related to the development of the urachus, and for evaluating the urachus in utero pediatric urology, radiology, pediatric surgery, and fetopathology.

Development of spleen during the fetal period.

OBJECTIVE: This study was aimed to determine the location and development of the spleen in the human fetuses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was carried on 141 dead human fetuses aged between 9 and 40 weeks with no marked pathology and anomaly in the years 2002-2003. The location of spleen with the neighboring structures, the existence of accessory spleens, notches on the borders, fissures on the surfaces, major ligaments and the shape of spleen and its hilum were established. The spleen was completely observed intraperitoneally (except at the hilum), in the left hypochondrium throughout the fetal period. The length, width, thickness, weight, volume, and the hilum dimensions of spleen were measured. RESULTS: The dimensions, weight, and volume of the spleen were increased with the gestational age, and positive significant correlations were determined (P < 0.001). There was no difference between sexes in all parameters (P > 0.05). The length of the spleen has ranged between 3.1 and 35.6 mm, between 9 weeks old and 40-week-old fetuses, respectively. One or more accessory spleens have been found in 14% of cases. CONCLUSION: The measurements and location of the spleen according to the gestational age were determined by the present study. The expression of morphometric parameters of the spleen at different gestational ages can be used in determination of pathologies of the spleen and may also contribute to future studies on this issue.

Determination of dimensions and angles of mandible in the fetal period.

The aim of the present study was to determine the dimensions of the mandible during the fetal period, the relationship between the growth rates of the angle of the mandible and the dimensions of the mandible. Furthermore the angle of union of the two halves of the body of the mandible on the horizontal mandibular plane, which was not described elsewhere, is explored in this study. One hundred and sixty-one human fetuses (83 males and 78 females) without any cranio-facial or mandibular asymmetry, external pathology or anomaly and aged between 9 and 40 weeks of gestation were used in the study. Cases were stratified into four groups according to their developmental ages, that is, first trimester, second trimester, third trimester, and term fetuses. Cranio-facial parameters in addition to bi-condylar, bi-gonial, bi-mental tubercular, condyle-gonion, gonion-mental tubercle, condyle-mental tubercle, gonion-pogonion distances were measured. The degree of the angle of the mandible, angle of union of the two halves of the body of the mandible and sagittal length of the base of the mandible were calculated. The means of the parameters with respect to gestational weeks and groups were computed. While there were no sex differences in any of the parameters (P>0.05) there were very significant relationships between gestational age and parameters (P<0.001). The mean degree of the angle of the mandible during the fetal period was 122+/-8 degrees . The mean alpha angle of the base of the mandible was 65+/-8 degrees . None of these angles varied significantly throughout the fetal period. Height of the ramus of the mandible increased more than the length of the body of the mandible and bi-gonial distance in the first and second trimesters while in the third trimester and term period they increased at the same rate. Comparisons of groups for the ratio of the transverse to the sagittal lengths of the mandible revealed significant differences between first and second trimesters with term group (P<0.05). Accordingly, bi-gonial distance of the mandible increased more during the third trimester and term time than the first and second trimesters, compared with the sagittal length of the mandible. The morphometric features and architectural changes observed in the mandible do not totally occur during the fetal period but continue later in childhood and adulthood.

Lithium-induced lung toxicity in rats: the effect of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE).

AIMS: We aimed to evaluate the effects of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) on lithium (Li)-induced lung toxicity. METHODS: Twenty-two adult male Wistar albino rats weighing between 280 and 300 g were used. The rats were randomly divided into three groups: control, Li and Li+CAPE groups. Li and CAPE were co-administered intraperitoneally twice daily for 4 weeks. Control rats were given 0.9% NaCl during the same period. All the rats were allowed to feed ad libitum until midnight after they had received the proposed treatment. RESULTS: In the Li group, peribronchial and intraparenchymal lymphocyte and macrophage infiltration were observed. Atypical type II pneumocytes, alveolar destruction and emphysematous changes were also detected. Lymphocyte and macrophage infiltration was significantly decreased in the Li+CAPE group compared with the Li group. Alveolar destruction, emphysematous changes and intraparenchymal mononuclear cell infiltration were also recovered to a level close to the control group. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were increased in the Li group compared with the control group. CAPE administration decreased the MDA levels in the Li+CAPE group. CONCLUSIONS: CAPE was found to associate with histopathological changes recovery in the lungs and oxidative stress due to Li treatment.

