Effect of valproic acid on the pancreatic acini of the adult rats and the possible protective role of L-carnitine. light, electron microscopy and DNA electrophoresis

Valproic acid [VPA] is a commonly prescribed medication used for epilepsy, migraine and bipolar disorder. Although the common adverse effects associated with VPA are typically benign, pancreatitis may occur. L-carnitine is a naturally occurring compound widely distributed in all cells. It has neurotropic, neuroprotective and antioxidant properties. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the effect of VPA [Depakine] on the exocrine part of pancreas when used alone and when given concomitantly with L-carnitine. In this study twenty four adult male albino rats were selected and divided into four groups. Group I [GI] control group. Group II [G II], were given L-carnitine [100mg/kg]. Group III [G III], were given VPA [200 mg/kg]. Group IV [GIV], were given both L-carnitine and VPA in the same previous doses. Both drugs were given orally once daily for three months. The results obtained in group III showed variable degrees of acinar degeneration and cellular infiltration between the acini. The collagen fibers around the B. V. were increased. Ultrastructurally, there were dilatation of [r] ER and Golgi apparatus, focal destruction of mitochondria, increased number of secondary lysosomes, decreased or even depletion of zymogen granules and nuclear changes. Fat droplets in the basal part of acinar cells, cytoplasmic vacuoles as well as DNA damage were also noticed. On the otherhand, pancreatic sections of animals of [G IV] that were treated with VPA and L-carnitine showed marked reduction of the previous cellular changes and the cytoplasmic organelles were slightly affected. In conclusion the present study revealed that L-carnitine can be used concomitantly with VPA to minimize its adverse effects on the exocrine portion of pancreas

Effect of nerium oleander plant on liver of adult male albino rat and the possible protective role of nigella sativa oil. A biochemical histological and histochemical study

Nerium oleander [N. oleander] is extremely poisonous plant and is important cause of children's admission to hospitals after accidental ingestion. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the hepatotoxic effect of this plant and the possible protective effect of nigella sativa oil "NSO". Fifty two adult male albino rats were used in this study. They were divided into three groups. Group I was used as control. Group II, received daily N. oleander leaves extract orally [10 mg/kg] for 10 and 20 days. Group III, received the same previous dose of N. oleander followed immediately by oral administration of "NSO", [2.0 mg/kg] per day for the same periods. The animals were sacrificed 24 hours after the last dose and blood samples were taken for analysis of liver function tests [AST, ALT and ALP], total proteins, albumen, globulin and [A/G] ratio. The liver was examined histologically and histochemnically using H and E, Mallory's trichrome, Periodic acid Schiff [PAS], alkaline and acid phosphatases. The liver of animals that received N. oleander [group II], showed progressive changes in the form of varying degrees of cell damage and necrosis. Dilatation and congestion of blood vessels and invasion of mononuclear cellular infiltration with concomitant increase in collagen fibers were also noticed. Progressive reduction in glycogen granules as well as in the alkaline phosphatase activity was detected. On the other hand, acid phosphatase activity was progressively increased. These changes were accompanied by elevation of the hepatic function tests. Animals of group III that were post-treated with NSO showed, amelioration of most N. oleander toxicity and could also protect the liver from the changes that appeared in the previous group. It can be concluded that, N. oleander has a potential hepatotoxic effect that can be protected by NSO

Some histological, histochemical and ultrastructural studies on the effect of tobramycin on the convoluted tubules of the kidney of albino rat

Tobramycin is the most active member of all the aminoglycoside antibiotic group acting against gram- negative bacteria. The aim of present study was to detect the effect of tobramycin on tile convoluted tubules in two different dosage regimen. Sixty adult male albino rats were divided into three groups. Group I as control. Group II: included rats which were injected intraperitoneally with daily dose of 4 mg/kg tobramycin in three equally divided doses. Group III: injected with the same previous dose once daily. They were sacrificed after 3,10,14 days of injection and tissue samples from the cortex of each kidney were taken and processed for both light and electron microscopic examination. In group II, by light microscope swelling of the cells lining the convoluted tubules and vacuolation of their cytoplasm as well as brown granules and hemorrhage were observed. The regenerating cells appeared with basophilic cytoplasm. Progressive decrease in succinic dehydrogenase and increase in acid phosphatase enzymatic activities were observed. Ultrastructurally, there were affection of mitochondria and partial or complete loss of microvilli in some tubules were observed. The cytoplasm of some tubules revealed numerous myeloid bodies with various degrees of nuclear degeneration. Dilated basal infoldings and thickened basement membrane was also observed. The previous changes were less evident on administration of the drug in Group III. In conclusion, patients with a previous kidney disease should better avoid the use of this drug whenever possible but if its use is necessary, once daily dosage may be advised for short period

