Effect of toluene exposure on pulmonary alveolar structure of adult male albino rats. toxicological and histological study

Toluene is an aromatic volatile solvent included in widely distributed commercial products like j gasoline, paints, glues and thinners. It is largely abused as a neurostimulant agent in adolescents and young adults in low socioeconomic classes. The present work aimed at investigating the effect of long-term toluene administration on the histological structure of pulmonary alveoli of adult male albino rats. It was further extended to evaluate the possibility of recovery after toluene withdrawal. Thirty adult male albino rats [100-120 g] were randomly categorized among 3 equal groups; group I [control group]. Group II: rats were orally intubated with 10 mI/kg body weight of toluene in corn oil at a dose of 650 mg/kg/day, five days per week for 8 successive weeks. Group III [withdrawal group]: rats were subjected to oral ivluene administration in a similar way to group II and for the same period. Then, they were kept free from toluene exposure for the next 4 weeks to test for spontaneous recovery. By the end of the experimental periods, blood samples were collected from all animals for estimation of blood toluene levels by gas chromatography. Then, the rats were sacrificed by decapitation after anaesthesia. Lung specimens were taken from all animals and processed for light microscopic examination using H and E stain, as well as transmission electron microscopic examination. Toluene administration in group II rats resulted in an evident increased in blood toluene levels as compared to the control group. Histologically, toluene exposure resulted in evident alteration of the pulmonary alveolar architecture with focal areas of collapsed alveoli, marked thickening of the inter-alveolar septa along with peribronchiolar and perivascitlar cellular infiltration as well as vascular congestion. Ultrastructurally, type II pneumocytes formed the predominant lining cells of many alveoli and revealed small dense nuclei, and numerous wicuoles, while others exhibited rarfied cytoplasm and empty lame lIar bodies. Increased deposition of collagen and elastic fibers in the inter-alveolar septa was depicted as well. After 4 weeks of toluene withdrawal [group III], an evident decrease in blood toluene levels was enco4nte red. Nevertheless, it was still high in relation to the control levels. Histologically, only mild amelioration of the alveolar lesions was revealed. Some alveoli were still collapsed. The inter-alveolar septa were moderately thickened with increased collagen deposition. Some morphological changes of type Ilpneumocytes were still depicted. Long-term exposure to toluene has the potential to endanger the pulinonaty alveolar structure. Therefore, laws and penalties should be legislated to prohibit the abuse of such substance. Public health efforts are recommended to raise the awareness about its hazards particularly among high risk population

Evaluation of head injured patients: comparison of clinical, CT scanning and neurobiochemical markers as predictors of outcome

To investigate the predictive value of the initial serum level of NSE and S-100B compared with the GCS score and cranial CT scan in the prediction of outcome in cases of head injury. Thirty patients with different grades of traumatic head injury were enrolled in this study after taking an informed consent. Data obtained on admission included age, sex and GCS. In addition, cranial CT was done and serum samples were taken from each patient for determination of NSE and S-100B levels. GOS was obtained at the time of patients' discharge. The mean age of head injured patients was 26.70 +/- 10.96 years. Males constituted 66.7% of the cases. It was found that initial GCS score was significantly correlated with GOS with a sensitivity of 85.71%, a specificity of 95.65% and overall accuracy of 93.33%. A significant correlation was also found between CT findings and GOS and the predictive value of CT findings was found to be of 100% sensitivity, specificity and overall accuracy. Post-traumatic serum concentrations of S-100B and NSE were found to be significantly higher in patients with poor outcome compared to those with good outcome, and a significant negative correlation was found between these levels and the GOS. The overall accuracy for the S-100B and NSE were 90.0% and 96.67%, respectively. Clinical interpretation of outcome in traumatic head injury is not a reliable method. CT scanning and neurobiochemical markers, especially NSE, are better predictors

Histological study on the toxic effect of 2-bromopropane on the seminiferous tubules of adult male albino rats

2-Bromopropane [2-BP] is a haloalkane used in industry as an alternative to ozone layer depleting solvents. It has recently been suspected to be a causative agent for some reproductive dysfunctions in both male and female workers exposed to it in electronic factories. The study was carried out to evaluate the possible toxic effects of 2-BP administration on the seminiferous tubules [S. Ts] of rat testis, and its potential reversibility after 2-BP withdrawal. The study was conducted on 30 adult male albino rats weighing from 100-150g each. They were categorized into 3 equal groups. Group I: served as a control group. Group II: rats received daily subcutaneous injection of 2-BP [400 mg/kg b.w.] for 28 days. Group III: rats received 2-BP in the same dose and for the same duration as group II followed by a further 28-day recovery period. At the end of experiment, blood samples were collected to detect testosterone levels, and the rat testes were weighed and examined for the daily sperm production. Specimens were taken from the testes of all animals and subjected to both light and electron microscopic examinations. 2-BP administration [in group II] significantly decreased absolute testicular weight and daily sperm production as well as serum testosterone levels. Histologically, atrophy of the S.Ts accompanied by interstitial oedema was evident. Moderate to severe degenerative changes involving all types of spermatogenic cells, including spermatogonia, were also demonstrated. Furthermore, Leydig cells depicted ultrastructural evidence of decreased activity. After a 4-week recovery period [group III], mild increase in serum testosterone levels as well as other laboratory parameters were noticed. However, they were still much less as compared to the control. Histologically, only limited amelioration of the testicular lesions in the germinal epithelium as well as Leydig cells was revealed. Such persistent lesions were attributed to the damaging effect of 2-BP on testicular stem cells; spermatogonia. The study demonstrates vulnerability of the testicular tissue to 2-BP intoxication. Therefore, careful consumption of 2-BP containing solvents and pharmaceuticals is necessary

