effects of orchiectomy, antiandrogen and testosterone on the parotid gland of albino rats

The relationship between the testis and the parotid gland has been poorly investigated. This study deals with the structure of the parotid gland and its changes after orchiectomy, antiandrogen [flutamide] and testosterone substitution. The rat parotid glands of controt and experimental animals [orchimectomized, orchiectomized with testosterone substitution and antiandrogen] were analyzed by light and electron microscopy. Orchiectomy and antiandrogen have more or less similar effects on the parotid gland. Both reduced secretory activity of the gland which was manifested by decreasing the secretory granules, vacuolations of the cytoplasm and degeneration of mitochondria. Exogenously given testosterone can prevent the mentioned effects of orchiectomy on the parotid gland. It is concluded that orchiectomy and antiandrogens affect the rat parotid gland, demonstrating the existence of an interaction between the testis and parotid gland

Effect of hormonal replacement therapy on the vaginal epithelium of ovariectomized rats

The present study was planned to clarify the effect of replacement therapy of estrogen and progesterone on ovariectomized rats. 49 adult female albino rats each weighing 200-250 grams were utilized in this study. The animals were divided into two major groups, the first group served as control group, it was further subdivided into three subgroups, subgroup Ia comprised the non ovariectomized female rats which received no treatment, subgroup Ib, sham operated group animals, subgroup Ic: received 0.1 ml olive oil i.m once per day for two consecutive days after 4 weeks of ovariectomy and served as control for estrogen and progesterone treated groups. The second group was subdivided into 4 subgroups. Subgroup IIa: included ovariectomized rats, subgroup IIb: ovariectomized rats treated with progesterone 12.5 mg/kg. Subgroup IIc: ovariectomized rats treated with estrogen 0.38 mg/kg. Subgroup IId: ovariectomized rats received combined treatment of both estrogen and progesterone. The non ovariectomized rats were sacrificed at oestrus cycle as denoted by daily vaginal smear, while the remaining groups were sacrificed after 4 weeks of ovariectomy by 48 hours, both light and scanning electron microscopy were performed. Results showed that exogenous progesterone increased mucosal folding with short bulb or rosette shaped microvilli. Estrogen resulted in epithelial cell proliferation and keratinization. Cell separations were obvious in some areas indicating desquamation. The combined treatment demonstrated morphological picture nearly similar to oestrus cycle. Hence, it is wise to use the combined treatment as denoted by inhibition of excessive vaginal epithelial proliferation and cornification

structural effects of antiandrogen (flutamide) on the liver of adult male albino rat and the possible reversible effect after its discontinuation

Previous studies had indicated that administration of flutamide [an antiandrogen] might induce hepatic toxicity. This study was carried out to throw more light on the structural changes of flutamide on the liver of adult male albino rat and the possible reversible effect after its discontinuation. A total number of 25 adult male albino rats were used in this study. They were divided into three groups; experimental group of 20 rats received subcutaneous inject ions of flutamide dissolved in propylene glycol vehicle in a dose of 10 mg /day for four weeks, a control group of 5 rats received subcutaneous injections of propylene glycol vehicle for four weeks, and a third group of 10 rats obtained from the first group and were left for four weeks after stoppage of fiutamide The effect of flutamide on the liver was studied using both light and electron microscope. The results showed that flutamide caused focal degenerative changes, necrosis of the liver cells and a marked decrease in glycogen content of the hepatocytes. Also there was proliferation of smooth endoplasmic reticulurn, electron-dense mitochondria and increased number of lysosomes, Four weeks after stoppage of flutamide administration the majority of hepatocytes returned normal while some were still necrotic