[Morphometrical and histometrical changes of kidney in immature mice exposed to aspartame]

Aspartame, as a synthetic sweetener, has been widely used in food products during the recent decades and renal excretion of aspartame lasts several days. The aim of the present study was to investigate the dose-dependent effects of aspartame on morphometrical and histometrical changes of the kidney in immature mice. 24 immature female Balb/C mice, were randomly categorized to three experimental and one control groups of 6 mice each. Experimental and control groups received aspartame100, 200 and 400 mg/kg/bw respectively and distilled water with the same method for 21 days. At the end of the experiment, the mice were weighed and anesthetized their right kidneys were stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin. Body weight difference showed significant decrease in experimental groups of 100, 200, 400 mg/kg/bw [1.43 +/- 0.198, 1.64 +/- 0.281, 2.60 +/- 0.388] respectively compare to the control groups [4.65 +/- 0.139], length, width, diameter and weight of kidneys had significant decrease between experimental and control groups [p<0.05]. In the case of histometrical changes, the diameter of glomeruli, diameter of renal corpuscles and the height of epithelium of proximal and distal convoluted tubules showed significant decrease in experimental groups compared to control group [p<0.05]. The diameter of urinary space and lumen of proximal and distal convoluted tubules, experimental groups showed significant increase compared to control group [p<0.05]. This can be concluded that aspartame can induce morphometrical and histometrical changes in mice kidney

[ effect of soybean meal on the maintenance of cartilage in animal knee joints]

The soybean is one of the most important diet protein resources and induces a reduction of joint pain. The aim of the present study was to determine the incidence of joint disorders and arthritis, especially in the knee joint. According to the feed regimens, 36 female mice [balb/c; 3 weeks old] were divided into 3 groups including Group 1: Low protein for 6 months; Group 2: Low protein for 3 months and then followed by complete [or full] protein without soybean meal for the next 3 months and Group 3: Low protein for the first 3 months and then followed by complete protein with 20% soybean meal for the next 3 months. Finally the serum alkaline phosphatase [ALP] was measured and sections from the tibial cartilage were histomorphometrically studied. The thickness of the middle part of the tibial cartilage and the number of chondrocytes in the group used soybean meal [148/84 +/- 14/05, 12/77 +/- 1/57, respectively] showed a significant difference compared with the other groups [p<0.001]. Meanwhile, serum ALPlevels [76/402L/U] and the concentrations of the inter-cellular substance in the 3th group showed no significant difference compared with the other groups. It is concluded that soybean may effect on the growth of the knee joint cartilage in animals and also may induce stability of the knee joint cartilage in individuals with protein deficiency since childhood

Histological study of nephrons in the kidney of caspian pony

To determine microscopic structures of nephrons in Caspian pony, a total number of five adult and healthy miniature ponies were provided and after opening the abdominal area, the kidneys were removed. The specimens, after fixation in 10% formalin and tissue passages were stained by hematoxylin and eosin and studied under light microscope. Kidneys are covered by a dense connective tissue. Each kidney is composed of two distinct parts of cortex and medulla which in cortex, renal corpuscles associated with some parts of urinary tubules are located. In medullar part of the kidneys, thin and thick limbs of henle and medullar part of collecting tubules, are observed, which terminate to papillary or Bellini ducts. Kidneys in Caspian pony are very similar to those of other equine. Althoughmorphologically there are some differences between this species and others, but the presence of the capsule and its connections might be a peculiarity in this species

[Histological study of stomach in Caspian pony]

To determine morphological and histological characteristics of stomach in Caspian pony. Observational study. Five mature Caspian pony. A histological study was carried out on the stomach of Caspian pony. one centimeter from different parts of stomach was taken and immediately fixed in 10% formalin. After fixation they were transferred into the tissue processor, paraffin blocks made and thin sections of [five micron] prepared. The tissue sections were stained with H and E. Descriptive study. Stomach of the Caspian pony is composed of cardiac, fondic and pyloric regions. In the internal surface of stomach two distinguishable parts were observed according to their color an mucosa. While its cranial part was paler and non-glandular [fore stomach]. Its posterior part was darker and glandular. A marginal fold as margo plicatus was located between them. Forestomach has stratified squamous epithelium deep, medial and superficial regions. Glands were not seen in lamina propria and submucosa, glands were seen. In the posterior part, the epithelium is simple columnar and lamina propria has many gastric glands, besides of some mucosal glands of deep layer. Cranial part of stomach can be considered as fore stomach because of lacking secretory glands, its structure is similar to esophagus. In the forestomach of Caspian pony, presence of three distinguishable cellular regions is a pecularity. Furthermore, its columnar cells with mucos secretion and presence of mucosal glands in the deep layer of lamina propria are characteristics of forestomach in Caspian pony

Macroscopic and microscopic study of spleen and Gut Associated Lymphatic Tissue [GALT] in Acipenser persicus

study and recognizing the morphologic andmicroscopic features of spleen as the most importantlymphatic organ and other lymphoid parts affecting onimmune system of Acipenser persicus. Descriptive study. A total number of 10 adult fish freshly preparedfrom Caspian Sea. After removing the spleen and digestivecanals, they were immediately fixed in ko[3]/4110 formalinand transported to the laboratory. Routine histologicalprocedures were made in autotechnicon and the paraffinsections of 6 micron were stained by Haematoxylin andEosin. Spleen as an elongated organ located on themiddle part of digestive canal and microscopically wascovered by a capsule of connective tissue and an epitheliallayer. Spleen included white and red pulps. There are somesimilarities and also some differences between spleen ofthis species and mammals. A part of immune system is inthe form of diffuse lymphatic tissue throughout thedigestive canal and lymphatic aggregations in laminapropria and submucosa of proximal and distal intestinesand spiral valves. Generally from proximal intestine to theposterior parts up to rectum lymph nodules and tissues aregenerally increased. Spleen as the biggest and the most importantlymphatic organ and microscopically very similar to thespleen of mammals has many function such as lymphaticcell production. Besides other lymphoid tissues such aslymph nodules in proximal and distal intestines mighthave an important role in immunity with highly lymphaticcell production