Sex determination in adult Egyptians from the second cervical vertebra: an anthropological and radiological study

Medico-legal investigations of unidentified human skeletal remains demand a variety of methods for accurate sex estimation [mainly depending on the skull and hipbones]. Physical anthropologists are frequently summoned to provide reliable sex estimation of unknown individuals represented by a few bones. Meanwhile radiology is also employed facilitate medico-legal identification. To evaluate sex prediction through examination of the second cervical vertebra in adult Egyptians by using a simple method and to formulate an equation to help in sex determination. Material and methods: Two groups were included in this study: i- The first group consisted of 50 second cervical vertebral bones [26 males and 24 females] from corpses. ii- The second group entailed 50 computerized tomography [CT] scans of second cervical vertebra [30 males and 20 females] performed for living individuals. For each second cervical vertebra, eight measurements were taken [Maximum Breadth Across the Superior Facet [SFB], Superior Facet Transverse Diameter [SET], Dense Transverse Diameter [DTD], Superior Facet Sagittal Diameter [SFS], Length of the Vertebral Foramen [LVF], Dense Sagittal Diameter [DSD], Maximum Height of the Dense [XDH] and Maximum Sagittal Length [XSL]. All the measurements used showed sexual dimorphism except for length of vertebral foramen [LVF] for both groups [bones and living individuals]. The probability of correct sex determination was calculated. Most measurements showed a probability above 80%. Dense Sagittal Diameter [DSD] from the first group and Maximum Breadth across the Superior Facet [SFB] in the second group showed low probability [76.3% and 70.03% respectively] and hence were excluded from the equation. The resultant equations were as follows: For sexing of the second cervical bone: Y= 8.45 + [O.67x SFB] + [0.36 x SET] + < [0.9 x DTD] + 0.68 x SFS] + [O.63 x XDH]+ [0.046 x XSL] Lf y <17 it is female / If y

Histological and biochemical study on the toxic effects of 2, 3, 7, 8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin [TCDD] on the follicular cells of thyroid gland of rats

2,3,7,8, TCDD and related substances are ubiquitous environmental pollutants causing a wide variety of pathological alterations. They are capable of altering endocrine homeostasis. This work was carried out to study the histological and biochemical changes of acute and chronic administration of TCDD on the follicular cells of thyroid gland of rats. Thirty six male Sprague-Dawley rats were used in this study. They were divided into three groups. Group I was given corn oil and served as a control group. Group II was given 10 micro g/Kg TCDD as an acute single oral dose. Group III was further subdivided into subgroup IIIa and subgroup IIIb that were given 0.125 micro g /Kg/ day TCDD for 4 weeks and 16 weeks respectively. At the end of the experiment, animals were sacrificed and thyroid glands were removed and examined by light and electron microscope [EM]. Biochemical estimation of serum thyroxin [T[4]], triiodothyronine [T[3]] and thyroid stimulating hormone [TSH] were also done to all animals. Histologically, Thyroid gland of group II showed beginning of follicular hypertrophy and hyperplasia in some follicles. These follicles were lined by high cuboidal epithelium with appearance of follicles lined by more than one layer of cells. Dilated rough endoplasmic reticulum [rER], well developed Golgi apparatus and numerous lysosomes were evident. Microvilli of some follicular cells were short and blunted. Subgroup IIIa and IIIb showed signs of hyperactivity affecting most of the follicles. These changes were more pronounced in animals of subgroup IIIb that received TCDD for 16 weeks. Most of the follicles were small and irregular. Many of them were lined by tall columnar epithelium with appearance of papillary projections in their lumens that appeared empty or with sparse scalloped colloid. EM examination revealed marked dilatation of rough endoplasmic reticulum and prominent well developed Golgi complexes with accumulation of numerous lysosomes and membrane bound colloid droplets. Some follicles of this group revealed degenerative changes due to direct toxic effect of TCDD. These histological changes were accompanied by a significant decrease in serum level of T[4] and a significant increase in TSH level. These biochemical changes were more pronounced in animals that received TCDD for 16 weeks. TCDD had deleterious effect on thyroid gland which is time and dose dependent