Effect of an iron-deficient diet on rat tongue with special reference to the efficacy of iron supplementation: light and scanning electron microscopic study

Iron deficiency is the most frequent nutritional deficiency worldwide. The oral cavity is one of the first sites where iron deficiency can be clinically notes. To demonstrate the histological changes in rat tongue induced by an iron-deficient diet and to study the role of a balanced diet, containing the daily iron requirements, either alone or with daily oral iron supplementation. Young rats [4 weeks old] were divided into two groups. Group I [the control group] was further subdivided into IA and IB, which the rats were fed a balanced diet for 6 and 8 weeks, respectively. Group II was further subdivided into IIA, which included rats that were fed an iron-deficient diet for 6 weeks, and IIB, which included rats that were fed an iron-deficient diet for 6 weeks, followed by a balanced diet for 2 weeks. IIC included rats that were fed an iron-deficient diet for 6 weeks, followed by a balanced diet and daily oral iron supplementation for 2 weeks. Blood samples were collected to measure the levels of hemoglobin and serum iron. At the end of the experiment, specimens from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue were taken and prepared for light and scanning electron microscopic study. In subgroup IIA, the tongue papillae appeared deformed in shape, irregularly arranged, and widely separated. Vascular congestion and mononuclear cellular infiltration were observed in the connective tissue under the epithelium. In subgroup IIB, most of these histological changes were still observed. However, a marked improvement was observed in subgroup IIC. It was concluded that an iron-deficient diet induced structural changes in rat tongue. However, with 2 weeks of oral iron supplementation in addition to the use of the balanced diet, there was complete restoration of the tongue structure

Structural changes of the colonic mucosa induced by orlistat experimental study

Orlistat, an anti-obesity drug, is a lipase inhibitor which increases fecal fat excretion. Many workers had reported the harmful consequences of increased fecal fat excretion on colonic mucosa. So the present study was designed to evaluate the effect of Orlistat in presence of other risk factors [directly related to colon carcinogenesis] as high fat diet and colon carcinogen di-methyl hydrazine on the structure of rat colonic mucosa and cell proliferation evaluated by the PCNA index. The study included 50 male albino rats, which were divided into 5 equal groups. Group 1 served as a control group. Group II received high fat diet alone. Group III received high fat diet and Orlistat [32 mg/ kg] orally for 5 weeks. Group IV were subcutaneously injected by two doses of the carcinogen di-methyl hydrazine [DMH] [25mg/kg] together with high fat diet. While rats of group V received Orlistat, di-methyl hydrazine [DMH] and high fat diet. Histological examination of the colonic mucosa revealed presence of 3 types of structurally-altered crypts. The first type appeared with dilated lumen [typical aberrant crypt]. This type was significantly recognized in group II and III. However, insignificant difference in incidence of aberrant crypts and cell proliferation evaluated by PCNA index was encountered between group II and III. The second type of crypt alteration [hyperplastic aberrant crypt], appeared having a serrated luminal configuration, distended goblet cells and proliferating epithelial foci that might partially or totally occluded the lumen. The third type [dysplastic aberrant crypt] exhibited few goblet cells and/or crowded nuclei with variability in their shape and increase in their length together with frequent mitotic figures. Significant increase in number of hyperplastic and dysplastic aberrant crypts as well as PCNA index was detected in group V compared to group IV, determining the potentiating effect of Orlistat. Long-term use of Orlistat in presence of risk factors, as high fat diet and other predisposing factor for cancer colon, was associated with severe crypt alterations and enhancement of colonic proliferative capacity, putative biomarkers of colon cancer

Evaluation of "myrrh extract" against schistosoma mansoni: a histological study

This study investigated the effect of myrrh extract on different developmental stages of Schistosoma mansoni. Sixty albino mice were used and divided into three main groups: GI [control group], Gil [infected group] and Gill [infected-treated group]. The last group was further divided into 3 subgroups where the drug was administered in a dose of 500mg/kg body weight for 5 days starting on the 1[st] day PI for IIIA, on the 21[st] day PI for IIIB and on the 45[th] day PI for IIIC. A morphometric study was performed for the mean number and perimeter of granulomas. In Gil, typical bilharzial granulomas were frequently encountered in the portal tracts with numerous eosinophils, collagen fiber deposition and reticular fiber condensation. Hepatocytes revealed vacuolation, nuclear affection and depletion of glycogen. In GIII, granulomas were less frequently observed with apparent decrease of eosinophils. The maximum effect of the drug was observed in SGs IIIB and IIIC as detected by significant decrease in the mean number and size of granulomas, paucity of eosinophils, decreased fibrosis and reticular fibers and the restoration of the glycogen content in the hepatocytes. The present data proved that myrrh has a valuable schistosomicidal effect against different stages of S. mansoni. This chemotherapeutic effect was more evident when the drug was given to infected mice on the 21[st] as well as on the 45[th] day PI

