Histopathologcal Effects of Methotrexate on Rat Kidney –An Experimental Study on Wistar Albino Rats

Introduction: Methotrexate, a folic acid antagonist is used as a first line drug for the treatment of a number of malignancies and immune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis. Due to hepatoxicity its dose needs to be monitored and sometimes it has to be stopped. In the present study we intend to do a detailed histopathological investigation after methotrexate toxicity on the relatively neglected organ i.e. kidney of rat. Subjects and Methods: Albino rats were divided into four groups (1, 2, 3, and 4) of six animals each. Control group 1 was given distilled water whereas experimental groups 2, 3, and 4 were given low, therapeutic and high doses of methotrexate orally for 28 days. Results: The results showed congestion and infiltration of the glomeruli and interstitial edema and tubular degeneration which were dose dependent. Conclusion: The degenerative changes necessitate extra precautions to be taken while using drug for prolonged period. The study merits due to great social impact.

Histopathological and Histomorphometric Studies on the Effects of Olanzapine on Vas Deferens and Urinary Bladder: An Experimental Study in Albino Rats

Introduction: Olanzapine an atypical anti-psychotic drug is widely used in a number of disorders like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Olanzipine shows affinity for a number of muscarinic, dopaminergic and histaminic receptors in the body due to which its effects can be seen on a number of organs in the body. The present study was conducted to see the adverse effects of the drug on the histology of urinary bladder and vas deference as data is not availabe on these organs. Subjects and Methods: Twelve male albino rats divided into equal number of experimental and control groups i.e. 6 rats each. Olanzapine was injected intraperitoneally in experimental rats at a dose of 4mg/kg for 6 weeks daily. Results: Control group received same volume of normal saline, daily, intraperitoneally for the same period. Conclusion: Histopathological and histomorphometric changes conformed degeneration in urinary bladder & vas deferens.

Diameters of Perikarya in Different Regions of Rat Central Nervous System after Streptomycin and Kanamycin Intoxication

Introduction: Streptomycin and Kanamycin, an aminoglycosidic antibiotic, is known to destroy the ventral cochlear nuclei of brainstem in man. Ototoxicity is well known side effect of kanamycin, the effect on central nervous system in general and central auditory pathway in particular is still unclear. Subjects and Methods: Thirty albino rats were divided into three groups I, II and III of ten animals each. Group III was control. Group I and II received Streptomycin (30mg/Kg body weight) and kanamycin (400mg/kg body weight) intramuscular injections, daily for 3 weeks. Paraffin embedded sections of cerebellum, spinal cord, dorsal cochlear nucleus, inferior colliculus nucleus and auditory cortex were stained with haematoxylin and eosin stains and perikarya measured using slide and ocular micrometres. Results: Size of cerebellar Purkinje cells increased significantly in control rats for streptomycin and kanamycin intoxicated animals respectively. Ventral horn cells of spinal cord are affected highly significantly only by streptomycin. Vestibular nucleus also showed similar results i.e. neuronal body. Neurons of dorsal cochlear nucleus is affected significantly by both the drugs i.e. streptomycin and kanamycin. Conclusion: Streptomycin causes an increase in diameter of auditory cortical cells on other hand kanamycin led to highly significant decrement in size of cells of same region. Preferential affinity and differential effects were noticed. The latter throws some clues about mechanism of action.

Histopathological and Haematological Effects of Mosquito Coil Smoke on Lungs - An Experimental Study on Albino Rats

Introduction: Mosquito coils are the most preferred anti-mosquito products in many households of Asian countries like India. Short-term exposure to allethrin has been reported to cause toxic effects on respiratory system. Subjects and Methods: Thirty albino rats were divided into five groups (A, B, C, D, and E) of six animals each. Except group A (Control) rest (Group B-E) were exposed to mosquito coil smoke for 4, 6, 8 and 10 weeks respectively. Blood from all the animals was processed to estimate TLC (Total leucocyte count) and results thus attained were analysed using one-way ANOVA test. Rats were sacrificed to procure lung tissue, which was processed by paraffin embedding to obtain haematoxylin and Eosin stained sections. Results: There was significant increase (p value, 0.001) in TLC in all experimental groups compared to control ones. Conclusion: Degenerative changes were obtained in lung tissue of all experimental rats with maximum effect in group Adequate measures should be taken to ensure minimal exposure to coil smoke during domestic use.

