The effects of quercetin on liver regeneration after liver resection in rats.

The aim of the present study was to assess the influence of quercetine (QE) on liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy (PH) in rats. A total of 24 male Wistar albino rats were divided into three groups: sham-operated (SH), PH and PH+QE; each group contain 8 animals. The rats in QE-treated groups were given QE (15 mg/kg body weight) once a day i.p., for 7 days starting 3 days prior to hepatectomy operation. At 7 days after resection, liver samples were collected. The malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione (GSH) levels were estimated in liver homogenates. Moreover, histopathological examination, mitotic index (MI), proliferating cell nuclear antigen labelling, proliferation index (PI), transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labelling assay, apoptotic index (AI) were evaluated at 7 days after hepatectomy. As a result, QE significantly increased MI, PI, and significantly decreased AI in PH rats. Additionally, QE remarkably inhibited the elevation of MDA, restored impaired antioxidant SOD activity and GSH level, and also attenuated hepatic vacuolar degeneration and sinusoidal congestion. These results suggested that QE treatment had a beneficial effect on liver regenerative capacity of the remnant liver tissue after hepatectomy, probably due to its antioxidative, antiapoptotic and proliferative property.

Protective effects of fish omega-3 fatty acids on doxorubicin-induced testicular apoptosis and oxidative damage in rats.

The aim of this study was to examine the protective effects of fish omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids on acute doxorubicin (DOX)-induced testicular apoptosis and oxidative damage. 24 male rats were divided into three groups: control, DOX-treated and DOX+fish n-3 fatty acids. Fish n-3 fatty acids (400 mg kg(-1) ) were given for 30 days by intragastric gavage. The rats received a single intraperitoneal injection of DOX (30 mg kg(-1) ) and were sacrificed after 48 h. The DOX+fish n-3 fatty acids group showed a decrease in malondialdehyde levels and increased activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase in comparison with the DOX-treated group. Acute DOX treatment caused severe damage such as disorganisation and separation of germ cells. The fish n-3 fatty acids-pretreated rats showed an improved histological appearance in the DOX-treated group. Our data indicate a reduction in the activity of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated dUTP nick end labelling; there was a rise in the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen in testis tissues of the DOX+fish n-3 fatty acids group compared with DOX-treated group. These data suggested that fish n-3 fatty acids pre-treatment may be beneficial for spermatogenesis following acute DOX-induced testicular damage by decreasing germ cell apoptosis and oxidative stress.

The role of ionizing radiaton on ovulation rate and oocyte morphology in mouse.

We investigated the effects of ionizing radiation on maturation ability and radiosensitivity of oocytes enclosed in preantral and antral follicles. Balb/c female mice received total body single dose gamma radiation (7.2 Gy) at the diestrous to proestrous transition period. In the first experiment, spontaneously ovulated oocytes were collected from irradiated animals. In the second experiment, irradiated animals were allowed to superovulate to assess the ovarian function. The spontaneous ovulation rate of the follicles exposed at antral stage was significantly lower than the sham-irradiated mice (p < 0.01), and most of the oocytes were found at the metaphase I stage. Oocyte morphology and the ovulation rate of the follicles exposed at preantral stage were similar to the sham-irradiated group. Minimal morphological abnormalities were observed in the oocytes and the polar body as well. The superovulation response of all the irradiated animals was lower than the respective control animals. The superovulation rate was significantly lower in the first ovulation after irradiation (p < 0.01). In conclusion, our findings indicate that total body gamma irradiation, on a basis of estrous cycle stages, leads to ovulation failure in the antral stage while causes abnormal oocyte morphology in the preantral stage follicles in mice.

Localization of human BRCA1 and its loss in high-grade, non-inherited breast carcinomas.

Although the link between the BRCA1 tumour-suppressor gene and hereditary breast and ovarian cancer is established, the role, if any, of BRCA1 in non-familial cancers is unclear. BRCA1 mutations are rare in sporadic cancers, but loss of BRCA1 resulting from reduced expression or incorrect subcellular localization is postulated to be important in non-familial breast and ovarian cancers. Epigenetic loss, however, has not received general acceptance due to controversy regarding the subcellular localization of BRCA1 proteins, reports of which have ranged from exclusively nuclear, to conditionally nuclear, to the ER/golgi, to cytoplasmic invaginations into the nucleus. In an attempt to resolve this issue, we have comprehensively characterized 19 anti-BRCA1 antibodies. These reagents detect a 220-kD protein localized in discrete nuclear foci in all epithelial cell lines, including those derived from breast malignancies. Immunohistochemical staining of human breast specimens also revealed BRCA1 nuclear foci in benign breast, invasive lobular cancers and low-grade ductal carcinomas. Conversely, BRCA1 expression was reduced or undetectable in the majority of high-grade, ductal carcinomas, suggesting that absence of BRCA1 may contribute to the pathogenesis of a significant percentage of sporadic breast cancers.