Effect of enhanced vaginal acidity on structure and softness of the uterine cervix prior to dilatation in gynaecologic operations: a clinical and histological study

Cervical dilatation along with hysteroscopy or endometrial curettage, is one of the most common procedures in gynaecological practice. Traumatic complications, such as uterine perforation and cervical laceration, which may occur during dilatation of cervix are related to the degree of difficulty of cervical dilatation. The incidence of these complications may be reduced if the cervix is softened [primed] beforehand. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of increasing vaginal acidity by 2% acetic acid tablets in cervical softening [priming] in women undergoing cervical dilatation operation along with assessment of the structural changes in cervical tissue. The study included 30 nulligravidae which were divided equally to receive either neutral vaginal tablets [control placebo group] or acetic acid 2% vaginal tablets [acid treated group]. For the two groups tablets were taken once /12 hours for 5 days. After routine preparation of the operation, the base line cervical dilatation was assessed by Hegar's dilator application. If the cervix was less than 8 mm, it was dilated and easiness of dilation was assessed by Likert's scale. For the histological study cervical biopsies were taken from subjects of both groups and were fixed in 10% formalin. Paraffin sections were prepared for light microscopy examination. A morphometric and statistical study was also done for the mean area percent of collagen. Clinically, the overall cervical priming effect was significantly higher in the acid treated group when compared with the placebo control group. Histological study revealed that in acid treated group, the collagen fibers underneath the epithelial lining and in-between the cervical glands appeared separated and dissociated. Marked infiltration with neutrophils was also observed. There was a significant decrease in the mean area percentage of collagen content when compared with the control placebo group. The epithelial lining and the cervical glands showed no structural changes and appeared nearly similar to the control group. It was concluded that increased vaginal acidification with 2% acetic acid could be effective as a cervical priming agent which might be useful in many gynaecologic manipulations

Effect of excess dietary omega-6 fatty acids on the rat colon mucosa with evaluation of the modulating effect of omega -3 a histological and immunohistochemical study

In the last few decades, dietary fat has received considerable attention due to its implication in the etiology of many diseases. Most people substitute polyunsaturated fatty acids [PUFAs] for saturated fatty acids due to their cholesterol lowering action. Recently, high dietary intake of omega-6 fatty acids was accounted for increased risk of,on cancer, whereas omega -3 fatty acids intake was suggested to have a protective effect. The present work aimed to study the effect of long-term high fat corn oil diet [rich in omega-6] on the structure of the distal colon of rat and to evaluate the role of omega-3 fatty acids in modulating such effects. Twenty adult male albino rats were used and were divided into 4 groups, 5 animals each. Group I was the control group where the rats were fed balanced diet Group II comprised the rats which were fed balanced diet with daily oral omega-3 supplementation. Group III consisted of rats which were fed high fat corn oil diet, and group IV included the animals which were fed the high fat corn oil diet together with the daily supplementation of omega-3. The duration of the experiment was 120 days. After the end of the experiment, the animals were killed and the distal colon was dissected. The specimens were processed for histological, immunohistochemical and morphometric study. In group III, the mucosa of the distal colon showed focal areas of crypts distortions. The lining cells of the affected crypts showed marked depletion or absence of goblet cells Localized areas of nuclear changes could also be observed in the nuclei of some cells lining the affected crypts immunohistochemical study revealed an apparent increase in PCNA positive nuclei in the cells of colonic crypts which appeared occupying about more than half length of the crypts. Moreover, the morphometric and statistical study showed a significant increase in PCNA index in group III when compared with the control group. In group IV omega-3 supplementation with high fat corn oil diet showed a potential protection of colonic mucosa from most of the adverse changes

Light microscopic study of the effect of new antischistosmal drug [Myrrh extract] on the liver of mice

