Effects of the black cumin seeds [nigella sativa linn.] on endometrial mucins of mature rats; histochemical study

Nigella sativa Linn is a well-known herb that is used by different societies, as food additive and as a medicinal herb; it used as a galactagouge for lactating women, and has long been described as an abortifacient-emmenugouge is to investigate the effect of crude black seeds on the endometrium and the pattern of its mucins, during the different phases of the Estrus cycle, making use of some special stains for the histochemical demonstration of muczns. Crude Nigella sativa Linn seeds were administrated for ten days, by an orogastric tube, on single regular daily dosage to properly selected mature Norway albino female rats. Animals were subdivided into subgroups, according to phases of the estrus cycle. Utera of these animals were routinely processed for carbohydrate histochemical [d-PAS, d AB2.5-PASR and AB1.0] studies using carney's fixative paraffin embedded sections. Experimental specimens were compared with that of control subgroups. Results showed marked production of diastase fast-PAS reactive non-alcianophilic Neutral mucins, with inhibited production of sulphated highly acidic mucins among the surface lining and the glandular epithelial cells, at Estrus. Effects of such changes in the pattern of endometrial mucins on the state of fertility, was discussed. Nigella Sativa, Linn. Metrial gland Endometrial Histochemistry Sialomucins, Fucomucins, Sulphated mucins. d-PAS, AB2.5PAS, AB1.0

Transmission and scanning electron microscopical study of the epithelial cells in the early dental plaque formation

Transmission and scanning electron microscopy were used to study desquamated cells and leukocytes in the developing dental plaque. Dental plaque developed on hydroxyapitite epoxy resin splints attached to the buccal surfaces were removed at intervals of 2, 4, 6, 24, and 48 h. epithelial cells and leukocytes were found attached to the hydroxyapatite splint as early as tow hours after the splints were placed in the mouth. These cells generally had bacteria attached to their surfaces. The cells adsorbed to the splint seem to undergo morphologic alterations

Immunocytochemical demonstration of IgG, IgA, IgM and albumin in the acquired supragingival pellicle

There is increasing evidences that immunological phenomena play a significant role in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease. The purpose of the present study was to demonstrate the presence and the distribution of immunoglohulins and albumin in the acquired enamel pellicle. Hydroxyapatite splints, trimmed into appropriate shape and secured to the labial surfaces of maxillary molars and premolar teeth, were used to collect acquired pellicle. The splint segments were removed after 2 hr. and processed for Transmission Electron Microscope [TEM] using low temperature embedding material. The specific sites of activity were visualized by reacting sections with a rabbit anti-immunoglobulins and anti-albumin which had been conjugated with protein A-gold complex. IgG, IgA and Albumin were found in the acquired pellicle, whereas IgM was not detected. Density of labeling was found to be greater on the epithelial cells adhered to the hydroxyapatite splint than in the acquired pellicle

histochemical study X-irradiation of the rabbit lens and its treatment

Na-K-ATPase and carbonic anhydrase [CA] activities in rabbit lens were studied histochemically at various times after exposure to a single dose of 2000 rads of X-ray, and were compared with their activities in the contralateral control lens. In the X-irradiated lenses, an increase in the Na-K-ATPase and CA activities was observed at the third and fourth weeks after exopsure, respectively. This was followed by a reduction in Na-K ATPase activites at the fourth week, and CA at the Twelfth week [prior to development of opacity at the thirteenth week]. The effect of topical applications of two proposed substances, horseradish peroxidase [HRP] as an antioxidant and honey as an anecdotal drug were studied clinically and histochemically in the X-irradiated rabbit lenses. Both drugs, particularly HRP. were able to delay or prevent changes due to X-irradiation. The histochemical verdict and the possible role of these substances are discussed in term combating the free radicals formed