Haematological and Histopathological Effects of Mosquito Coil Smoke on Kidney-An Experimental study on Albino Rat

Introduction: Mosquitoes have long been identified as the main vectors of many human and animal diseases like West Nile fever, malaria, dengue, etc. Mosquito coils are the most preferred mosquito repellent products used especially in low-income communities, due to cheap price. The most common active ingredients in mosquito coils pyrethroids, are known to cause nephrotoxicity and,haematoxicity. However substantial data is lacking on the effects of mosquito coils containing d-trans allethrin. Subjects and Methods: In this study we report the histological and haematological effects of smoke from such coil on albino rat (Wistar). The study was performed on Thirty albino rats divided into five groups (A, B, C, D, E) of six animals each. Control group A we left unexposed to coil smoke while rest (B-E) were exposed for 4, 6,8,10 weeks respectively. Results: We observed a statistically significant increase in the levels of serum urea and creatinine in experimental groups C, D and E. Levels of serum sodium and potassium remained unaffected in the experimental animals. Histopathological studies on kidneys revealed generalised degenerative changes proportional to quantity of coil smoke exposure. Conclusion: General human masses should be made aware about such possible hazards and adequate measures should be taken to ensure minimal exposure to coil smoke during domestic use

Survey of Medical Students to find out their Choice of Paper Types for Examination

Introduction: Researchers have paid little attention to evaluating examination methodologies. Both subjective and objective questionnaires are needed to assess overall knowledge and skill of students. To make the papers student friendly, a survey on students’ choice for question papers is of utmost importance. Subjects and Methods: 122 students were provided with five question paper types having equal marks and given equal time to solve them. At the end of the examination they were asked to grade the paper as per their choice which were tabulated and analyzed. Results: Majority of the students gave the first preference to question paper type V (MCQs). As far as the choice of second best paper type was considered, there was discrepancy among good and mediocre students. The former considered paper type I (long essay type) while the latter selected type IV (write in brief) as the best paper type. Conclusion: To make the examination process, student friendly, paper having three question paper type i.e. MCQs, long essay type and write in brief should be coined.

Effects of Malunited Fractured Distal End of Radius on the Morphometric Parameters of Distal Radioulnar Joint in Old Age Group.

Background: Fifteen per cent of all upper limb fractures occur in distal end of the radius. Occurrence of such fracture has increased in last 50 years. Normal values of four radiographic distal radius parameters are commonly used for accurately evaluating malunions i.e., a radial length of 11to 12 mm, a radial inclination of 22º to 23º, an ulnar variance of ±1mm and a palmar inclination of approximately 11º to12º. Our clinical practice is based on western figure due to the absence of the local database. Methods: Study was carried out on seventeen elderly (>50yr) females. Invariably the patients have a unilateral radial fracture belonging to universal classification type-Π. Results: Data of normal and malunited distal radius for each parameter were compared. In old age mean differences showed by radial length, radial inclination, ulnar variance and palmar tilt were 2.47 mm, 9.36º, 1.85 mm and 5.59º respectively. Conclusion: Most of our patients with radial shortening and increased dorsal tilt have pain and diminished grip strength, therefore restoration of radial length has been considered the most important determinant of functional outcome.