Protective effects of melatonin on testicular torsion/detorsion-induced ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats.

Testicular torsion causes an enhanced formation of reactive oxygen species, which contributes to the pathophysiology of tissue damage. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect of melatonin on testicular torsion/detorsion-induced ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. A total of 24 male Wistar albino rats were divided into three groups of 8 animals each: control, I/R, and I/R treated with melatonin. The ischemia period was 5 h and orchiectomy was performed after 5 h of detorsion. Melatonin (10 mg/kg, intraperitoneally [i.p.]) was administrated only once, 40 min prior to detorsion. Spermatogenesis and mean seminiferous tubule diameter (MSTD) were significantly decreased in the I/R groups were compared to the control group. Furthermore, the melatonin treated animals showed an improved histological appearance in the I/R group. Our data indicate a significant reduction in the activity of TUNEL; there was a rise in the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and testosterone in testes tissue of the I/R group treated with melatonin therapy. Electron microscopy of the testes of the rats demonstrated that pretreatment with melatonin was particularly effective in preventing mitochondrial degeneration, dilatation of SER, and enlarged intercellular spaces in both Sertoli and spermatid cells in the I/R treated animals. We believe that further preclinical research into the utility of melatonin may indicate its usefulness as a potential treatment on testes injury after I/R in rats.

Protective effects of quercetin on testicular torsion/detorsion-induced ischaemia-reperfusion injury in rats.

The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect of quercetin (QE) on testicular torsion/detorsion-induced ischaemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. A total of 24 male Wistar albino rats were divided into three groups: control, I/R and I/R treated with QE; each group contain eight animals. Testicular torsion was created by rotating the left testis 720° in a clockwise direction. The ischaemia period was 5 h and orchiectomy was performed after 5 h of detorsion. QE (15 mg kg(-1) , i.p.) was administered only once, 40 min prior to detorsion. Left orchiectomy was performed in all I/R groups. To date, no histopathological changes on testicular torsion/detorsion-induced I/R injury in rats by QE treatment have been reported. Spermatogenesis and mean seminiferous tubule diameter were significantly decreased in I/R groups were compared with the control group. Furthermore, QE treated animals showed an improved histological appearance in I/R group. Our data indicate a significant reduction in the activity of TUNEL, endothelial nitric oxide synthase and a rise in the expression of testosterone in testes tissue of I/R treated with QE therapy. We believe that further preclinical research into the utility of QE may indicate its usefulness as a potential treatment on testes injury after I/R in rats.

Influence of a combination of formic and propionic acids added to wheat- and barley-based diets on the performance and gut histomorphology of broiler chickens.

Day-old male chicks were used to test the effects of a combination of formic and propionic acids (CFP) added to wheat- and barley-based diets on the performance and gut histomorphology of broilers. The CFP, containing formic and propionic acids based on an inorganic phyllo-silicate carrier, was added to starter and grower broiler diets of standard (NRC, 1994) or lower nutrient density (LND) using different levels of wheat and barley. Body weight gain (BWG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) of broiler chicks were significantly (P < 0.001) improved by CFP supplementation at 21 days of age regardless of nutrient density (ND). However, at 35 days of age CFP addition significantly (P < 0.001) increased BWG and FCR. Proventriculus weight was also significantly affected by the dietary treatments. Ileal viscosity was significantly (P < 0.05) affected by ND which was associated with wheat and barley contents, whereas feed viscosity was significantly (P < 0.05) affected by CFP supplementation. Villus height was significantly (P < 0.05) increased by the CFP supplementation. In the case of villus width, an interaction effect was observed: there was a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in the group fed the standard ND diet, but only a numerical decrease in the group fed the LND diet compared to control group. No significant effect of dietary treatment on the thickness of the lamina muscularis mucosae could be detected.

Effects of Low Intensity Exercise Against Apoptosis and Oxidative Stress in Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Rat Heart.

