Morphological changes after chronic heat exposure on zona fasiculata of adrenal gland of albino rats

To compare the microscopic changes in zona fasciculata of adrenal gland of rats between control and chronic heat exposed groups. Experimental Study. This was conducted in IBMS, DUHS. Karachi from June 2010 to May 2011. Forty eight male wistar rats were selected for the study and divided into two groups A and B, each group consisted of 24 rats. Group A served as control and subdivided into three groups. Group B was taken as chronic heat exposed and subdivided into three groups on period of exposure [Bl, B2, B3]. All rats were acclimatized at temperature of 22 +/- 2°C for two weeks. Group B exposed to 35 +/- 2°C for 2 hour daily for 2 weeks, 4 weeks and 6 weeks, and sacrificed on completion of respective period of heat exposure along with their respective control. After dissection the gross changes and weight of each adrenal gland was observed, gland was fixed in Bouin's fluid and embedded into paraffin wax. After tissue blocks made, 5microm thick sections were obtained; sections were stained with Haematoxyline and Eosin stain to observe the light microscopic changes. Statistical analysis was done by using the software SPSS version 16, t-test, Mann Whitney, ANOVA and Kruskal Wallis were applied for the comparison between the group variables. The changes in the total cortical thickness in chronic groups were shown by the P-value < 0.0001. Thickness of zona fasiculata and changes between all chronic and their control groups showed the P-value = < 0.0001; The other significant changes were also observed on microscopic micrometry. The significant increase in the total thickness of cortex and zona fasciculata of the gland was seen, as increased seceretory vesicles were observed after chronic exposure to heat stress. After the completion of this study, it is suggested that more investigations should be carried out to see the genetic influences and the depth of the whole process

Histomorphological patterns of testicular biopsies in azoospermic infertile males from a tertiary care unit of Pakistan

The objective of this study was to find out the most prevalent histological phenotype in azoospermic testis in those infertile men who presented with lab diagnosis of azoospermia and to compare our data with international studies. Cross Sectional Hospital Based Study. This study was conducted at Anatomy Department, SMU, Karachi for duration of one year from January 2010 till January 2011. This study was carried out in 100 men with azoospermia, going for a trial of ICSI. All underwent Testicular Sperm Extraction [TESE] for the retrieval of sperm for ICSI and for histopathological diagnosis. The mean age of the studied group was 36.64 +/- 5.217 years with 33.62 years as the lower limit and 35.66 years as the upper limit of 95% confidence interval. Body mass index was also calculated after height and weight measurement, which was observed as 28.22 +/- 7.12 kg/m[2] with 26.83 as the lower limit and 29.61 as the upper limit of 95% of confidence interval. The microscopic assessment of testicular biopsy showed that normal spermatogenesis was found to be in 25% of cases, showing normal tubular diameter with the presence of all stages of spermatogenesis. 31% of testicular biopsies showed hypo-spermatogenesis, characterized by reduced population of germ cells seen in the tubules and alteration in the order of spermatogenesis. Maturation arrest was seen in 17% of cases, evident by a halt of maturation sequence, at the stage of primary spermatocyte. Abundant cells in division were visible but no spermatid or spermatozoa were seen. Sertoli cell only was apparent in 17% of cases in which the tubules were populated with by only sertoli cells with the complete absence of germ cells. Generalized fibrosis was seen in 13% of cases which showed the atrophic tubules had a thickened, convoluted basement membrane with a hyaline appearance surrounding a lumen obliterated by fibrous tissue. Hypospermatogenesis was found to be the commonest pattern in testicular biopsies of studied population. This study supports the recommendation of bilateral testicular biopsies when investigating male infertility

Toxic effects of lead on the germinal epithelium in male albino rats

To determine the toxic effects of lead on the germinal epithelium of testes of albino rat. Experimental study. Basic Medical Sciences Institute. Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi, from August 2003 to December 2005. Forty adult Albino rats selected for the study were divided into two groups; group A, received injection normal saline 1 ml intraperitoneally daily for eight weeks. Group B received lead chloride in a dose of 10 mg / kg body weight intraperitoneally daily. The testes were removed and fixed in Bouin's fluid for 24 hours. They were dehydrated in ascending strength of alcohol and the paraffin blocks were made. Four micro m thick tissue sections were obtained, stained with PAS Iron Hematoxylin method and the morphometric study was done. Students T-test was used for statistical analysis. Student's T test was used to determinate significance; P value = 0.05 was taken significant. Mean +/- SEM diameter of seminiferous tubules was 291.92+1.11706mm and 198.54 +/- 1.67282mm in groups A and B respectively after eight week of treatment. Mean diameter of seminiferous tubule of group B was decreased significantly [P<0.0001] as compared to groups A. Mean +/- SEM thickness of germinal epithelium was 96.19 +/- 1.01215 mm and 50.69 +/- 1.20064mm in groups A and B respectively after eight week of treatment. Mean thickness of germinal epithelium of seminiferous tubules of group B was decrease significantly [P<0.0001] as compare to group A. Heavy metal lead present in environment had direct toxic effects on male germinal epithelium and produced damaged on male germinal epithelium