Calcium levels in the maxillae of human foetuses / Niveles de calcio en los maxilares de fetos humanos

Calcium along with phosphorus and carbonate imparts hardness and strength to skeletal system. Most of the human studies in this context are based on informations in postnatal life. There are different theories to explain the manner in which the matrix of bone becomes impregnated with the two inorganic salts, calcium phosphate and calcium carbonate. In our study, 29 human foetuses were obtained from the museum section of Department of Anatomy, J .N. Medical College, Aligarh, and divided into five groups. Maxillae were cleaned by separating the soft tissue and dissolved in concentrated nitric acid to determine calcium. Results were analysed by using Student's 't' test. The most striking feature of our findings was a reduction in aforementioned relative calcium in subsequent groups of foetuses. This decrease was highly significant in foetuses of last three groups i.e. III, IV and V. On the other hand, when total amount of calcium in foetal maxillae of adjacent groups were compared, a steady rise in concentration of calcium was noticed but no definite pattern was observed. Sexual dimorphism could be considered only in groups IV and V foetuses due to lack of female foetuses in first three groups. Some scientists did consider the human foetal bones but their interests were confined to parietal bone, femur and teeth. None of the earlier studies considered calcium concentration in maxillae of human foetuses. Therefore, our study aimed at measuring the level of calcium in maxillae of developing human foetuses in different age groups to find pattern, if any, during development for medicolegal purposes.

El calcio junto con el fósforo y el carbonato otorgan la dureza y la fuerza al sistema esquelético. La mayoría de los estudios en seres humanos se basan en la información de la vida postnatal. Existen diferentes teorías para explicar la manera en que la matriz del hueso se impregna con las de sales inorgánicas, fosfato de calcio y carbonato de calcio. Fueron utilizados 29 fetos humanos del Museo del Departamento de Anatomía, Facultad J. N. Medical, Aligarh, divididos en cinco grupos. Los maxilares fueron limpiados separando los tejidos blandos, luego se disolvieron en ácido nítrico concentrado para determinar el nivel de calcio. Los resultados se analizaron a través de la prueba t de Student. La característica más notable fue la reducción de calcio en los grupos subsecuentes de los fetos. Esta disminución fue muy significativa en los fetos de los tres últimos grupos es decir, III, IV y V. Por otro lado, cuando se comparó la cantidad total de calcio en maxilares fetales de los grupos adyacentes, se observó un aumento constante en la concentración de calcio, sin ningún patrón definido. El dimorfismo sexual pudo ser considerado sólo en los grupos IV y V de los fetos, ya que la falta de fetos femeninos en los primeros tres grupos impidió su comparación. Algunos científicos han examinado los huesos del feto humano, pero sus intereses se limitan a los huesos parietales, al fémur y los dientes. Ningún de los primeros estudios considera la concentración de calcio en los maxilares de los fetos humanos. Así el objetivo de este estudio fue medir el nivel de calcio durante desarrollo de fetos humanos en maxilares de fetos de diferentes edades para determinar algún patrón, si los hubiera, con fines médico-legales.

Morphometric analysis of the sockets for the upper temporary molar teeth in human foetuses / Análisis morfométrico de los alvéolos de molares temporales superiores en fetos humanos

Foetal therapy has made foetal anatomy a promising field. Maxilla had been the core research attraction of many scientists. Alveolar arches, specially the maxillary one had been consistently the focus of attention for research workers due to its importance in dentistry. Twenty nine human foetuses were grouped into I (< 24 weeks of IUL), II (25-30 weeks of IUL) and III (> 30 weeks of IUL). Maxillae were dissected out and sockets were carefully cleaned. Sockets for the temporary molars, which also hold permanent premolars were measured with the help of Vernier callipers. Three parameters, i.e. maximum mesiodistal diameter,maximum transverse diameter and maximum depth were considered. Readings were analysed statistically by using Student's 't' test. Growth was maximum in group II for the mesiodistal diameter of the socket for 1st temporary molar but significant bilateral variation or sexual dimorphism was not found. A very high rate of growth (+63 percent) was noticed in group II foetuses. Contrary to mesiodistal values, transverse diameter showed significant higher values on left side in group II foetuses. Similarly in late foetuses of group III, values were significantly more in males than those in females. It might be reflecting the higher measurements in general in male adult skeleton compared to females. The increase in the depth was significantly higher in the last two groups but the rate was again more in group II (57 percent) than in group III (29 percent). Although no bilateral variations were noticed, the value was found to be higher in male than female in last foetal group. The values increased with great rate in both group II and III foetuses for the mesiodistal diameter of the socket for 2nd temporary molar. An unexpected increase in the mesiodistal readings of female socket was observed in group II. The values of transverse diameter showed a consistent increase i.e. a significant increase in group II and III foetuses, a pattern...

