[Protective effect of hydroalcoholic extract tribulus terrestris on cisplatin cytotoxicity on sperm viability and count in mice]

Cisplatin is an anti-cancer drug used in chemotherapy. The side effects of this drug include anoretic, nausea, decrease in genital gland function, azoospermia and oligospermia. Tribulus terrestris has many compounds mostly, that caused antioxidant and protective properties. The purpose of the present study to investigate protective effect of hydro-alcoholic extract Tribulus terrestris on cisplatin cytotoxicity on sperm viability and count in mice. Cisplatin and Tribulus terrestris extract were given to 30 mice for a period of 4 days. The mice were weighted and after anesthesia, their epididymis was taken out and sperm viability and sperm count were investigated, Student t-test was applied for the statistical analysis. The results show that cisplatin alone leads to a reduction in body and epididymis weight, and sperm count and sperm viability compared to the control group [p<0.05]. In the group that used cisplatin along with Tribulus terrestris extract, as the dose of extract increased, the body and epididymis weight, sperm count and viability sperm increased in compared to the cisplatin group. It seems, the existing compounds in Tribulus terrestris extract can control active metabolites caused by cisplatin and the destructive effect of this drug. Prescribing Tribulus terrestris extract along with cisplatin can possibly be beneficial and effective due to the anti-oxidant characteristics of Tribulus terrestris and also its effect on reducing harmful metabolites

[Influence of dorsal hippocampal GABA receptors on state-dependent learning induced by CB1 cannabinoid receptors agonist in mice]

Cannabinoids exert widespread effects on cognitive functions. An overlapped distribution of GABA receptors and cannabinoid receptors has been reported in some brain structures [e.g. dorsal hippocampus]. Thus, the present study was undertaken to examine the possible role of the dorsal hippocampus GABA[A] receptors on ACPA induced amnesia and ACPA state-dependent memory. This experimental study was conducted on 250 adult male NMRI mice. Muscimol and ACPA were used as agonists of GABA[A] and the cannabinoid CB1 receptors, respectively. Mice were anaesthetized and cannulae were implanted bilaterally into the CA1 regions of the dorsal hippocampus. Seven days after post-surgery recovery, the behavioral testing was performed using an inhibitory avoidance task and the step-down latency of the animals was used to assess memory retention. Post-training administration of ACPA [3ng/mouse] impaired the memory retrieval. The memory impairment induced by ACPA was fully reversed by pre-test administration of ACPA or muscimol. The results suggest that the GABA[A] receptors of the dorsal hippocampal may play an important role in ACPA-induced amnesia and ACPA state-dependent memory

[Influence of nicotine on muscimol state-dependent memory in the step-down passive avoidance test]

Due to overlapping distribution of GABA receptors with nicotinic receptors in some parts of brain such as dorsal hippocampus, the functional interactions between nicotinic acetylcholine and GABA ergic systems in cognitive control seems possible. The present study evaluated the possible role of nicotinic receptors of the dorsal hippocampus in muscimol [the GABA[A] receptor agonist] induced amnesia and muscimol state-dependent memory in adult male mice. This experimental study included 185 adult male NMRI mice. The drugs used in this study were muscimol and nicotine. The mice were anaesthetized and placed into a stereotaxic apparatus. Cannulas were implanted bilaterally in the CA1 regions of the dorsal hippocampus. After a seven day recovery period, the behavioral testing was performed by using inhibitory avoidance task. Prolongation of the step-down latency was measured as a criterion for the assessment of memory retention. Post-training administration of muscimol [0.15 and 0.075 micro g/mouse] decreased the memory retrieval. The memory impairment induced by muscimol [0.15micro g/mouse] was completely reversed by administration of muscimol or nicotine [1.5 and 1 micro g/mouse] on the test day, which suggests muscimol, induced state-dependent memory. These results suggested that nicotinic receptors of the dorsal hippocampus may play an important role in muscimol -induced amnesia and muscimol state-dependent memory

[ effect of dorsal hippocampal alpha2-adrenegic receptors on WIN55,212-2 state-dependent memory of passive avoidance]