Background The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of low intensity exercise on heart of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Materials and Methods The rats were randomly divided into 3 experimental groups: A (control), B (diabetic untreated), and C (diabetic treated with low intensity exercise); each group contains 8 animals. B and C groups received STZ. Diabetes was induced in 2 groups by a single intraperitoneal (i.p) injection of STZ (40 mg/kg, freshly dissolved in 0,1 M citrate buffer, pH 4.2). 2 days after STZ treatment, diabetes in 2 experimental groups was confirmed by measuring blood glucose levels. Rats with blood glucose levels of 250 mg/dl or higher were considered to be diabetic. Animals in the exercise group were made to run the treadmill once a day for 4 consecutive weeks. Exercise started 3 days prior to STZ administration. Results After induction of diabetes, histological abnormalities were observed, including myofibrillar loss, vacuolization of cytoplasm and irregularity of myofibrils. These alterations were attenuated by low intensity exercise. Our data indicates a significant reduction of oxidative stress and apoptosis in cardiomyocytes after exercise. Treatment of diabetic animals with low intensity exercise, decreased the elevated tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and increased the reduced activities of the enzymatic antioxidants superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and catalase (CAT) in cardiac tissue. Conclusion These findings suggest that low intensity exercise has a therapeutic protective effect in diabetes by decreasing oxidative stress and apoptosis, and by preservation of myocardial integrity.

Severe encephalopathy after high-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell support for brain tumours.

Recurrent medulloblastoma carries a poor prognosis. Long-term survival has been obtained with high-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell transplantation and secondary irradiation. A 21-year-old woman with recurrent medulloblastoma after previous chemotherapy and radiotherapy is presented. The patient was treated with high-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation. She developed a severe treatment-related encephalopathy which affected her quality of life and neurocognitive functioning for the rest of her life. Possible causative factors are discussed and central nervous system toxicity by high-dose chemotherapy in brain tumour patients is reviewed. Case reports on severe central nervous system toxicity have been reported, but data from prospective studies on neurocognitive functioning are not available. These data strongly support a systematic long-term follow-up of brain tumour patients treated with high-dose chemotherapy with emphasis on neurocognitive function tests.

Neuroprotective effects of Nigella sativa on experimental spinal cord injury in rats.

The aim of this study was to investigate the possible beneficial effects of Nigella sativa (NS) in comparison to methylprednisolone on experimental spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats. SCI was performed by placing an aneurysm clip extradurally at the level of T11-12. Rats were neurologically tested over 24 h after trauma and spinal cord tissue samples were harvested for both biochemical and histopathological evaluation. The neurological scores of rats were not found to be different in SCI groups. SCI significantly increased the spinal cord tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyl (PC) levels, however SCI decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and catalase (CAT) enzyme activities compared to the control. Methylprednisolone and NS treatment decreased tissue MDA and PC levels and prevented inhibition of SOD, GSH-Px and CAT enzymes in the tissues. The most significant results were obtained when NS was given. In SCI and placebo groups, the neurons of spinal cord tissue became extensively dark and degenerated with picnotic nuclei. The morphology of neurons in methylprednisolone and NS-treated groups were well protected, however, not as well as the neurons of the control group. The number of neurons in the spinal cord tissue of the SCI and placebo groups was significantly less than the control, laminectomy, methylprednisolone and NS-treated groups. In conclusion, NS treatment might be beneficial in spinal cord tissue damage, and therefore shows potential for clinical implications.

Acute autonomic neuropathy. Two cases and a clinical review.

Acute autonomic neuropathy is an uncommon syndrome, usually affecting healthy young people. Presentation is often dramatic and initial misdiagnosis is common. We describe two young women with acute autonomic neuropathy who presented with gastrointestinal involvement heralding widespread dysautonomia and review 26 additional cases of acute autonomic neuropathy from the English language literature. Acute autonomic neuropathy can be primarily cholinergic without orthostatic hypotension (26%) or pandysautonomic (74%) involving sympathetic adrenergic functions. Onset has been temporally related to viral syndromes in 20% of cases, with autonomic deficits usually evolving over 1 to 3 weeks. Gastroparesis (69%) and syncope (12%) are frequent presenting complaints. Spinal fluid protein levels are often (75%) elevated in pandysautonomic subtypes. Prolonged and incomplete recovery is the rule (60%), with persistent gastroparesis and orthostatic hypotension. Other specific diseases that occasionally mimic acute autonomic neuropathy include botulism, porphyria, amyloidosis, and paracarcinomatous neuropathies. Acute autonomic neuropathy shares several clinical features with acute idiopathic polyneuropathy (Guillain-Barré syndrome), suggesting an immune-mediated pathogenesis.

