Detection and identification of Toxoplasma gondii type one infection in sheep aborted fetuses in Qazvin province of Iran

The aim of this study was to apply the nested-PCR and bioassay methods in detection and genotyping of Toxoplasma gondii infection in provided sheep aborted fetus samples from Qazvin Province of Iran. Eighteen sheep aborted fetal samples were studied by nested-PCR-RFLP, histopathological observation and microbiological assay. Bioassay in mice was carried out by inoculating the brain samples intraperitoneally. The results demonstrated the frequency of 66% infected sheep aborted fetal samples with T. gondii type one. Although we could not isolate any parasite from inoculated mice even after three passages, but it was confirmed histopathologically formation of cyst like bodies in prepared mice brain sections. The results of the performed nested-PCR and formation of brain cyst in inoculated mice exhibited that T. gondii type one infection might be considered as one of the major causative agents for abortion in ewes

role of aminoguanidine on functional recovery of rat reperfused sciatic nerve

Ischemia reperfusion plays a major role in the development of pathological alterations in many different neuropathies. In this study, we evaluated the role of aminoguanidme [AG] in the functional recovery of the rat re-perfused sciatic nerve based on the behavioral scores. Seventy two rats were divided into 12 groups [n = 6]. We used ischemic model by occluding the right common iliac and femoral arteries for 3 h with a silk suture 6-0 using the slipknot technique. Treatment groups [2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12] received 150 mg/kg of AG intraperitoneally 24 hrs after the induction of ischemia. After certain time intervals of reperfusion [48 hr, and 4, 7, 14, and 28 days], the function of the hind limb was assessed using behavioral scores based on gait, racing reflex, toe spread, pinch sensitivity, paw position, and grasp. Hind limb functional deficits developed in all reperfused groups, and maximal behavioral deficit occurred on day 7 of reperfusion. The comparison of the control and AG groups revealed a better time course in recovery and improvement of the behavioral score. In conclusion, our findings suggest that post-ischernic administration of AG exhibits a neuroprotective effect against ischemia-reperfusion injury of sciatic nerve. However, further investigations are required to delineate the detailed mechanisms underlying the protective effect of AG in sciatic nerve injury

Negative effect of zinc on testes, testosterone and gonadotrophins levels in adult male wistar rats

The toxic effects of zinc leading to sebaceous gland closure, skin eczema and blister have been previously demonstrated in other studies. The aim of this study is to determine the chronic effects of zinc chloride [ZnCl2] on testicular tissues, testosterone and gonadotrophins in adult male Wistar rats. Twenty four Adult male Wistar rats were divided in to two groups of study and control with each group consisting of 12 rats. Study group rats received 10 mg/kg interaperitoneal Zinc chloride in normal saline [N.S] every other day for 30 days. Control group rats received N.S during this time. Blood sample for hormonal evaluation were collected from hearts of these rats. The rats were destroyed and their testes were removed and fixed in a 10% formaldehyde and glutaraldehyde solution. The results of this study showed a significant decrease in the level of LH and testosterone hormone among the rats in the study group compared to the control group with p < 0.001 and p < 0.01 respectively. Study of fine structure of testicular cells and tissues in the study group rats revealed swelling of mitochondria, increase in smooth endoplasmic reticulum vacuolization and lysosomic granules [Autophagic vacuoles] in cytosol of their germinal cells. Based on the results of this study consumption of large amount of compounds which contain zinc should be controlled and limited among men. There is a need for further studies to evaluate and determine the reversibility of most hormonal and physiological changes due to usage of zinc containing compounds

Study of biological characteristics and incidence of spontaneous mammary tumor in razi mice, a worthwhile model for mammarytumor, iranian origin

Razi mouse is originally established from native Iranian mice at Razi institute and is susceptible to spontaneous mammary tumor. In this study, incidence, age and predisposing factors of tumor and some of biological characteristics of this strain were studied. There were significant differences in incidence of mammary tumor in Razi virgin females as compared with normally breeding and hormone treated breeding females in p < 0.05 but was the same with virgin NMRI females foster-nursed on Razi dams. However incidence in virgin Razi females foster-nursed on NMRI dams was very lesser than three mentioned groups. All mammary tumor tissues were histopathologically diagnosed adenocarcinoma. No significant differences were found in the levels of biological factors studied in tumor bearing and nonbearing Razi mice [p < 0.05]. Our results showed that milk factor may play the most important role in compare with genetic background and hormonal stimulation for development of mammary tumor in Razi mouse. Razi strain may represent a unique model to study of mammary tumor etiology and anticancer therapy

[Ischemic and reperfusion injury of adult rat sciatic nerve]

Ischemia plays a major role in development of pathological changes in various neuropathies. Reperfusion amplifies physiological and pathological abnormalities in ischemic nerves. In this research, we studied ischemic-reperfusion [IR] injury of sciatic nerve up to 14 days of reperfusion. IR was produced by ligation and release of nooses around supplying vessels to the sciatic nerve. 30 rats were assigned into 5 groups of 6. Group 1 [control] did not undergo IR while the 4 remaining groups after three hours of complete hind leg ischemia underwent reperfusion within 0hr, 3hrs, 7 days and 14 days. Pathologically, two phases were identifiable. During phase 1 [0-3 hrs] fiber degeneration and endoneurial edema were observed. During phase 2 [7 days and, 14 days] prominent fiber degeneration and prominent endoneurial edema were observed. Loss of function occurred in more than 75% of the rats with ischemia alone, in comparison with the control group the maximum reduction in activities was observed amongst the group of rats reperfused within 3 hours. IR injury depends on duration of reperfusion. Microvascular events during reperfusion may enhance the nerve fiber damage following the ischemia period

Concurrent occurrence of malignant melanoma and amyloidosis in a horse

In a 16-year-old mare of mixed breed, with gray coat, which was used for 2 years for production of polyvalent anti-snake antiserum, some nodules appeared on the underside of the tail and perineum. The animal gradually became weakened and showed weight loss and eventually, was euthanatized. Based on necropsy findings and histopathologic examination, affection to malignant melanoma was confirmed. By applying Congo red for detection of amyloidosis, deposition of amyloid within the wall of arterioles of spleen and a small amount inside the hepatocytes were observed

Histopathological features in a horse on repeated injections of polyvalent snake venom

A 7-year-old stallion was bought for production of polyvalent snake antiserum. The animal died in less than two months from the beginning, of weakly injection with an increasing concentration of polyvalent snake venom. In histopathological examination, severe necrosis of renal tubules [nephrosis] and portal sclerosis with necrosis of hepatocytes were observed. In the myocardium, thrombosis in small arteries, concurrent necrosis and fibrosis, as well as arteriosclerotic changes inside a coronary artery were observed. In the lung, there were severe congestion and hemorrhage. Moreover, destruction of alveolar walls caused marked emphysema