Cannabinoids are a class of psychoactive compounds that produce a wide array of effects in a large number of species. In the present study, the effects of bilateral intra-CA1 injections of an alpha2-adrenergic receptor agents, on WIN55, 212-2 state-dependent learning were examined in adult male Wistar rats. The animals were bilaterally implanted with chronic cannulae in the CA1 regions of the dorsal hippocampus, trained in a step-down type inhibitory avoidance task, and tested 24h after training to measure step-down latency. Post-training intra-CA1 injection of WIN55, 212-2 [0.25 and 0.5microg/rat] induced impairment of memory retention. Amnesia produced by post-training WIN55, 212-2 [0.5microg/rat] was reversed by pre-test administration of the same dose of WIN55, 212-2 that is due to a state-dependent effect. Pre-test intra-CA1 injection of clonidine [0.5 and 0.75microg/rat, intra-CA1] improved post-training WIN55, 212-2 [0.5microg/rat, intra-CA1]-induced retrieval impairment, while pre-test intra-CA1 injection of yohimbine [1microg/rat, intra-CA1] 2min before the administration of WIN55, 212-2 [0.5microg/rat, intra-CA1] inhibited WIN55, 212-2 state-dependent memory. These results suggest that alpha2-adrenergic receptors of the dorsal hippocampal CA1 regions may play an important role in Win55, 212-2-induced amnesia and WIN55, 212-2 state-dependent memory

[Evaluation of anxiolytic effects of silymarin extract from Silybum marianum in rats]

Anxiety is a common psychiatric disorder affecting many people in the society and is associated with clinical symptoms such as tachycardia, sweating, shortness of breath, insensitivity. The objective of this study was to evaluate anxiolytic effects of sylimarin extract in wistar rats. Material and Methods: 35 male Wistar rats with a mean weight of 250 +/- 25grams were divided into 5 experimental groups [n=7]. Silymarin was purchased from Goldaroo company in Isfahan. The rats received sylimarin with different doses of 35, 70, 140 and 280 mg/Kg for two weeks. The control group received saline orally with the same volume. Then, using elevated plus maze [EPM], 30 minutes after treatment, the behavior of the experimental groups was compared to that of control group. Data were introduced into SPSS software and analyzed by variance analysis. According to the results of this study, sylimarin with the three doses of 35, 70 and 140 mg/Kg caused a statically significant decrease in anxiety, in comparison to the control group. Our data showed that silymarin seems to be a potential and effective anxiolytic agent and can be used for anxiety control

[Effects of amygdala cholinergic system on modulation of anxiety behaviors of rats by use of Elevated Plus Maze test]

Anxiety is a common psychological disorder in the society which can be accompanied by physiologic and behavior disorders. There is evidence that neurons and cholinergic receptors are involved in the neurobiology of anxiety. In the present study, we have investigated the effects of muscarinic and nicotinic receptors of cholinergic system in amygdala of rats on anxiety, by use of Elevated Plus Maze test. In this study the locations of amygdale in the rats were determined by stereotaxis method and leading cannulas were inserted into the same locations for drug injection into amygdala. The effects of muscarinic and nicotinic receptors of central amygdala for controlling anxiety in the rats were assessed by use of Elevated Plus Maz test. Bilateral intra amygdala injection of physostegmine [2 micro g/rat] decreased percentage of open arm time [OAT] and open arm entries [OAE] [p<0.05] which indicated an increase in the level of anxiety. However bilateral injection of the muscarinic receptor antagonist, pilocarpine [0.25, 0.5, and 1 micro g], did not show a significant change in anxiety-like behavior [p>0.05]. Bilateral administration of nicotine [1 and 2 micri g/rat] into central amygdala [intra-CeA] induced an anxiogenic effect, shown by decreases in the percentage of OAT and percentage of OAE [p<0.05]. Bilateral intra-CeA injection of mecamylamine [20, 30, 50 ng/rat], a selective nicotine acetylcholine receptor [nAChRs] antagonist led to a significant anxiolytic behavior in the rats [p<0.05]. The results of this study indicate the muscarinic and nicotinic receptors of amygdale have a role in controlling anxiety

[ effect of GNRH and naloxone on serum level variations of FSH, LH and testosterone induced by morphine administration in male wistar rats]

