Effect of cyclosporine-A on the structure of adult albino rat testis and the role of lycopene supplementation: a histological and immunohistochemical study

Cyclosporine A [CsA] has improved the quality of life and survival rate of transplant patients. However, the oxidative stress induced by CsA limits its use as it causes side effects in different organs. Lycopene is an antioxidant found in tomatoes, water melon, and pink guava. This study aimed to investigate the histological and immunohistochemical changes occurring in rat testes following CsA intake and evaluate the role of lycopene supplementation. Thirty adult male albino rats were divided into three groups: group I, group II, and group III. Group I was divided into subgroup IA, which received distilled water, and subgroup IB, which received lycopene [10 mg/kg/day] dissolved in corn oil. Group II received CsA [15 mg/kg/day] dissolved in distilled water and group III received CsA+lycopene at the same doses as above. All treatments were given by oral gavage for 21 successive days. Testis samples were prepared for light microscopic [histological and immunohistochemical] and electron microscopic examination. The area percentage of bcl-2 reaction and height of the germinal epithelium were morphometrically measured and statistically analyzed. The germinal epithelial cells of the CsA-treated group were separated and were seen to contain dark nuclei. Sloughed germ cells in the lumen were seen. Ultrastructurally, primary spermatocytes showed vacuoles. Spermatids had shrunken nuclei and irregular distribution of mitochondria. Leydig cells contained lipid droplets of different densities with projecting multiple processes. The basement membrane was thick and contained multiple collagen fibers. The axonemes of the mid-pieces of sperms were disorganized with swollen mitochondrial sheathes. Statistically, the area percentage of bcl-2 reaction and germinal epithelial height showed a significant decrease in group II versus other groups. Lycopene improved the adverse effects of CsA in group III. CsA induced profound damage in the testicular structure in rats. It was ameliorated by concomitant lycopene administration. Thus, these results could be considered for further clinical investigations to recommend lycopene with CsA in transplant patients

effect of fluoxetine on the structure of adult rat parotid glands and the possible role of pilocarpine with nizatidine: a histological and immunohistochemical study

Hyposalivation is an important clinical side effect related to the use of antidepressants. Fluoxetine hydrochloride is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor used in the treatment of depression and anxiety disorders. Nizatidine, an H2 blocker, has a saliva stimulatory effect. The aim of the study was to investigate the histological and immunohistochemical changes resulting from chronic use of fluoxetine in adult rat parotid glands. The possible role of pilocarpine with nizatidine as an additional treatment to fluoxetine was also investigated. Thirty-six adult male albino rats were divided into four groups. Group I was the control group; group II received fluoxetine with tap water; group III received fluoxetine with pilocarpine; and group IV received fluoxetine, pilocarpine, and nizatidine. At the end of the experiment, after 60 days, samples from parotid glands were prepared for light and electron microscopic examination. The optical density of Fas expression and the area percentage of alpha smooth muscle actin [alpha-SMA] and collagen fibers were measured morphometrically and statistically analyzed. Examination of the fluoxetine-treated group revealed disfigurement, coalescence, and vacuolation of the serous acini. The interstitium showed collagen deposition and cellular infiltration. Ultrastructurally, dilated rough endoplasmic reticulum, numerous vacuoles, and granules of low electron density were noticed. Statistically, the area percentage of alpha-SMA and the optical density of Fas immunoreactivity showed a significant increase in group II when compared with other groups. Pilocarpine in group III offered a degree of recovery from the adverse effects of fluoxetine. In contrast, group IV showed a relatively normal parotid structure when fluoxetine was used together with pilocarpine and nizatidine. Fluoxetine adversely affected the histological structure of parotid glands. Nizatidine might be recommended as a combined form of treatment with pilocarpine in cases of hyposalivation caused by fluoxetine