relation between the duration of inhalation abuse of a volatile substance and its effect on the testis. a histological and biochemical study in adult male albino rats

Volatile substance abuse in general, and toluene inhalation in particular, for their neuropsychological effects, represents a significant problem in many developed and developing countries. The present work was designed to investigate the histopathological changes in the testis of adult male albino rats, induced by toluene vapour inhalation over different periods. The present study was carried out on forty adult male albino rats with body weights ranging from 60-100g. The animals were categorized into two groups: Group I: [Control Group] included ten rats received no treatment, Group II: [Toluene inhalants] included thirty adult rats exposed to toluene vapour inhalation. A clean dry piece of cotton was soaked with toluene liquid and placed in the covered cages three times daily, each for about thirty minutes for six days per week. These animals were subdivided into three equal subgroups according to the exposure period; Subgroup [A]: ten rats exposed to toluene vapour for two weeks, Subgroup [B]: ten rats exposed to toluene vapour for eight weeks, Subgroup [C]: ten rats exposed to toluene vapour for twelve weeks. At the end of each duration of the experiment, animals were scarificed by decapitation using light ether anesthesia after taking blood samples. I- Histological examination: Specimens were taken from the testis of all rats and processed for examination by light microscope using haematoxylin and eosin stain and ultrastructural study using the transmission electron microscope. II. Hormonal assay: The concentration of testosterone level, luteinizing hormone [LH] and follicle - stimulating hormone [FSH] were estimated by radio immunoassay. III. GAS chromatography: Concentration of toluene vapour in the blood was measured by High performance liquid chromatography. IV. Statistical analysis: The one way ANOVA test was applied to estimate the significant values of the hormonal assay for serum testosterone, LH and FSH and the 5% level of significance was chosen. The histopathological changes observed in the testis of rats exposed to toluene inhalation demonstrated its potentials to induce cytotoxic effects on the spermatogenic cells, Sertoli cells and the interstitial cells of Leydig. The severity of the toluene damaging potentials appeared to be dependent on and directly proportionate to the duration of toluene inhalation. So, the histological changes were mild and scattered in the testis specimens of group A [2 weeks inhalation] and was more severe in both eight and twelve weeks groups. The correlation between high performance liquid chromatography for toluene gas in blood, the biochemical gonadal and gonadotrophin hormonal assay and the histological assessment, explored the various mechanisms that were incorporated in the establishment of the toluene induced testicular injury. The present study proved the undoubting evidences for the damage potentials of toluene on the testis as the major reproductive organ in the male. Furthermore, the study showed the direct proportionality between the toxic effects of toluene vapor and the length of the exposure duration. Yet, the observed histological alterations were highly suggestive for a probable impaired reproduction in experimental animals which needs further study

Histological study of the protective effect of N-acetylcysteine on pancreatic acinar cells in experimentally induced acute pancreatitis in male albino rats

Despite extensive research efforts, there is a lack of specific medical/ pharmacological interventions of excellent clinical value in acute pancreatitis. The exact mechanisms by which diverse etiological factors induce an attack are unclear. Since reactive oxygen species [OR] are involved in acute pancreatitis, the present study was designed to assess the protective role of N-acetylcysteine in preventing the histological changes in pancreatic acinar cells, induced by L-arginine in albino rats. Twenty five male albino rats weighing 250-300g were included in this study. They were divided into four groups. Group I [10 rats]: the control group was further divided into: Group Ia: 5 animals received physiological saline injections i.p. Group Ib: 5 animals received N-acetylcysteine in a single dose of 50 mg/kg orally. Group II [5 rats]: in the treated group, acute pancreatitis was induced by two injections of 250 mg/100 g body weight of L-Arginine intraperitoneally in an 1-h interval. Group III [5 rats]: the animals were administered N-acetylcysteine in the same dose as that given to group Ib 1 hour prior to L-Arg administration. Group IV [5 rats]: the rats received the same dose of N-acetylcysteine 1h after L-Arg was given. All rats were sacrificed 24 h after the second L-Arg injection. Specimens from the pancreas of each animal were subjected to light microscopic examination using Haematoxylin and Eosin stain and ultrastructural examination. Histological results of group II [rats received L-Arginine] showed variable histological changes with different severity. Interlobular and interstitial tissue oedema, cellular infiltration and extravasation of blood appered in some sections. The peripheral fat cells were necrotic. Most lobules revealed loss of normal architecture with focal peripheral areas of acinar cell lysis. Some acinar cells showed cytoplasmic vacuolations and nuclear changes. Marked dilatation of rER, focal areas of rarefaction and depletion of zymogen granules were also noticed in ultrastructural examination. Pretreatment with N-acetylcysteine revealed marked protective effect on the histological changes of pancreatitis induced by L-arginine. This protection was less evident in group IV receiving N-acetylcysteine after administration of L-arginine and induction of pancreatitis. N-acetylcysteine proved to be of benefit in protection of the pancreas from the experimentally induced pancreatitis by L-arginine especially if administered before induction. Supplemental antioxidant therapy seems promising in the regulation of the progress of acute pancreatitis and it is recommended to be given to patients at an earlier stage or those at risk for the development of acute pancreatitis