The efficacy of purified oleo-resin extract of myrrh derived from Commiphora molmol tree, [known as Mirazid R] was studied against an Egyptian strain of Schistosoma mansoni in mice. Seventy adult male mice were used in this study. They were divided into 4 groups: G.I: consisted of control non- infected non treated mice. G.II: comprised the non infected treated mice and was subdivided into two subgroups, subgroup II-A: included mice which received Myrrh extract dissolved in cremophore EL and subgroup IIB: included mice which were treated with cremophore EL. G.III: consisted of the infected non treated animals and G.IV: included infected mice which were treated with myrrh extract. The drug was given 8 weeks post infection in a dose of 500 mg/ kg body weight/ day for 5 successive days. All animals were sacrificed after 12 weeks from the beginning of the experiment. Liver paraffin sections were prepared and stained with H and E, Masson's Trichrome stain. PAS stain and Wilder's technique. A morphometric study was performed for the mean number and perimeter of the granulomas. Area percentage of the total collagen content around central veins as well as in portal areas was also estimated. The livers of the animals in G.II which received either myrrh extract [subgroup II-A] or cremophore EL [subgroup II-B] showed a more or less normal histological profile when compared to G.I [non infected-non treated group]. G.IV [Infected treated G.] showed complete preservation of the hepatic architecture. Most of the hepatocytes appeared almost normal. The reticular network in the central part of the granulomas as well as in the portal tracts appeared rarefied. The hepatic reticular network was preserved. A significant decrease in the number and size of granulomas with significant reduction in the collagen content deposition in portal tracts and around central veins was detected when compared to G.III [infected non treated mice]. The data of this study proved the efficacy of myrrh as a promising anti-schistosomal drug

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

Histological and immunohistochemical study on the effect of pregnancy and lactation on the jejunal mucosa of albino rat

This study was carried out to investigate the effect of pregnancy and lactation on the structure of jejunal mucosa. Fifteen adult female albino rats were used in this study. They were classified into three groups of five animals each. Group I: included virgin rats, which act as control. Group II: comprised pregnant rats at the third week of pregnancy. Group III consisted of lactating rats at the third week of lactation. All the animals were decapitated and jejunal specimens were taken and processed for histological, immunohistochemical and electron microscopic study. Morphometric study was also done and the obtained results were statistically analyzed. The results of the present study revealed that villus height increased during pregnancy and was maximum at lactation. The surface area of the enterocytes along the villi was significantly increased during pregnancy while their number was significantly increased during lactation. Immunohistochemical staining of proliferating cell nuclear antigen [PCNA] of cells in the crypt region showed a significant decrease in number of PCNA positive cells during pregnancy and a significant increase in their number during lactation. Electron microscopic results showed a significant increase in the microvillus height in lactating rats. Hypertrophy of the mitochondria and proliferation of rER were also evident during pregnancy and lactation. It is concluded that pregnancy and lactation induced morphological changes in the jejunal mucosa. These changes were accompanied by a decrease in cell turn over and a longer residence time of enterocytes during pregnancy

Evaluation of the protective role of selenium against lead toxicity on the cortex of cerebrum and cerebellum of albino rat. histological study

The danger of lead in the environment on the public health continues to be a matter of concern. Children are more vulnerable to lead toxicity, which is associated with deficits in central nervous system functions. This study was done to evaluate he protective role of selenium against lead toxicity on the motor cerebral cortex as well as cerebellar cortex in albino rats exposed to lead during young age. Twenty young albino rats -aging one month- were used in this study. They were classified into 4 equal groups: 5 rats each. Group I was the control group, Group II included animals, which received selenium; Group III included animals, which received lead acetate and Group IV included animals, which received lead acetate and selenium concomitantly. Twenty four hours after the last dose, the animals were decapitated. The brain and cerebellum were dissected out and prepared for histological study. In-group III there was focal areas in the motor cerebral cortex where the cortical layers were almost disorganized. The affected pyramidal cells appeared shrunken with fragmentation of their Golgi complex. In the cerebellar cortex, lead acetate administration preferentially affected the purkinje cells. The cytoplasm of both pyramidal and purkinje cells showed marked decrease of Nissl's material with apparent reduction in their mitochondrial content. Concomitant administration of selenium with lead acetate showed marked protection to both cerebral and cerebellar cortices structure which appeared more or less similar to the control group

