ABSTRACT
8-Methoxypsoralen [8-MOP] is a photoactive compound widely used in the treatment of proliferate disorders. The present study investigates the effects of 8-MOP on ovary function and pituitary-gonad axis in mice. In this experimental analytical study, 45 female Balb/C mice were divided into three groups [n=15], control, sham [olive oil injection] and experimental. The experimental group were received an intraperitoneal [i.p.] injection of the LD50 dose of 60 mg/kg 8-MOP. At 30 days after injection, the animals were sacrificed while in the proestrus stage and examined for morphological and histological changes their ovaries. Blood samples were collected and estrogen, luteinizing hormone [LH] and follicle stimulating hormone [FSH] levels were assessed by radioimmunoassay. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and the t test. The mean levels of estrogen and progesterone in the experimental group significantly decreased [p<0.001]. However, there was a significant increase in LH and FSH levels in this group compared to the control groups [p<0.001]. The mean number and diameter of the corpus luteum [CL] and the number of growing follicles in the experimental group significantly reduced compared to the control and sham groups [p<0.001]. The mean granulosa thickness in the experimental group also significantly decreased compared to the control and sham groups [p<0.001]. Our data indicated that 8-MOP can affect the levels of LH, FSH, estrogen and progesterone. Our findings further suggest that consecutive doses of 8-MOP may impair the female reproductive tract [or development]
ABSTRACT
Cell-gene therapy is a dynamic constituent of novel medical biotechnology. Neurodegenerative disorders in which damage to or demise of specific brain cell types plays central role, are clear examples of disease candidate for cell replacement therapy. Dopaminergic [DAergic] neurons biosynthesize dopamine, a vital neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. Due to the involvement of dopamine in a number of critical physiological functions in human and other mammals, disturbed dopamine neurotransmission resulting from DAergic neuron death or damage causes a few known disorders most prominently Parkinson's disease [PD]. DAergic cell replacement therapies proposed as promising approaches for PD treatment have prompted scientists to thoroughly investigate the embryonic development of DAergic neurons and their function in ordinary life. This review summarizes past and current findings in DAergic neuron development and survival. It also briefly looks at the future prospect of DAergic neuron generation in vitro aiming at clinical applications in vivo