Effect of alpha-lipoic acid on fundic gastric mucosal damage induced by acetyl salicylic acid: a histological study

alpha-Lipoic acid [ALA], an endogenous agent, has been shown to combat oxidative stress. The aim of the study was to evaluate the protective effect of ALA on fundic gastric mucosal damage induced by acetyl salicylic acid [ASA]. Fifty adult male albino rats were divided into four groups: group I [the control group], group II that received ALA for 2 weeks [subgroup IIa] and for 4 weeks [subgroup IIb], group III that received ASA for 2 weeks [subgroup IIIa] and for 4 weeks [subgroup IIIb], and group IV that received ALA 30 min before ASA for 2 weeks [subgroup IVa] and for 4 weeks [subgroup IVb]. At the end of the experiment, specimens from the fundus of the stomach were processed for light and electron microscopic examinations. The mean number of proliferating cell nuclear antigen [PCNA]-positive cells, parietal cells, and the mean thickness of the fundic mucosa were measured and the results were statistically analyzed. Examination of sections revealed that ASA for 2 weeks induced widening of the gastric pits and focal mononuclear cellular infiltration. The mucous content of the mucosa was apparently increased and PCNA-positive cells were significantly decreased compared with the control group. ASA for 4 weeks resulted in extensive desquamation, thinning out of the mucosa, and diffuse mononuclear cellular infiltration. The collagen content of the lamina propria showed an apparent increase, whereas the mucous content showed an apparent decrease. The parietal cell count and the PCNA-positive cells were significantly decreased compared with the control group. In ultrathin sections, parietal cells showed cytoplasmic vacuoles, decreased intracellular canaliculi, and mitochondria, whereas the chief cells showed dilated rough endoplasmic reticulum and decreased secretory granules. Concomitant use of ALA showed a histological profile nearly comparable with that of the control group in both subgroups IVa and IVb. ALA administration prevented the structural changes of the gastric mucosa induced by ASA

histological study on the effect of glucan on the spleen and jejunum of male albino rat exposed to gamma radiation

This study was conducted to investigate the efficacy of immunomodulator glucan [isolated from the Baker yeast] in protecting the spleen and jejunum against the cellular damage induced by gamma radiation. Fourty adult male Albino rats were used and divided into four groups, ten animals each. Group I animals: were considered as control group. Animals of group II received glucan intraperitoneally in a dose of 250 mg/kg B.wt for 20 days. Group III animals were submitted to whole body gamma radiation every other for 20 days to reach a total dose of 10 Gy. Animals of group IV were received glucan during exposure to radiation for 20 days. Exposure to gamma radiation resulted in a decrease of the lymphocytic content of the lymphatic follicles of the spleen with an increase in the number of macrophages. In the jejunum, loss of apical parts of the villi, reduction in the height of some villi, degennneration of both the surface columnar cells [enterocytes] and Goblet cells, as well as mononuclear cellular infiltration in the core of the villi, were observed. Moreover, there was increased amount of fibrous tissue in the submucosa of the jejunum as well as, decreased PAS positive reaction of the goblet cells and in the brush borders of enterocytes. By scanning electron microscopy, loss of the microvilli and degeneration of the enterocytes as well as degranulation and degeneration of the goblet cells were also observed. Administration of glucan during exposure to radiation for 20 days, revealed improvement of the radiation induced histological alteration both in the spleen and jejunum. It was suggested that glucan may reduce the incidence of radiation indduced cellular damage

Effect of nickel chloride on the lung of male albino rats with evaluation of the possible protective role of vitamin A light and scanning electron microscopy study

Nickel chloride is used in stainless steel industries and as a catalyser in catalytic exhausts in new cars for the last ten years. Increased levels of nickel are present in blood of traffic policemen due to its presence as a fuel additive in lead free fuels. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of nickel chloride on the lungs of male albino rats as well as to evaluate the possible protective role of vitamin A. Vitamin A is chosen because it is essential for growth and development of cells especially the respiratory epithelial cells. The animals were divided into 3 groups. Group I [control group], Group II was injected with nickel chloride and Group III was given vitamin A concomitantly with nickel chloride. The experiment was conducted for 28 days. Nickel chloride induced vacuolation of the cells lining the intrapulmonary air passages. The interalveolar septa were thickened and showed cellular infiltration. There was a highly significant increase in the mean number of eosinophils and macrophages. RBCs were demonstrated in the lumina of the intrapulmonary air passages and in the alveolar spaces. Type II pneumocytes showed apparent hyperplasia that was clearly observed in toluidine blue stained semithin sections. Mucous secretion of goblet cells was collected on the surface of the mucosa of the large intrapulmonary air passages. Scanning electron microscopy showed distortion of the cilia, accumulation of mucous secretion in the bronchial lumen and baldness of a large number of the ciliated cells lining the bronchi. Group III rats that received vitamin A together with nickel chloride showed a histological picture nearly similar to the control. In conclusion, Nickel chloride induced serious histological changes in the lungs of male albino rats. These changes could be ameliorated by a concomitant intake of vitamin A. So, attention must be focused on vitamin A and carotinoids as protective measures for the respiratory system

Effect of ciprofloxacin on the submadibular salivary gland of adult male albino rat: a light and electron microscopic study

Ciprofloxacin is a synthetic antimicrobial agent with a wide spectrum of antibacterial activity. This work was done to evaluate the histological and histochemical changes induced by ciprofloxacin administration on the structure of submandibular gland of rats. It also aimed to predict the possibility of recovery after drug withdrawal. Twenty-four adult male albino rats were used in this study. They were divided into three equal groups: 8 rats each. Group I was the control group. Group II included animals, which received the therapeutic dose of ciprofloxacin [90 mg/kg/day] for 10 days. Group III consisted of animals, which received the therapeutic dose of ciprofloxacin for 10 days and left to recover for 4 weeks. At the end of the experiment, the animals were decapitated and the submandibular glands were dissected out. They were prepared for light and electron microscopic examination. In Group II there were focal areas in the submandibular gland where the acini were almost disorganized. The acinar cells showed variable degrees of degeneration. The striated and convoluted ducts as well were affected. Some of their lining epithelium showed cytoplasmic vacuolations. There was a noticeable diminution in both the mucopolysaccharides and protein contents in the gland. However, these changes were seen to be reversible and the submandibular gland of rats in group III appeared more or less similar to the control

protective role of nifedipine and vitamine C om bromobenzene hepatorenal toxicity

In this study the hepatorenal protective effects of nifedipine and vitamin C were investigated in albino rats during acute and chronic bromobenzene [Br B] induced hepatorenal toxicity. Hepatotoxicity and hepatoprotective activities were monitored by estimating serum transaminase [SGPT and SGOT], alkaline phosphatase [ALP], total bilirubin [TB] and total proteins [TP]. Nephrotoxicity and nephroprotective activities were monitored by estimating blood urea nitrogen [BUN] and serum creatinine. Histopathological and histochemical studies of the livers and kidneys of experimental rats were also done. Administration of nifedipine and vitamin C concomitant with Br B to rats led to complete normalization of toxin induced alteration assessed by biochemical parameters and almost abolishing the toxin induced histopathological and histochemical changes in the rats livers and kidneys. A conclusion was made that infedipine and vitamin C have protected against bromobenzene induced hepatorenal toxicity