Histological study on the effect of partial hepatectomy on the adrenal cortex of adult albino rat

This work was conducted on 30 adult male albino rats divided into 2 main groups. Group I [control group] consisted of 10 rats subjected to Sham operation. They were subdivided into 2 subgroups 5 animals each: subgroups I- A and I-B, which were sacrificed at day 3 and day 7 after surgery respectively. Group II consisted of 20 rats subjected to partial hepatectomy [PH]. They were further subdivided into 2 subgroups II-A and II-B 10 animals each. They were sacrificed on the third and seventh day after PH respectively. The adrenal glands were dissected and prepared for histological study. A morphometric study was done for the thickness of the three classical zones of the adrenal cortex. In group II-A there was a marked vacuolation in the cells of zona glomerulosa and zona fasciculata with disorganization of zona reticularis. Mitotic figures were very frequent in cells of different zones. There was a noticeable diminution in both the ascorbic acid and lipid contents in the cells of adrenal cortex. On the other hand, the mitochondria appeared markedly increased. The thickness of zona glomerulosa and zona reticularis showed a highly significant decrease. Whereas, the thickness of zona fasciculata showed a high significant increase. However, these changes were seen to be reversible and the adrenal cortex of rats in group II-B [7 days after PH] appeared more or less similar to the control

Tetra chloroethane toxicity on the rat liver and lung with the evaluation of the protective role of the nutritional elements [zinc and silibinin]

Tetrachloroethane [TTCE] is one of the chlorinated hydrocarbons used as an industrial solvent. It is also claimed to be an environmental pollutant that may have multisystem detrimental effects. This study demonstrates some of the biochemical and histological toxic effects of TTCE on the rat liver, kidney and lung. It also estimates the effect of this substance on the DNA content of the cells. The study also evaluates and compares the protective role of the nutritional supplements zinc and silibinin on the observed toxic effects. 60 adult Sprague Dawly rats were used for the experiment divided equally into six groups: a negative control group, a group receiving TTCE, a group receiving zinc and a group receiving silibinin. In addition there were groups of combined treatment of TTCE plus zinc and TTCE plus silibinin. TTCE was given at a dose of 0.01ml/kg, zinc was given at a dose of 30mg/kg and silibinin was given at a dose of 200mg/kg. The duration of the experinent was 4 weeks then biochemical analysis of liver and kidney functions as well as zinc level estimation were performed. Histopathological examination of the liver and lung was done including the estimation of the content of the nuclear DNA. The study revealed the occurrence of elevation in the serum levels of liver enzymes AST and ALT as well as urea and creatinine levels in the group received TTCE. This was associated with a significant drop in zinc level. The liver showed marked dilatation of central vein and blood sinusoids, some liver cells revealed deeply acidophilic homogenous cytoplasm with pyknotic nuclei while other cells showed vacuolated cytoplasm. The lung showed histological changes in both conducting and respiratory protions. There was also a significant increase of the DNA content of the hepatocytes and pneumocytes in this group. Administration of zinc combined with TTCE showed a statistically significant limitation in the degree of toxicity of TTCE. This protective effect was found to be significantly less obvious for silibinin. Zinc plays its protective role via its antioxidant effect that antagonizes the oxidative stress induced by TTCE. The study recommends the use of extra doses of zinc especially in those who are exposed to TTCE in industrial fields

Histological and immunohistochemical study of the effect of aging and dietary restriction on rat testicular germ cells with special reference to apoptosis

This study was done to throw light on the effect of aging as well as dietary restriction on the microscopic structure of the testis. Germ cells apoptosis was also studied, as apoptosis in testicular germ cells is critical for spermatogenesis in mammals. Twenty male albino rats were used in this study. They were classified into four groups: Groups I and II consisted of 5 adult rats each, of 4-5 months of age weighing 120-150 g. Groups III and IV consisted of 5 senile rats each, of 18-24 months of age weighing 250-300 g. Groups I and III received free access to diet and water. Whereas, groups II and IV received only free access to water. Group I served as a control group. After four days, all animals were sacrificed, the testis were removed and processed for routine H and E, PAS and Feulgin reaction. The specimens were immune stained using anti Bclx protein. Statistical analysis was also done to evaluate the morphometric data. The results of the study are given