Carotid stenosis in patients with atrial fibrillation. Prevalence, risk factors, and relationship to stroke in the Stroke Prevention in Atrial Fibrillation Study.

BACKGROUND: Several mechanisms contribute to the increased stroke rate of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). We assessed the frequency of carotid artery stenosis in patients with AF and its relationship to stroke during aspirin or warfarin therapy. METHODS: Carotid ultrasonography was done in 676 patients with AF enrolled in the Stroke Prevention in Atrial Fibrillation Study to detect cervical carotid stenosis of 50% or more of the luminal diameter. The presence of carotid stenosis was correlated with patient features and subsequent stroke during a mean of 2.6 years of follow-up. RESULTS: In patients with AF who were older than 70 years, the frequency of carotid stenosis was 12% in men and 11% in women. Carotid stenosis was independently associated with systolic hypertension (relative risk, 2.4; P = .002), diabetes (relative risk, 1.8; P = .04), and tobacco use (relative risk, 1.8; P = .02). Carotid stenosis did not add significantly to prediction of stroke when analyzed with other clinical risk factors for stroke in patients with AF (relative risk, 1.3; 95% confidence interval, 0.5 to 3.6; P = .55). CONCLUSIONS: Carotid artery stenosis of 50% or more occurs in about 12% of elderly patients with AF, reflecting the substantial prevalence of hypertension and diabetes in these patients. Carotid stenosis was not usefully predictive of stroke in patients with AF who were given aspirin or warfarin. Routine ultrasonography to detect carotid stenosis does not appear warranted in patients with AF without previous symptoms of brain ischemia.

Investigation of telomerase activity and apoptosis on invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast using immunohistochemical and Western blot methods.

OBJECTIVE: Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) comprises the largest group of breast cancers. This study aimed to investigate telomerase activity and apoptosis using immunohistochemical and Western blot methods. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In total, 75 cases that had been diagnosed as IDC and 20 cases that had undergone a freezing procedure were included. The histological sections were stained with Bax, Bcl-2, hTERT and BNIP3. The ages of the patients, as well as their hormonal status and tumour sizes and grades were evaluated, as well as the staining characteristics of the antibodies in question. RESULTS: A decrease in Bcl-2 positivity and an increase in Bax positivity were found immunohistochemically with increasing tumour grades. The data obtained by western blot method showed that Bcl-2 was highest in grade 1 tumours although these results were not statistically significant. The relationship between estrogen and progesterone receptor positivity and Bcl-2 was statistically significant, suggesting there is hormonal control through apoptosis. BNIP3 was found to be decreased with increasing tumour grades. Similarly, BNIP3 was found to be having the lowest value in grade 3 tumours by western blot method. Furthermore, hTERT was found to be increased with increasing tumour grades. In the western blot method, hTERT increased nearly four-fold compared to the control. In addition, hTERT, which was seen in very high levels in tumours, may be a helpful cancer marker. Both hTERT and BNIP3 are important markers that can provide information about prognosis. CONCLUSIONS: Big improvements can be achieved in tumour progression control with new treatment modalities that stop telomerase activity and hypoxic cell death.

Identification of children with pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections by a marker associated with rheumatic fever.

OBJECTIVE: The authors' goal was to determine whether a trait marker of rheumatic fever susceptibility (labeled D8/17) could identify children with pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders (obsessive-compulsive disorder and tic disorders) associated with streptococcal infections (PANDAS). METHOD: Blood samples obtained from 27 children with PANDAS, nine children with Sydenham's chorea, and 24 healthy children were evaluated for D8/17 reactivity. Individuals were defined as D8/17 positive if they had 12% or more D8/17+ cells. RESULTS: The frequency of D8/17-positive individuals was significantly higher in both patient groups than it was among the healthy volunteers: 85% of the children with PANDAS and 89% of the children with Sydenham's chorea, compared with 17% of the healthy children, were D8/17 positive. Further, the mean number of D8/17+ cells was similar in the two patient groups and was significantly higher in these groups than in the group of healthy children. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that there may be a subgroup of D8/17-positive children who present with clinical symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder and Tourette's syndrome, rather than Sydenham's chorea, but who have similar poststreptococcal autoimmunity.

Neurologic complications of infective endocarditis.

