ABSTRACT
Several studies point to an important function of cyclooxygenase [COX] and prostaglandin signaling in models of synaptic plasticity which is associated with W-methyl-D-aspartate receptors [NMDARs]. Cyclooxygenase gene is suggested to be an immediate early gene that is tightly regulated in neurons by NMD A dependent synaptic activity. Nonsteroid Antiinflammatory Drugs [NSAIDs] exert their antiinflammatory effect by the inhibion of COX have controversial effects on learning and memory. We administered ibuprofen as a non-selective COX-2 inhibitor and nimesulide as a selective COX-2 inhibitor for 8 weeks for determining the cognitive impact of subchronic administration of NSAIDs to aged rats. Wistar albino rats [16 mo, n = 30] were separated into control [n = 10], ibuprofen [n = 10] and nimesulide [n = 10] treated groups. First we evaluated hippocampus-dependent spatial memory in the radial arm maze [RAM] and than we evaluated the expression of the NMDAR subunits, NR2A and NR2B by western blotting to see if their expressions are effected by subchronic administration with these drugs. Ibuprofen and nimesulide treated rats completed the task in a statistically significant shorter time when compared with control group [p < 0.01], but there was no statistically significant difference between groups about choice accuracy data in RAM. Furthermore, no statistically significant difference was detected for the protein expressions of NR2A and NR2B of the subjects. Oral administration of ibuprofen and nimesulide for 8 weeks showed no impairment but partly improved spatial memory
ABSTRACT
The biological effect of electromagnetic field [EMF] emitted from mobile phones is a current debate and still a controversial issue. Therefore, little is known on the possible adverse effects on reproduction as mobile phone bio-effects are only a very recent concern. The aim of this experimental study was to determine the biological and morphological effects of 900 MHz radiofrequency [RF] EMF on rat testes. The study was performed in the Physiology and Histology Research Laboratories of Suleyman Demirel University, Faculty of Medicine, Isparta, Turkey in May 2004. Twenty adult male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 270 - 320 gm were randomized into 2 groups of 10 animals: Group I [control group] was not exposed to EMF and Group II [EMF group] was exposed to 30 minutes per day, 5 days a week for 4 weeks to 900 MHz EMF. Testes tissues were submitted for histologic and morphologic examination. Testicular biopsy score count and the percentage of interstitial tissue to the entire testicular tissue were registered. Serum testosterone, plasma luteinizing hormone [LH] and follicle stimulating hormone [FSH] levels were assayed biochemically. The weight of testes, testicular biopsy score count and the percentage of interstitial tissue to the entire testicular tissue were not significantly different in EMF group compared to the control group. However, the diameter of the seminiferous tubules and the mean height of the germinal epithelium were significantly decreased in EMF group [p<0.05]. There was a significant decrease in serum total testosterone level in EMF group [p<0.05]. Therefore, there was an insignificant decrease in plasma LH and FSH levels in EMF group compared to the control group [p>0.05]. The biological and morphological effects resulting from 900 MHz RF EMF exposure lends no support to suggestions of adverse effect on spermatogenesis, and on germinal epithelium. Therefore, testicular morphologic alterations may possibly be due to hormonal changes