N-butyl cyanoacrylate- and alpha-cyanoacrylate induced hepatotoxicity and venous sclerosis in a rabbit model

Background and study aims: Tissue adhesives are commonly used. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and hepatotoxicity of intravenous injection of N-butyl cyanoacrylate versus alpha-cyanoacrylate in a rabbit model

Materials and methods: A total of 20 rabbits were divided into three groups: group I included four rabbits injected with lipiodol in the dorsal vein of a pinna [control group]; group II included eight rabbits injected with N-butyl cyanoacrylate/lipiodol; and group III included eight rabbits injected with alpha-cyanoacrylate/lipiodol. All animals were left under normal living conditions for 1 week, and then euthanised. Specimens of ear and liver were taken and fixed in 10% formalin saline for histological examination. Secondary fixation was performed using Bouin solution. Specimens of ear were decalcified in ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid [EDTA] at room temperature for 3 months. Then, all specimens were processed, embedded in paraffin, sectioned, and stained with haematoxylin and eosin stains for microscopic examination

Results: Microscopic examination of all specimens of the control group revealed normal structure of pinna and liver tissue. Both test groups demonstrated a wide variability of structural changes ranging from oedema and congestion to necrosis and marked cellular inflammatory infiltration. The two groups were compared using a self-designed inflammatory score. This revealed that alpha-cyanoacrylate caused more venous sclerosis with extensive perivenous reaction and hepatotoxicity than both N-butyl cyanoacrylate and control [p < 0.05 and p < 0.05]. N-butyl cyanoacrylate was also found to cause more venous sclerosis and hepatotoxicity than control [p < 0.05]

Conclusion: This study suggested that injection of Krazy Glue, either the clinically usable N-butyl cyanoacrylate or the commercially available alpha-cyanoacrylate, caused comparable venous sclerosis. Unfortunately, both induced significant hepatotoxicity. Therefore, neither of them should be used unless all other safe options are absent. Larger studies have to be conducted and effects of these components on other organs should be investigated; however, caution must be exercised in their clinical use

Therapeutic effect of pentoxifylline versus losartan on experimentally induced acute pancreatitis in adult albino rats: light and electron microscopic study

To study the therapeutic benefit of pentoxifylline versus losartan on L-arginine-induced acute pancreatitis in adult albino rats. Forty adult male albino rats were used and divided into a control group I, group II which received L-arginine, group III which received L-arginine followed by pentoxifylline and group IV which received L-arginine followed by losartan. Serum amylase and lipase assay was carried out and subjected to statistical analysis. Pancreatic tissue samples were taken and processed for light and transmission electron microscopic examination. Rats that received L-arginine [group II] showed loss of acinar architecture, edema, and zonal degenerative changes. Pentoxifylline-treated animals [group III] revealed apparent small-sized acini with a small amount of electron-lucent secretory granules and the edema was still present in some areas. Rats treated with losartan [group IV] showed an almost normal pancreatic architecture. Most of the acinar cells had normal apical electron-dense zymogen granules, normal rough endoplasmic reticulum, and apparently normal mitochondria. Moreover, there was significant reduction in serum amylase and lipase levels in the losartan-treated group compared with the pentoxifylline-treated group. Losartan was more efficient than pentoxifylline in the treatment of acute pancreatitis induced by L-arginine as indicated by histological and biochemical results

Histological and immunohistochemical study of albino rat filum terminale at different postnatal ages

It is difficult to find accurate data on the normal histology of the filum terminale because the previous studies dealing with its structures are insufficient. The present work aimed to study the histological structure of the filum terminale of the albino rat at different postnatal ages. Thirty six albino rats at different ages were divided into six groups; full term, two weeks, one month, adult [three months], six months and one year. The filum terminale was cut in situ at the level of the iliac crest, excised from its attachment to the coccyx and fixed. The specimens were processed for light and immunohistochemical Study. All sections were examined by light microscope. Filum terminale of the albino rat consisted of ependymal canal surrounded by central and marginal zones. The canal was variable in site, shape and lining ependymal cells according to age. The central and marginal zones contained neuron and glial [oligodendrocyte, microglia and astrocyte] cells immersed in neuropil fibers which changed with the advance of age. Negative Glial-Fibrillary-Acidic Protein [GFAP] reaction in the full term filum terminale group. In two weeks group; there was positive reaction. In one month group there was strong reaction which persisted with gradual decline in three and six month groups. In one year, GFAP reaction was scanty positive or even negative. The albino rat filum terminale contains neurons, glial cells, GFAP-positive glial fibers and neuropil fibers. Structural changes occur in these constituents with age

effect of smoking on bone healing [combined experimental and clininical study]

The goal of this study was to assess effect of cigarette smoking on bone-healing after fracture both experimentally and clinically. Twenty-four adult male albino rats were randomly divided into control [8 rats] and experimental [16 rats] groups. Unilateral closed fracture was done in the left tibia of the experimental animals under general anaesthesia. The experimental group was divided into two equal subgroups. The first one was left under normal condition for four weeks. The second subgroup was exposed to daily intermittent cigarette smoke inhalation for the same period. At the appropriate date, all rats of control and experimental groups were sacrificed. Antero-posterior radiographs were taken to demonstrate degree of healing in both experimental subgroups. Histological examination was done to assess the degree of healing. On the other hand, during the period between 1[st] January to 31[th] December 2005, 73 patients with closed fracture tibias treated with interlocking nail in Tanta University hospitals, Egypt were included in this study and followed up after classification according to their smoking habits. Radiologically; four weeks post fracture, there was complete tibial healing in the smoke unexposed subgroup whereas the smoke exposed subgroup showed partial bone healing. Histologically; There is definite delayed healing in the group exposed to intermittent smoke inhalation. In the clinical study, it was found that there is significant difference in the mean duration of healing between the two groups. Likewise, there was a 69% delay in radiographic union in the smokers group. This study suggests that intermittent cigarette smoke inhalation delayes, but does not prevent bone healing after fracture so that smoking history should be considered in fracture patient