La terapia fetal ha hecho de la anatomía fetal un campo prometedor. El maxilar ha sido la atracción central de investigación de muchos científicos. Los arcos alveolares, especialmente el maxilar ha sido siempre el foco de atención para los investigadores debido a su importancia en la odontología. Veintinueve fetos humanos se agruparon en grupos I (< 24 semanas de vida intrauterina), II (25-30 semanas de vida intrauterina) y III (> 30 semanas de vida intrauterina). Los maxilares fueron disecados y los alvéolos fueron limpiados cuidadosamente. Los alvéolos de los molares temporales, que también tienen premolares permanentes, fueron medidos con la ayuda de un caliper Vernier. Fueron considerados 3 parámetros, es decir, diámetro mesiodistal máximo, diámetro transverso máximo y profundidad máxima. Las lecturas fueron analizadas estadísticamente mediante el uso de la prueba t de Student. El crecimiento fue máximo en el grupo II para el diámetro mesiodistal del alvéolo del primer molar temporal, pero la variación significativa o bilateral de dimorfismo sexual no fue encontrada. Una tasa muy alta de crecimiento (+63 por ciento) se observó en los fetos del grupo II. Contrariamente a los valores mesiodistal, los diámetros transversos mostraron valores significativamente más altos en el lado izquierdo en el grupo de fetos II. Del mismo modo en los fetos del grupo III, los valores fueron significativamente más altos en varones que en las de mujeres. Esto podría estar reflejando las mediciones más altas en general en el esqueleto del hombre adulto en comparación con las mujeres. El aumento de la profundidad fue significativamente mayor en los dos últimos grupos, pero la tasa fue mayor en el grupo II (57 por ciento) que en el grupo III (29 por ciento). Aunque no se observaron variaciones bilaterales, el valor se encontró que fue mayor en niños que en niñas en el grupo fetal. Los valores se incrementaron con rangos excepcionales tanto en el grupo de...

Bilateral variations and sexual dimorphism in morphometric parameters of infraorbital groove, canal and foramen in human foetuses / Variaciones bilaterales y dimorfismo sexual en los parámetros morfométricos del surco, canal y foramen infraorbitario en fetos humanos

Foetal anatomy seems to be highly promising developing speciality in the recent past. Maxilla is the key to facial skeleton. Its anatomy in general and bilateral variations along with sexual dimorphism in particular are of great surgical and forensic importance. Thirty two maxillae of sixteen human foetuses (21 wks to 34 wks) were considered to measure lengths of infraorbital groove and canal, widths of ends of infraorbital groove, diameters of infraorbital foramen and the distances of latter from infraorbital margin and nasal notch. Groups I (21-25 wks) and II (26-30 wks) foetuses were crucial for bilateral variations for most of the parameters. Distance between infraorbital foramen and nasal notch showed variations on two sides in maximum foetal groups. Infraorbital canal was found to be larger in groups II and III foetuses in females. Width of the posterior end of infraorbital groove was less in group I, equal in group II and more in group III in males. Sexual dimorphism was noticed in all the groups for the distance of infraorbital foramen from infraorbital margin. Distance of infraorbital foramen from nasal notch did not show sexual dimorphism in most of the groups except group I where value was more in males. Rule of generalized phenomenon of larger skeleton in male was not applicable in most of the groups.

