Microscopical study of spermatozoal stability in semen stains

Spermatozoal stability in semen stains was evaluated microscopically in 18 normozoospermic semen samples. Each semen sample was examined microscopically in the fresh state [time 0] to determine sperms concentration [million/ml] and morphology. Then, every semen was divided equally into two aliquots to be stored on white cotton and nylon fabrics at room temperature. Seminal fluid was extracted by the use of 1% HCl soaking and examined at different intervals [2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 15 and 25 days, then 1,1.5,2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5 and 6 months, respectively]. For morphological study, three wet smears were formed from each soaked portion for every studied interval. The first was examined unstained by phase contrast microscope. The second was stained by Gram stain and examined by light microscope. The third was stained with SpermMac stain and examined by both light and phase contrast microscopes. AutoSperm [the computerized assisted system] connected to phase contrast microscope was used to determine sperms concentration in fresh semen and seminal stains in unstained state

Effect of organophosphorus insecticide on immune system in experimental animals

The immunotoxic effect of repeated sublethal doses of trichlorfon was studiedby using 512 male Lewis mice. They were divided into 4 control groups [n =32] received distilled water and 4 test groups [n = 96] received trichlorfon[an organophosphorous insecticide] in daily oral doses for 15, 30, 45 and 60days, respectively. Each test group was divided into 3 equal subgroupsaccording to trichlorfon dose [30, 60 and 90 mg/kg body weight, respectively]. The degree of immunotoxicity was studied by determining serum immunoglobulinsconcentrations, the percentage of lymphocyte blastogenesis, phagocyticpercentage and index. The phagocytic percentage showed a significantreduction with low dose for 45 and 60 days and for all durations with mediumand high doses. Phagocytic index reduction following the low dose for 30, 45and 60 days was significant and for all durations with medium and high doses

Effect of pretreatment with catapres [clonidine hydrochloride] and avil [pheneramine maleate] on acute dimethoate toxicity in rabbits

Twenty four male rabbits were used in this study, they were about 4 months oldand their weight ranged between 1.1-1.3 kg. They were divided into 4 equalgroups. Animals of the first group served as control, they were given 75mg/kg [1/4 LD50] of dimethoate orally. The other 3 groups receivedsubcutaneous pretreatment with clonidine [0.35 mg/kg], avil [15 mg/kg] andcombined clonidine and avil before giving dimethoate, respectively. Theeffects of pretreatment and dimethoate were assessed by serial measurements ofserum cholinesterase enzyme activity and observation of the physical signs. It was found that clonidine pretreatment has more protective effect againstacute dimethoate toxicity than that of avil. On the other hand, combinedclonidine and avil pretreatment produced more protective effect than occurredby single drug alone