effect of transient and persistent neonatal hypothyroidism on the adult albino rat testis [light and electron microscope study]

thyroid hormone is known to play a critical role in the development and growth of the testis. So, this study was designed to compare between the effect of transient and persistent neonatal hypothyroidism on the testis of adult rats. Thirty newborn rats [1 day old] were classified equally into control group and two experimental groups. In experimental group I, the transient hypothyroidism was induced in neonates by giving their lactating mothers 0.05%, 6-propyl-2 thiouracil [PTU] through drinking water for 30 days after birth then the treatment was withdrawal for 60 days. In experimental group II, the persistent hypothyroidism was induced by giving the neonates 0.05% PTU through their mother's milk until weaning then directly through drinking water for 90 days after birth. After 90 days postpartum, all animals were anesthetized and their testes were dissected out and processed for light and electron microscope examination. In experimental group I, the testes of transient hypothyroid rats appeared with large seminiferous tubules [ST] that the length of their diameters and the height of their lining epithelium were significantly increased as compared to those of control rats. They were lined by many Sertoli cells, primary spermatocytes, secondary spermatocytes, early spermatides and late spermatids. The interstitial spaces contained some Leydig cells and few fluid. In experimental group II, the testes of persistent hypothyroid rats appeared with small ST that the length of their diameters and the height of their lining epithelium were significantly decreased as compared to those of control rats. They were lined by thin disorganized germinal epithelium containing many Sertoli cells and few germ cells. Many sloughed degenerating cells and large multinucleated giant cells were seen in the lumen of ST. The interstitial spaces contained many connective tissue cells, congested blood vessels, excessive collagen fibers and abundant fluid. Electron microscope examination revealed Sertoli cells which were surrounded by wide spaces due to loss of germ cells. They contained distorted mitochondria, nuclei with peripheral heterochromatin condensation. They appeared with free processes due to loss of tight junction between them. the present study revealed that the neonatal transient hypothyroidism enhanced the growth of the testes. They contained large seminiferous tubules with many germ cells. While, the persistent hypothyroidism induced testicular atrophy with degeneration of germ cells. So, estimation of thyroid hormone level is recommended in all neonates immediately after birth for early diagnosis and treatment of thyroid hormone deficiency to prevent serious adverse effect of hypothyroidism on the testis

Histological changes induced by experimental renal failure in the lung of adult male albino rats and the role of melatonin supplementation

Chronic renal failure may affect virtually every system in the body. The most common uremic consequences in the respiratory tract are disturbed pulmonary function and weak respiration. The present study was designed to evaluate the histological changes induced by experimental renal failure in the lung of adult male albino rats and the possible protective role of melatonin as antioxidant. Forty five adult male rats were equally classified into control group and two experimental groups [15 animals each]. In experimental group I, the rats were submitted to experimental renal failure by five sixths renal ablation. In group II, the nephrectomized rats were treated with melatonin [10 mg/l00 ml/day] orally for 12 weeks. The development of renal failure was monitored by serial estimation of serum creatinine and urea levels. At the time of sacrifice, all rats were anesthetized with ether and their lungs were dissected out and processed for light and electron microscope examination. The nephrectomized rats showed significant elevation in serum creatinine and urea levels. Light microscope examination of their lungs revealed massive cellular infilteration and congestion of blood vessels with marked thickening of their walls. The bronchiolar epithelium was distorted. Some collapsed alveoli appeared with narrow spaces. They were separated by thick interalveolar septa containing cellular infilteration, red blood cells, congested capillaries and fibrous tissue. Intra-alveolar macrophages and red blood cells were seen. Furthermore, electron microscope examination revealed pneumocyte type II with indented nuclei, few microvilli and loss of their secretory granules. Some collapsed alveoli were seen with thick interalveolar septa containing abundant collagen fibers and congested blood capillaries. Disorganized blood air barriers were observed. The nephrectomized rats treated with melatonin showed non significant elevation in serum creatinine and urea levels. Light microscope examination of their lungs revealed intact bronchioles and alveoli with some congested blood vessels and few cellular infilteration. Electron microscope examination showed intact pneunocyte type II and blood air barrier. The present study revealed that experimental renal failure induced adverse effects on the histological structure of the lung which was partially improved by melatonin supplementation. Clinical and experimental studies are recommended to explore the efficacy of melatonin in renal failure. If proven effective, melatonin would be an adjunctive therapy, since it is natural, orally administrated and relatively safe