Neurologic syndromes often complicate the management of infective endocarditis (IE). We retrospectively reviewed 166 episodes of native valve endocarditis to assess the occurrence and implications of nonfocal encephalopathy, meningitis, salient headache, back pain, and brain abscess. Neurologic complications occurred in 35% (58/166) of patients: 41% (54/133) of mitral or aortic valve IE and 12% (4/33) of tricuspid valve IE. Of 133 cases of mitral or aortic valve IE, encephalopathy occurred in 14%, meningitis in 5%, and salient headache in 3%. All neurologic complications occurred more often with Staphylococcus aureus infection (67%) than with viridans streptococci (22%), including encephalopathy (22% versus 7%), meningitis (17% versus 0%), stroke (39% versus 16%), and death (39% versus 9%). Encephalopathy was associated with virulent organisms, increased patient age, and uncontrolled infection. Clinical, radiologic, and neuropathologic data all suggest that infective microemboli are often etiologic in IE-related encephalopathy. There were no macroscopic brain abscesses clinically identified. Meningitis occurred only with virulent organisms. While many clinical aspects of IE have changed in recent years, the frequency and gravity of neurologic complications have not.

Modulation of murine herpes simplex virus type 1 retinitis in the uninoculated eye by CD4+ T lymphocytes.

PURPOSE: To investigate the contribution of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes to retinitis in the contralateral eye after anterior chamber inoculation of herpes simplex virus type 1 (KOS strain). METHODS: T-cell-depleted BALB/c mice were prepared by adult thymectomy and treatment with anti-L3T4 (anti-CD4) monoclonal antibody and/or anti-Lyt2.2 (anti-CD8) monoclonal antibody. On days 9 and 14 after inoculation of herpes simplex virus type 1 (KOS strain) via the anterior chamber, the titer of virus in the uninoculated eye was determined by plaque assay. The eyes were examined microscopically, and the severity of retinitis was evaluated using a histopathologic scoring system. RESULTS: At day 14 postinoculation, significantly less severe destruction of the parenchyma and less inflammatory cell infiltration were observed in the retina of the uninoculated eye of CD4+ T-cell-depleted mice and of mice depleted of both T-cell subsets. The titer of virus in the uninjected eye of CD4+ T-cell-depleted mice and of mice depleted of both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells was also significantly higher at day 14 postinoculation. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the studies suggest three ways CD4+ T cells might contribute to the pathogenesis of herpes simplex virus type 1 retinitis in the uninoculated contralateral eye: (1) accumulation of massive inflammatory cell infiltrates in the retina, (2) induction of retinal destruction, and (3) clearance of herpes simplex virus type 1 from the contralateral eye. In infection of the contralateral retina of nondepleted mice after uniocular anterior chamber inoculation of KOS, CD4+ T cells are required to induce fulminant retinitis and to mediate clearance of virus from the uninoculated eye by day 14 postinoculation. The exact mechanism by which CD4+ T cells contribute to contralateral retinitis remains to be identified.

Natural killer cells prevent direct anterior-to-posterior spread of herpes simplex virus type 1 in the eye.

PURPOSE: Anterior chamber (AC) inoculation of the KOS strain of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) results in morphologic sparing of the ipsilateral retina, whereas the retina of the uninoculated contralateral eye becomes infected and undergoes acute retinal necrosis. Natural killer (NK) cells are an important component of the primary immune response to most virus infections. The purpose of this study was to determine whether NK cells are involved in preventing early direct anterior-to-posterior spread of HSV-1 after AC inoculation. METHODS: Normal BALB/c mice were inoculated with 4 X 10(4) plaque-forming units (PFU) of the KOS strain of HSV-1 using the AC route. NK activity was measured in the spleen, the superficial cervical and submandibular lymph nodes, and the inoculated eye by lysis of chromium-labeled, NK-sensitive YAC-1 target cells. Histopathologic scoring and immunohistochemical staining for HSV-1 were performed in NK-depleted (injected intravenously with anti-asialo GM1) or mock-depleted (injected intravenously with normal rabbit serum) mice. RESULTS: In mock-depleted mice, NK activity in the spleens, superficial cervical and submandibular lymph nodes, and inoculated eyes peaked at postinoculation (pi) day 5 and declined by pi day 7. Treatment with anti-asialo GM1 eliminated NK activity in the eye and at nonocular sites. The histopathologic scores at pi day 5 indicated more damage to the retinas of NK-depleted mice than to those of mock-depleted mice, and immunohistochemical staining for HSV-1 showed spread of the virus to the sensory retina only in NK-depleted mice. CONCLUSIONS: NK cells were activated within 5 days after AC inoculation of the KOS strain of HSV-1. Activation of NK cells appears to play a role in preventing direct anterior-to-posterior spread of the virus in the inoculated eye which, in turn, protects the retina of this eye and helps to explain why the architecture of the retina of this eye is spared.