With regard to increasing use of opioids and their potential role in infertility research centers around the world are in search of pharmacologic compounds which could neutralize effects of opioids and overcome infertility through administration of GnRH and its analogues which also do not have considerable side effects. In this study male wistar rats weighing 200-250 gr were used. At different intervals [5-10-15 days] 5mg/kg morphine was injected intraperitonneally into the male rats. Then they were divided in 5 groups of 8. The first group contained intact rats, while saline, morphine, naloxone, and fertagyl were injected into the second third, fourth and fifth groups respectively. Then the rats were anesthetized and their bloods were taken for further tests. The results showed that morphine induces loss of testis weight and diameter, loss of weight in rats, and nutritional and behavior changes. Furthermore, a significant changes in the amounts of LH and testosterone hormones was observed in all groups [p<0.05] while no significant change in the amount of FSH was observed. Since the experimental groups into which naloxone and GnRH were injected showed no significant difference, we suggest that naloxone and GnRH be administrated as opioid antagonist to solve the problem of morphine-induced infertility

[Effect of low frequency electromagnetic fields on gonads and fertility of female Balb/c mouse]

The increasing use of EMF [electromagnetic field] generating apparatus [refrigerators, computers, TV, etc] caused an increasing interest in investigations of its adverse effects on human health. This study is done to investigate the effects of EFM on Balb/c mice. This is an experimental study in which at first a ciruit generating low frequency electromagnetic field [50 Hz, 15G] was designed. Then adult virgin female mice were placed in coil and exposed to 15 gauss electromagnetic field for 4 day and 6 hour per day. Then their blood was examined to assay the level of hormones [FSH, LH, estradiol, progesterone]. Also ovary and uterus sections were studied with light and electronic microscope. Results showed that the weight and size of ovary was not significantly affected in females exposed to the low frequency electromagetic field and their offspring. Our results also showed that the number of ovary follicles were significantly affected in exposed females [p< 0.05]. Also the study of micrographs showed hetrochromatinated oocytes and follicular cells and increasing polysomes, accumulation of mitochondria and cleft mucleus. Decreasing amount of FSH, LH and 50% decrease in couplation rate was also seen as compared with the control group. Results of this study is indicator of EFM effects on gonads' structure and endocrine system and decreases fertility

[Sexual dimorphism of the alkalaine phosphatase activity in placenta]

Some aspects of the anatomical and physiological sexual dimorphism in mammals have been studied. In order to study the placental sexual diomorphism, the enzymatic activie of alkaline phosphatase [ALP] in embryo and its placenta was investigated. In the present study a group of 75 adult female white mice [australian strain] in the same age were used. The animals were divided in to control and experimental groups. All female mice were mated with males of the same strain and age [one mae /three female] and were kept in controlled conditions. the experimental group 1 animals were studied in days 10 to 14 and group 2 in days 15 to 19 of pregnancy. From the day 10 to 19 of gestation, every day 6 pregnant mice were sacrified and two embryos from each part of the uterus were extruded to assay enzymatic activity of ALP in embryo and placenta. from day 15 to 19 sex determination of embryos was established. the resultes indicated that the rate and developmental pattern of ALP activity in placenta revealed a significant difference in male and female [p

[Hypoglycaemic effect of alcoholic extract of olive [Olea europaea L.] leaf in healthy and diabetic rats]

In traditional medicine leaves of olive [Olea europaea L.] are used as a diuretic, hypotensive, antibacterial and antiatherosclerotic. In the present study, oral administration of 0.1, 0.25 and 0.5g/kg body wt. of the alcoholic extract of leaves of olive for 14 days on the level of glucose and insulin in healthy and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats were evaluated. The results showed that oral administration of the alcoholic extract of olive exhibited a significant reduction in blood glucose and increased plasma insulin in diabetic rats. The extract didnot change the level of blood glucose and plasma insulin in healthy rats significantly. A comparison was made between the action of the alcoholic extract and a known antidiabetic drug, glibenclamide [600 [micro]g/kg body wt.]. The hypoglycaemic effect of the extract was greater than that observed with glibenclamide