comparative histological and toxicological study on the protective effect of casein versus retinol on N-Butyl Benzene sulphonamide-induced toxicity in adrenal cortex of albino rats

N-butyl benzene sulphonamide [NBBS] is a plasticizer used in production of plastic resins and as a starting agent in the synthesis of agricultural fungicides. Workers engaged in these industries and consumers of their products are at an increased risk of neurodegenerative intoxication. Nevertheless, other possible toxic effects of NBBS have not yet been studied. The aim of the study was to evaluate the possible toxic effect of NBBS on adrenal cortex of albino rats and the protective role of dietary casein versus retinol [vitamin A]. The study was conducted on forty two adult male albino rats, divided into four groups: a control group [further subdivided into; a negative subgroup receiving no treatment and three positive controls given olive oil, retinol or casein], NBBS-treated group and two protected groups receiving NBBS with either retinol or casein for 28 days. Blood samples were collected for estimation of serum corticosterone level and specimens from the adrenal cortex were processed and subjected to light and ultrastructural microscopic examination. Significant reduction of serum corticosterone level was noticed in NBBS-intoxicated group, while rats protected with casein or vitamin A showed restoration of serum corticosterone to nearly normal control values. On the other hand, light and ultrastructural examination revealed marked affection of the adrenal cortex of NBBS-intoxicated rats, with thickened connective tissue capsule and more affection of zona glomerulosa and fasiculata than zona reticularis. The pronounced feature of zona glomerulosa was hyperplasia and disorganized archades together with multiple lipid droplets and microvillous projections in some cells. Zona fasiculata showed disorganized columns. Some cells revealed excessive lipid droplets and myelin figures, while others showed nuclear pyknosis. Numerous bizarre mitochondria were demonstrated in some cells. Few cells showed disturbed mitochondrial cristae and rough endoplasmic reticulunt dilatation. Most of zona reticularis cells appeared normal, however, few cells revealed irregular nuclei and mitochondrial pleomorphism. Protection with vitamin A and casein was successful in ameliorating the biochemical and histological changes induced by NBBS, where increased serum corticosterone level was recorded approaching control values, with restoration of nearly normal histological structure of all three zones of the adrenal cortex, however casein was more effective in reversing NBBS toxic effects. The plasticizer NBBS showed significant adreno-cortical toxicity. The use of antioxidants especially casein was efficient against NBBS toxic effects. Restriction of the use of plastic packaging for foods, pharmaceuticals and other biological products is recommended to avoid leaching of plasticizers resulting in toxic exposure

Histological study of the effect of hypo-, and hyperthyroidism on cauda epididymis of albino rats

Objectives: The present study aim was to assess the histological edfect of experimentally induced hypo- and hyperthyroid states on the cauda epididymis of albino rats

Methods: Thirty adult male albino rats were equally divided into control group, a hypothyroid group [given daily intraperitoneal injection ofpropylthiouracil [PTU] in a dose of 10 mg/ kg body weight / day for one week] and a hyperthyroid group [given L-thyroxine 0.6mg/ kg body weigh/day for two weeks]. By the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected from anaesthesized animals for estimation of serum triioa'athyranine [T3] and thyroxine [T4] hormones. The cauda epididyma were dissected from sacrificed animals and prepared for histological examination by the light microscope using the routine haematoxylin and eosin and Masson trichrome stains and by the transmission electron microscope

Results: The epithelium of the hypothyroid rats showed slight reduced epithelial height alternating with foci of epithelial stratification. Increased collagen in peritubular spaces is also seen. The epithelial cells revealed morphological ultrastructural alterations involving apoptosis of the principal cells, proliferation of the basal cells and increased endocytotic activities of clear cells. These changes were attributed to disturbance of the thyroidgonadal feedback mechanisms. The hyperthyroid epididymis was characterized by marked decrease in epithetial hight, widening of the lamina which appeared overcrowded with degenerated cells and spermatozoa. Electron microscopic examination revealed hydropic degenerative changes that extended to cell death involving the different cell types forming the epididymal epithelium. The lesion was attributed to the thyrotoxic-induced oxidative stress

Conclusion: Hypo-, and hyperthyroid states are associated with morphological degenerative changes in the cauda epididymis that might affect the post-testicular sperm maturation process which contributes to the causes of male infertility