La anatomía fetal, con su desarrollo en los últimos años, parece ser especialidad muy prometedora. El maxilar es la clave del esqueleto facial. Su anatomía en general y las variaciones bilaterales junto al dimorfismo sexual en particular, son de gran importancia quirúrgica y forense. Fueron estudiados 32 maxilares de 16 fetos humanos (21 semanas a 34 semanas) en los cuales se midió la longitud del surco y canal infraorbitario, anchos de los extremos de surco infraorbitario, diámetros del foramen infraorbitario y las distancias de este último desde el margen infraorbitario hasta la escotadura nasal. Las variaciones bilaterales en la mayoría de los parámetros fue en los grupos de fetos I (21-25 semanas) y II (26-30 semanas). La distancia entre el foramen infraorbitario y escotadura nasal mostró variaciones máximas en dos partes en los grupos de fetos. El canal Infraorbitario resultó ser más largo en los grupos II y III de fetos femeninos. El ancho del extremo posterior del surco infraorbitario fue menor en el grupo de fetos masculino I, igual en el grupo II y mayor en el grupo III. El dimorfismo sexual se observó en todos los grupos en la distancia desde el foramen infraorbitario hasta el margen infraorbitario. La distancia desde el foramen infraorbitario hasta la escotadura nasal no mostró dimorfismo sexual en la mayoría de los grupos a excepción del grupo I, donde el valor fue mayor en los hombres. La norma generalizada que el esqueleto más grande es del género masculino no fue aplicable en la mayoría de los grupos.

Morphometric analysis of infraorbital foramen and infraorbital canal in human feotuses / Análisis morfométrico del foramen infraorbitario y canal infraorbitario en fetos humanos

Literature regarding analysis of infraorbital foramen and canal exists in adult but it is scanty in foetuses. Morphometric measurements were performed in sixty maxillae dissected out from thirty human foetuses. The latter were divided into five groups on the basis of age i.e. groups I(<17 weeks IUL),II (17-20 weeks IUL), III (21-25 weeks IUL),IV (26-30 weeks IUL) and V (>30 weeks IUL).Four parameters considered were length of infraorbital foramen and canal and width of anterior and posterior ends of infraorbital foramen. Range of measurements between the smallest fetal group to largest fetal group for length of infraorbital foramen and canal and width at the anterior and posterior ends of infraorbital foramen were 4.01mm to 6.00 mm,0.67 mm to 2.60 mm,0.64 mm to 1.65 mm and 1.39 mm to 3.01 mm, respectively.The shape of the infraorbital foramen is maintained in most of the groups. Correlation coefficient analysis between measurements of lengths and aging foetuses is indicative of variable osteoblastic and osteoclastic activities. Enhanced osteoblastic activity seems to be an important phenomenon in postnatal life.

Existe literatura en relación con el análisis de foramen y canal infraorbitarios en adultos pero es escasa en fetos. Se realizaron mediciones morfométricas en 60 maxilares disecados de 30 fetos humanos. Los fetos fueron divididos en cinco grupos en función de la edad, es decir los grupos I (<17 semana VIU), II (17-20 semanas VIU), III (21-25 semanas VIU), IV (26-30 semanas VIU) y V (> 30 semanas VIU). Fueron considerados cuatro parámetros : longitudes del foramen y canal infraorbitario y anchos anterior y posterior de los extremos del foramen infraorbitario. El rango de las mediciones entre el grupo de fetos más pequeño al grupo más grande tanto de las longitudes del foramen y canal infraorbitario como los anchos de los extremos en la parte anterior y posterior del foramen infraorbitario fueron: 4.01mm a 6.00 mm, 0.67 mm a 2.60 mm, 0.64 mm a 1.65 mm y 1.39 mm a 3.01 mm, respectivamente. La forma del foramen infraorbitario se mantuvo en la mayoría de los grupos. El análisis del coeficiente de correlación entre las mediciones de longitudes y edades de los fetos, es indicativo de las variables de actividades osteoblástica y osteoclástica. El aumento de la actividad osteoblástica parece ser un fenómeno importante en la vida postnatal.