T cell depletion increases susceptibility to murine cytomegalovirus retinitis.

To study the effect of immunosuppression on the development of murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) retinitis, BALB/c mice were immunosuppressed with methylprednisolone (a corticosteroid) and/or with antibodies against CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and inoculated with low-dose MCMV (5 x 10(2) plaque-forming units) by the supraciliary route. Nonimmunosuppressed mice inoculated with low-dose MCMV by the supraciliary route did not develop necrotizing retinitis. By contrast, 78-100% of immunosuppressed mice developed retinitis after inoculation of low-dose MCMV. To study the effect of depletion of individual T cell subsets, mice were depleted of either CD4+ or CD8+ T cells and inoculated with low-dose MCMV by the supraciliary route. The frequency of retinitis in CD4-depleted mice (30%) was not significantly different from that of nonimmunosuppressed control mice (0%). The frequency of retinitis in the CD8-depleted group (80%) was similar to that observed in mice immunosuppressed with corticosteroid alone (90.9%), with antibodies to both T cell subsets (100%), or with steroid and both T cell subset antibodies (100%). These results support the conclusion that the CD8+ T cell subset is responsible for control of ocular MCMV infection. Furthermore, these results suggest that the CD8+ T cell subset may be important in preventing ocular CMV infection in immunosuppressed patients.

Metabolism of exogenous human chorionic gonadotrophin in men.

The immunoreactivity of a commercial preparation of human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) was determined in a homologous double antibody radioimmunoassay for HCG using antisera to the beta-subunit of the hormone. The immunoreactivity of the commercial HCG was found to be 2.2 +/- 0.3 (mean +/- 2 S.D.) times the biological potency. Exclusion chromatography of the commercial HCG and then curve resolution of the elution profile derived from the radioimmunoassay revealed that on a molar basis, 21% of the immunoreactivity was attributable to beta-HCG. The rate of clearance of this preparation of HCG from the plasma after intravenous administration was determined as a function of the dose administered to ten normal men (age 36--64 years). The doses ranged from 10,000 to 300,000 i.u. immunological potency. The rate of clearance decreased significantly (r = 0.574, P less than 0.05) with increasing doses of HCG from a mean of 786 ml/h at the lowest dose to a mean of 298 ml/h at the highest dose. The renal clearance of administered HCG also decreased with increasing doses; the mean renal clearance of the 10,000 i.u. dose was 3.6 times the mean renal clearance after administration of 200,000 i.u. When the accumulated urinary HCG was expressed as a percentage of the dose administered, 14.1% of the 10,000 i.u. dose and 9.8% of the higher doses accumulated in the urine, suggesting that non-renal clearance increased with increasing dose.

Effect of thyroidectomy on the histology of rat sublingual gland.

This study was carried out to investigate the effect of thyroidectomy on the histology of rat sublingual gland. Twenty-eight male Wistar albino rats, aged 4 weeks and weighing between 45-55 g, were used. The rats were divided into two experimental groups (control and thyroidectomy), each containing 14 animals. Total thyroidectomy of rats was performed under ether anesthesia in thyroidectomy group. The rats in the control group were sham operated without having the thyroidectomy. Seven rats randomly selected from both groups were fixed using the perfusion fixation technique 2 and 6 weeks after thyroidectomy, and their sublingual glands were harvested for histological investigation. No histological difference was observed between the two groups 2 weeks after thyroidectomy. However, 6 weeks after thyroidectomy considerable cytoplasmic vacuolization of the epithelial cells of the mucous tubules was seen in the thyroidectomy group compared to the controls. Enlargement of mucous tubules was also observed, and the lumina in most of the tubules was quite dilated. In the stroma surrounding the parenchymal tissues, increased lipid tissue mass was observed. In addition, increased connective tissue mass and mononuclear cell infiltrations were evident. Furthermore, the number of mast cells was significantly higher in the thyroidectomy group than in the controls 6 weeks after thyroidectomy. It was concluded that the thyroid gland and hormones might have an influence on the histology of the sublingual gland.