ABSTRACT
The objectives of the study were to describe and compare, seminiferous tubular diameter [STD] and seminiferous epithelial height [SEH] of testes of rat, with different doses of Ribavirin at different time intervals. The chemical disturbances may affect a vast number of potential sites in male reproductive system as well as its complex hormonal regulation. Testicular toxicity may reduce the fertility of the male. The current study was conducted to evaluate the effect of Ribavirin on the tubular diameter and epithelial height of seminiferous tubules in the testes of albino rats. Seventy two sexually mature adult male albino rats weighing 180 - 200 gms were divided into four groups: A, B, C and D; each group having 18 rats. Ribavirin was administered intraperitoneally in different doses to these groups that were 20 mg, 100 mg and 200 mg/ kg body weight, while group A was control. Each group was further divided into three subgroups according to three time points which were selected for sacrifice that were 20[th], 40[th] and 60[th] day from the last exposure to drug. Six randomly selected rats from each group were sacrificed every time. A decrease in the values of seminiferous tubular diameter and epithelial height of seminiferous tubules was noticed in comparison to control groups, on 20[th] day of sacrifice in all experimental groups. In rats sacrificed on day 40[th] and 60[th], the signs of recovery were observed that were more marked in low dose groups than high dose groups which showed late recovery. We conclude that Ribavirin being used as antiviral drug induces reversible degenerative changes in the seminiferous tubules of testes of albino rats
ABSTRACT
This paper compares the efficacy, side effects and patient's satisfaction of sublingual with vaginal misoprostol for mid-trimester termination of pregnancy. The study was performed in the department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Jinnah Hospital, Lahore. One hundred patients presenting for termination of pregnancy between 13-24 wks of gestation were selected. They were divided into two groups, group I was managed with sublingual and group II with vaginal misoprostol. The dose of misoprostol was 200 pg repeated at intervals of 6 hours up to a maximum of four doses. The primary outcome measure was induction expulsion interval and secondary outcomes were maternal complications, and women's acceptance of the termination procedure. Successful termination was achieved in 96% patients in group I and 94% in group II. The patients in the two groups were comparable regarding their parity, gestational age and indications for termination. As regards the dosage, 76% in each group required a dose of 400 - 600 ug [P value 0.000]. Induction expulsion interval was < 12 hrs in 92% patients in group 1 and 88% in group II, a difference not statistically significant [P value > 0.005]. Pyrexia > 38°C was found in 8% and 6% in each group respectively while 8% in group I and 4% in group II had nausea and vomiting. So, sublingual misoprostol is as effective as vaginal misoprostol but with more nausea and vomiting, which can be managed easily. As a conclusion misoprostol can play a very important role in the practice of obstetrics and gynecology in resource poor countries where cost of other prostaglandins is prohibitively high and temperature maintenance is a problem. In proper dosage the risk of complications is low and most of the patients achieve completion of expulsion in less than 12 hrs by both routes