Análisis morfométrico del foramen infraorbital en fetos humanos / Morphometric analysis of infraorbital foramen in human foetuses

A detailed knowledge of the anatomic morphometry of infraorbital groove, canal and foramen was necessary for a surgeon while performing maxillofacial surgery and regional block anaesthesia. Modern surgical procedures as well as anaesthesia require more precise understanding of the surrounding anatomy. The aim of the study was to establish morphometrically the infraorbital foramen size and location in human foetuses, the area where this information was scanty. Sixty maxillae were dissected out from thirty human foetuses. The latter were divided into five groups on the basis of age i.e. groups I(<17 weeks IUL),II (17-20 weeks IUL), III (21-25 weeks IUL),IV (26-30 weeks IUL) and V (>30 weeks IUL). Four parameters including transverse diameter and vertical diameter of infraorbital foramen and its distances from the infraorbital margin and nasal notch, were considered. Foramen was nearly circular in group I foetuses (transverse as well as vertical diameter being 0.6 mm approximately) but in subsequent groups,the foramen is transversely oval due to faster increase in transverse diameter (1.93 mm in group V whereas the vertical diameter in group V remained 1.21 mm only). Downward displacement was found to be relatively more than the lateral displacement. Third group showed maximum increase in all the four parameters. Some association between diameter of infraorbital foramen and foetal age was established on the basis of correlation coefficient analysis.

Conocer en detalle la anatomía y morfometría de la incisura, canal y foramen infraorbitales, es importante para los crujanos maxilofaciales en el bloqueo anestésico regional. Modernos procedimientos quirúrgicos, como también anestésicos, requieren un conocimiento más preciso de la anatomía de esa zona. El objetivo de este estudio fue establecer mofológicamente el tamaño y la localization de estas estructuras, en fetos humanos, área en la cual existe insuficiente información. Fueron disecados 60 maxilares, de 30 fetos humanos. Los fetos fueron divididos en cinco grupos basados en la edad: Grupo I (<17semanas VIU), II (17-20 semanas VIU), III (21-25 semanas VIU), IV (26-30 semanas VIU) y V (>30 semnaas VIU). Fueron considerados cuatro parámetros, incluyendo diámetros transverso y vertical del foramen infraorbital y sus distancia entre el margen infraorbital y la incisura nasal. El foramen infraorbital era aproximadamente circular en el Grupo I de fetos (tanto el diámetro transverso como el diámetro vertical medían 0,6 mm, aproximadamente) pero en los grupos subsecuentes, el foramen infraorbital era oval transversalmente, incrementándose el diámetro transversal (1,93 mm en el Grupo V y solamente 1,21 mm de diámetro vertical en este mismo grupo). Relativamente, el foramen infraorbital se desplazaba más hacia abajo que hacia lateral. El Grupo III mostró un máximo incremento en los cuatro parámetros. Fueron establecidas algunas asociaciones entre el diámetro del foramen infraorbital y la edad fetal, basándose en el análisis de coeficiente de correlación.

Dinitrochlorobenzene therapy in alopecia areata.

With topical therapy using dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB), 36 (72%) out of 50 patients having alopecia areata showed regrowth of hair in 3 to 6 months time. Five (10%) patients experienced marked vesiculation and severe contact dermatitis requiring cessation of therapy. In 7 (14%) patients there was no response at all and 4 (8%) presented with other side-effects.

Sinusoidal endothelial hyperplasia in pathogenesis of perilobular fibrosis in rabbit after experimental ligation of common bile duct.

Development of perilobular hepatic fibrosis in rabbits after experimental ligation of the common bile duct was studied by microscopy. Twelve hours after the ligation, the lobular boundaries assumed prominence by appearance of row(s) of congested sinusoids around the distended perilobular canals of Hering. Seven days later, the lobular laminae limitans around such canals of Hering revealed myxomatous ballooning degeneration forming well defined inter-lobular bands (ILBs). On day 15 post-ligation, the residual sinusoidal endothelial-lining cells in the ILBs manifested hyper chromasia and occasional mitotic activity. It was followed, on days 25 and 35, by proliferation (hyperplasia) of the sinusoidal endothelium cells forming the portal tract like fibrotic tissue in the perilobular bands. These findings, showed the course of interlobular bridging necrosis along the bile preductules at the lobular circumferences and subsequently indigenous origin of the fibrotic tissue in the ILBs from the residual cells in the affected parenchyma independent of the portal tracts.