Histological study of early and late nephrotoxicity and endothelial cytotoxicity of ionic and non-ionic contrast media

The Structural changes induced by the use of radiopaque contrast media have been investigated using light and electron microscopic techniques. Three groups of adult male rats were used in this study. The first group [n=15] was injected intravenously with urographin in a dose of 0.5 ml/kg body weight. The second group [n=15] was injected with a similar dose of iopamidol. The third group [n=15] served as control. Specimens from the kidney and inferior vena cava were taken after 3,7 and 14 days of injection. Glomerular and tubular changes of the kidney and the endothelium of the inferior vena cava were evident after the use of both types of media. However, the effect was more pronounced and persistent after the use of ionic media. The results indicate that the tubular effect of the ionic media is secondary to its high osmolality and not to its inherent chemotoxicity. On the other hand, a chemotoxic effect on the glomerular epithelial cells [podocytes] is suggested. In addition, ischemia of the kidney is another factor that contributes to the nephrotoxic effect of the ionic media. Contrast media influenced the endothelium of the inferior vena cava indicating that the effect on the vascular endothelium extends to involve vessels distant from the site of injection

postnatal development of the visual cortex of albino rat and inorganic lead

Albino rats were used in the present study. Two groups of pregnant female animals, one served as control and other as experimental. The experimental mothers were fed with chow, tap water and libitum and 1% lead carbonate, from the first day of parturition. The pups from both groups were taken at the postnatal ages of 3, 9, 12, 15 and 21 days from both groups. Brains were extracted and fixed in 10% neutral formalin. The primary visual cortex was located according to Krieg [1946] map. It was processed for histological technique. Sagittal sections were cut at 10 u thick and stained with Einarsons gallocyanine. This study showed that the development of rat visual cortex is competed about day 21, when the neurons achieve their mature appearance as indicated by the increased size of cell body and nuclei; differentiation of the cells; the nuclei became vesicular with prominent nucleoli and increase Nissl's granules and there was also an increase in thickness of the cortex and a decreased packing of the neurons. The offsprings of rats fed on the inorganic lead starting from day 89, had an extensive changes compared to age matched control. Stratification of the visual cortex comes less distinct all over the ages used. Maturation of layer V and layer II/III is delayed. There is also cavitation, and neurocytic chromatolysis which is pronounced at day 12 and is clearly distinct at day 15. Pericapillary and capillary dilatation are noticed