In vivo study on the mutagenic effect of cadmium and the possible protective effect of vitamin [C]

Cadmium is a highly toxic metal ion and is regarded as one of the most important environmental pollutants. The extensive usage of cadmium in industrial processes has resulted in occupational exposure to a variety of individuals. So the aim of the present work was to detect the degree of genetic abnormalities induced by cadmium and the possible role of vitamin C as a protective agent against cadmium genotoxicity. 144 adult male albino mice were used, 54 of them as control, while the rest were classified into two groups. Group A for the study of bone marrow chromosomal aberrations and mitotic index and group B for the study of sperm head abnormalities. Apart from the control, each group was also subdivided into subgroup 1 and 2. Subgroups A[1] and B[1] were injected I.P with CdCl[2] alone [0.25 mg/kg body weight] while subgroups A[2] and B[2] were injected with the previous dose of cadmium and vitamin C [10 mg/kgm body Wight] for different periods. Examination of bone marrow chromosomes of mice showed that treatment with CdCl[2] induced a significant increase in the total chromosomal aberrations, which was proportional with increasing the period of treatment, as well as reduction in mitotic index. The most frequent lesions were in the form of gaps, breaks and acentric fragments. However, vitamin C was observed to reduce the frequency of total chromosomal aberrations and to ameliorate the induced reduction in mitotic index. CdCI[2] administration also resulted in significant increase in the frequencies of abnormal sperm heads of mice, while vitamin C was shown to improve this lesion. So more efforts should be made to minimize the level of exposure of humans to cadmium from its different sources. Also, vitamin C. should be supplemented to populations constantly exposed to cadmium

Ultrastructural study on the effects of 2 methoxyethanol [2 - ME] on the testis of albino rat

Research in environmental pollution deals with physical, chemical and biological pollutants whose presence within the different media [air, water, soil and food] coming into contact with human being may be harmful to human health. The present study was carried out on twenty five adult nale albino rats, five of them were used as control, while the other twenty rats were subjected to the oral administration of 2- methoxyethanol [2-ME], a widely spreading environmental pollutant, and sacrificed after 1,2, and 4 weeks and the remaining five rats were considered as a recovery group where they left to survive for another one month after sudden withdrawal of the chemical pollutant. After short period, 2 weeks, of [2-ME] administration, the testes of the treated animals showed progressive degenerative changes involved most of the spermatogenic cells, and represented by generalized swelling of the mitochondria, dilatation of rough endoplasmic reticulum and basement membrane affection together with various degrees of nuclear degeneration. In advanced period, after 4 weeks of intake, focal areas of testicular destruction and apparently necrotic material were observed. The disturbance of the architectural pattern of the spermatogenic cells in the rat testis together with the focal areas of complete destruction after administration of 2-ME could spot lights on the subsequent impairment of reproductive power and might explain the hidden causes of infertility spreading among individuals manipulating with such pollutant

Nerve cells in the rabbit cavernous sinus

Twelve rabbits were sacrificed in this research and the cavernous sinuses were taken and processed for ordinary histological stains. Nerve cells were found in the cavernous sinus of all cases alongside the internal carotid artery. These cells were exactly similar to those found in the sympathetic ganglia. These nerve cells may send sympathetic nerve fibres, like the satellite ganglion, around the internal carotid artery

Nerve cells in the three peripheral divisions of trigeminal nerve in albino rat

Ten albino rats were sacrificed in this study. Specimens from the three main division of the trigeminal nerve were prepared and stained with onlinary haematoxylin and eosin, silver and toluidine blue. The distal principal peripheral divisions of the trigeminal nerve were found to contain groups of nerve cells among their nerve fibres. Histologically, these nerve cells were found to be active and similar to the ganglionic cells, hence a new term which is "accessory trigeminal ganglion" can be suggested. These cells were detected in all the sensory divisions: ophthalmic, maxillary and mandibular, and in the motor branch of the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve as well

Topographical representation of the teeth of the upper jaw in the trigeminal ganglion in cat

Twenty one cats were sacrificed. Three animals were used as a control group. The remaining animals were classified into three groups. The incisors of the upper jaw were extracted from the first group: three animals from their right side and three from their left side. The canines were removed from the second group while the premolars and molars were removed from the last group following the ame numbers and sides as the first group. After 3 weeks, the corresponding trigeminal ganglia were dissected, processed and stained with ordinary haematoxylin and eosin and with silver stain. The topographical representation of the teeth in the trigeminal ganglion was studied. The nerve cells supplying the incisors were found randomly distributed throughout the ganglion but more located in its center. On the other hand, the neurons supplying the canines were found more distributed in the posterior part of the ganglion. while the neurons supplying the premolars and molars were situated anteriorly