Biochemical and histological effects of verrucarin Y-toxin on adult male mice liver

The aim of the present work was to evaluate the effects of verrucarin J-toxin on serum biochemistry and on light and electron microscopic structures of the liver of adult male mice. Treated mice was injected intraperitonealy by toxin in a single dose of 0.9 mg/kg [group A] and 0.5 mg/kg body weight [group B]. The animals were sacrificed after 2, 4, 6 weeks [10 each] and compared to toxin free control [C] group. Results indicated that glucose level was significantly different in the treated groups [A, B], which were injected for 2 and 4 weeks than control [C] group. But there was no significant difference in 6 weeks. Plasma levels of triglycerides or cholesterol were significantly higher in both treated mice than control. Many histological changes occurred in the liver cells of both treated groups [A and B] after 2 and 4 weeks. The hepatocytes were engorged with glycogen. The nuclei and cell organelles are markedly affected. After 6 weeks from treatment many hepatocytes were, somewhat similar to the control

study of some factors triggering febrile seizures in children

Febrile seizures [FS] represent a common pediatric problem. The pathogenesis of FS is not yet clear. This study was designed to evaluate the role of some clinical and laboratory data as possible triggering factors for FS. The study included 117 patients and 100 age and sex-matched controls [febrile children without seizures]. Both groups were subjected to full history and clinical examination as well as evaluation of some laboratory data as serum iron, sodium, potassium, calcium, lead, zinc, and histamine. EEG was also performed for patients with FS. The results of the present study revealed that patients had significantly higher temperature levels at the time of admission [38.85 +/- 0.60 °C] than controls [38.16 +/- 0.45 °C] [p < 0.002]. Laboratory investigations revealed the presence of significantly lower serum levels of iron, sodium, calcium, zinc and histamine in patients than among controls. Patients with recurrent FS rather than those with single FS had significantly younger age of onset of 1[st] FS [13.80 +/- 6.37 and 19.53 +/- 10.88 months respectively, p < 0.05], and higher percentage of positive family history of FS [44.83% and 25% respectively, p < 0.02] as well as lower serum sodium levels [133.26 +/- 2.76 and 136.81 +/- 3.2 mmol/L respectively, p < 0.001]. We concluded that higher temperature levels, low serum iron, sodium, calcium, zinc and histamine could play an important role as triggering factors for FS. Younger ages at onset of 1[st] FS, positive family history and hyponatremia are possible important factors in pathogenesis of recurrent rather than single FS

T-2 toxin control and toxigenicity on adrenal gland

In the present study, extraction of T-2 toxin is proved to be maximum using 0.5% NaCl in a liquid medium containing cellulose [Carbon source], shaking growth [140 r.p.m.] for 14 days at 25°C was done based on TLC and UV spectrophotometric analyses. Notice extraction is slightly decreased with increasing NaC1 until 2.5%, followed by sharply depressed, where T-2 toxin could not be detected In the extract at 3.5% NaCl. Two treated groups of male albino rats [each, 10 rats] injected by T-2 toxin used in this study. The blood samples from the heart of the first group [one dose, 0.1 mg/kg body weight for one month] showed a decrease of plasma level of cortisol, cholesterol and triglyceride with increasing of TBARS than previous control group. Also, the second group [two doses, each 0.1 mg/kg body weight, for two months] had the same remits of the first treated group. Histological study of adrenal cortex shows significant alteration in the cells of both zona glomerulosa and zona fasciculata after one month of T-2 toxin administration. The latter layer shows hypertrophy of the cells with vacuolation of the cytoplasm and pyknosis of their nuclei which become small and deeply stained. These changes become less. apparent after 2 months, where the gland become more or less similar to control. The histology of the gland explain what was found In biochemical assays. These results were discussed In view of the available literature

Urinary cortisol and minerals excretion in high risk newborns

Twenty four hours urine specimens have been analysed with regard to cortisol, sodium, potassium, calcium and phosphate in 48 Full-term and premature newborns. The mean values of 24 hours urinary cortisol in 10 uncomplicated premature newborns [12.45 +/- 5.8 ug/kg], in 16 complicated premature newborns [24.35 +/- 15.55 ug/kg] and in 12 complicated full-term [14.9 +/- 10.91 ug/kg] were found to be significantly higher than that in 10 uncomplicated full-tern newborns [6.68 +/- 2.76 ug/kg]. Significant negative correlations between cortisol excretion and gestational age were found in the group of normal full-term [r = -0.73, P < 0.02] and in the group of uncomplicated premature newborns [r = 0.81, P < 0.01]. Significantly higher levels of 24 hours sodium, potassium, calcium and phosphate urinary excretion were observed in uncomplicated preterm [2.43 +/- 1.14 m Eq/kg, 1.31 +/- 0.31, 1.65 +/- 0.23 mg/kg and 28.97 +/- 5.4 mg/kg respectively] compared to normal full-term [0.88 +/- 0.17 mEq/kg P < 0.01, 1.01 +/- 0.19 mEq/kg P 0.05, 0.64 +/- 0.1 mg/kg P < 0.01 and 7.27 +/- 1.07 mg/kg P < 0.01 respectively]. Complicated premature newborns excrete significantly higher level of sodium, calcium and phosphate [2.99 +/- 1.30 mEq/kg, 3.02 +/- 1.62 mg/kg and 36.70 +/- 19.15 mg/kg respectively] than the group of normal full-term newborns P < 0.01 for each. Complicated full-term newborns excrete significantly more sodium [2.11 +/- 1.60 mEq/kg] and phosphate [36.65 +/- 7.88 mg/kg] than normal full-term neonates P < 0.05 and P < 0.01 respectively. Significant negative correlations were found between either sodium or phosphate excretion and gestational age in the group of uncomplicated premature newborns [r = 0.78 P < 0.01 and r = -0.80 P < 0.01 respectively]. The results were discussed in the light of the available data