Size and location of the fetal human ovary.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the development and the localization of the ovaries during the fetal period. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred and fifty-four ovaries obtained from 77 human fetuses aged between 9 and 40 weeks of gestation were used in this study. Firstly, the shapes and the positions of the ovaries were established. Second, the localization of the ovaries with respect to linea terminalis, ureters, and the iliac arteries were determined. Finally, the dimensions and the weight of the ovaries were measured. FINDINGS: In the fetal period, the ovaries were most commonly almond shaped and had an oblique orientation. In the 1st trimester the midpoint of the long axis of the fetal ovaries were at the level of linea terminalis. In the 2nd and 3rd trimester and full-term fetuses, it was observed that the ovaries were not in ovarian fossa, suggesting that descensus ovary was in progression during these times. During the intrauterine period, the ovaries were most commonly located anterior to the ureters and over the common iliac artery, only to migrate to its final location between the internal and external iliac arteries towards the end of the 40th week. CONCLUSION: We found that the ovaries did not assume the position of the adults at the end of the fetal period, rather continued its descent after the birth. We believe our findings about the fetal ovaries will be useful in obstetrics, fetal pathology, and forensic pathology.

Ovarian arteries with bilateral unusual courses.

Bilateral unusual coursed ovarian arteries were found in a 45-year-old female cadaver. The ovarian arteries arose from the abdominal aorta at a level inferior to the corpus of L1 vertebra bilaterally. The right ovarian artery was coursing behind the inferior vena cava. The left one was coursing between the left renal artery and vein upward to the level of the inferior part of the body of Th12 vertebra. At the level of Th12 vertebra, it turned caudally and proceeded downward between the anterior-inferior and posterior segmental renal veins. On both sides, ovarian arteries were on their normal routes below the L2 vertebra accompanying the ovarian veins. The variation determined by this study would reduce possible complications of nephrectomy operations that urologists, gynecologists and other related surgeons may encounter.

Lithium-induced renal toxicity in rats: protection by a novel antioxidant caffeic acid phenethyl ester.

Lithium carbonate used in the long-term treatment of manic-depressive illness has been reported to lead to progressive renal impairment in rats and humans. Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), a component of honeybee propolis, protects tissues from reactive oxygene species mediated oxidative stress in ischemia-reperfusion and toxic injuries. The beneficial effect CAPE on lithium-induced nephrotoxicity has not been reported yet. The purpose of this study was to examine a possible renoprotective effect of CAPE against lithium-induced nephrotoxicity in a rat model. Twenty-two adult male rats were randomly divided into three experimental groups, as follows: control group, lithium-treated group (Li), and lithium plus CAPE-treated group (Li+CAPE). Li were treated intraperitoneally (i.p.) with 25 mg/kg Li2CO3 solution in 0.9% NaCl twice daily for 4 weeks. CAPE was co-administered i.p. with a dose of 10 microM/kg/day for 4 weeks. Serum Li, blood urea nitrogen and plasma creatinine, urinary N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAG, a marker of renal tubular injury), and malondialdehyde (MDA, an index of lipid peroxidation), were used as markers of oxidative stress-induced renal impairment in Li-treated rats. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities were studied to evaluate the changes of antioxidant status in renal tissue. Serum Li levels were found high in the Li and Li+CAPE groups. In Li-administrated rats, urinary NAG and renal MDA levels were increased according to control and Li+CAPE groups (p < 0.05). CAPE caused a significant reduction in the levels of these parameters. Likewise, renal SOD, CAT and GSH-Px activities were decreased in Li-administrated animals; CAPE caused a significant increase in the activities of these antioxidant enzymes. In conclusion, CAPE treatment has a protective effect against Li-induced renal tubular damage and oxidative stress in a rat model.

Uterine tube-ovary relationship and fimbrial development during the fetal period.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the position, localization and development of the uterine tubes and their relationships to the ovaries. METHODS: One hundred and fifty-four uterine tubes and ovaries taken from 77 human fetuses aged between 9-40 weeks of gestation have been included in this study. The study was performed in Department of Anatomy of Suleyman Demirel University Faculty of Medicine, Isparta, Turkey in 2004. The position and localization of the uterine tubes have been determined. Consequently, uterine tube - ovary relationship and fimbrial development has been investigated. RESULTS: It has been observed that the uterine tubes are transversely and obliquely positioned. The most commonly observed position was transverse position. When the relationship between the uterine tubes and ovaries was explored, it was observed that the ovaries were localized in the superior, anterior or posterior aspect of the uterine tubes. In addition, when relationship between the obliquely positioned uterine tubes and ovaries was assessed, we found that the ovaries are located at the middle, anterior, lateral or posterior of uterine tubes. Furthermore, it indicates that the fimbrial development begins only after the 20th week and the quantity of fimbriae increased by gestational age. CONCLUSION: We conclude that the uterine tubes are not positioned as in adults during the fetal period, some variants can be seen in the uterine tube - ovary relationship and fimbrial development begins after the 20th week of gestational age and continued after birth.