Anatomical and ultrasonographic [transv aginal and transperineal] assessment of the urethrovesical junction in continent volunteer women: a prospective study

Urinary incontinence is a distressing condition which leads to medical and psychological problems in women. Intrinsic and extrinsic properties of the urethrovesical junction [bladder neck] allow maintenance of urinary continence at rest and with activity. The goal of this study was to clarify the anatomical structures responsible for the urinary continence control system. Also, to set a basis for ultrasonographic evaluation of the urethrovesical junction [bladder neck] through transvaginal and transperineal approaches. Prospective study done in Anatomy department and University teaching hospital. Anatomic study: Ten human female cadavers were used. Dissection of the abdominopelvic region and sagittal sections were made. Assessment of the position of the urethrovesical junction [bladder neck] in relation to the symphysis pubis was done. The following parameters were measured: Distance between bladder neck and the posterior midpoint of symphysis pubis [distance 1], -Distance between bladder neck and lower border of the symphysis pubis [distance 2], -Posterior urethrovesical angle. Ultrasonographic study: One hundred healthy continent volunteer women were examined by transvaginal [with empty and full bladder] and transperineal ultrasonography [with full bladder] for evaluation of the bladder neck at rest and during straining. Measurements of distance 1, distance 2, Posterior urethrovesical angle, and bladder neck descent during straining were done. The anatomical study revealed that the urethral support system consisted of anterior vaginal wall, endopelvic fascia, arcus tendineus fasciae pelvis, and levator ani muscles. Distance 1 ranged between 12 to 24 mm with a mean of 16 mm, while distance 2 ranged between 15 to 33 mm with a mean of 23 mm and the posterior urethrovesical angle ranged between 70 to 85 degrees with a mean of 80 degrees. The ultrasonographic study revealed that: a-In empty bladder: distance 1 ranged betweenli and 16 mm with a mean of 12.5 +/- 3.5 mm at rest and between 13 to 18 mm with a mean of 14 +/- 4.' mm during straining, while distance 2 ranged between 12 to 18 mm with a mean of 14 +/- 3.9 mm at rest and between 15 to 20 mm with a mean of 16 +/- 5.1 mm during straining. Bladder neck descent during straining ranged between 1 to 5 mm with a mean of 2.5 +/- 1.1 mm. b-In full bladder: distance 1-ranged between 10 to 15 mm with a mean of 11.5 +/- 3.4 mm at rest, while during straining it ranged between 14 to 20 mm with a mean 15 +/- 4.5 mm. Distance 2-ranged between 11 to 16 mm with a mean 12 +/- 3.3 mm at rest; while during straining it ranged between 17 to 24 mm with a mean 18.5 +/- 4.4 mm. Bladder neck descent during straining ranged between 1 to 8 mm with a mean of 4.5 +/- 1.5 mm. The urethrovesical angle was acute at rest and right angle during straining in empty urinary bladder, to turn into right angle at rest and slightly obtuse during straining in full urinary bladder. Understanding of the normal anatomical urethral support system with special reference to urethrovesical junction and ultrasonographic evaluation of the urethrovesical angle in healthy women can help the urogynecologists in the correct diagnosis and management of female genuine stress incontinence

Hexavalent chromium [VI]] induced toxicity on rat corneal structure: a light and scanning electron microscopic study

Chromium is one of the most studied chemicals linked to occupational hazards and is a proven toxin, mutagen and carcinogin. People are exposed to chromium compound in a wide variety of situations as it is commonly used in industrial chrome plating, welding, paining, metal finishes, steel manufacturing, alloy, cast iron and wood treatment. So, this study aimed to evaluate the cytotxicity of hexavalent chromium on rat corneas using light and scaning electron microscopic examinations. Ten adult albino rats were used as a control group, whereas twenty adult albino rats were treated with 25 and 2.5 mg/kg hexavalent chromium by intraperitoneal [ip] injection for 7 days respectively. Examination of the control rat cornea demonstrated that, it consisted of five layers. The outer surface was stratified squamous non-keratinized eqithelium with polygonal shape and surface microvilli. After seven daily dose of 25-mg/kg hexavalent chromium adminnistration, the examined corneal specimens revealed increased corneal thickness and loss of cellular demarcation of corneal epithelium with cleft formation and few microvilli. There were cytoplasmic vacuolation and nuclear changes. Also there was loss of the normal stromal lamellar architecture and various empty spaces. Moreover, after 90 days of chromium toxicity there was irregular corneal surface with marked patchy epithelial loss and multiple surface ostia. Also, there was morphological alteration of the surface microvilli and intercellular focal disruption. The Bowman's layer was lost. The corneal stroma showed marked loss of lamellar architecture and empty spaces. Corneal vascularization was also seen with inflammatory infiltrates. So, the present study concluded that, hexavalent chromium is very toxic to the cornea especially after prolonged exposure causing visual impairment and loss