Effect of nicotine, Ritalin and combined usage of nicotine and Ritalin on daily sperm production and epididymal sperm reserve in BALB/c mice

Background and Objective: Nicotine is an addictive substance and Ritalin is a medicine which has been prescribed for treatment of hyperactivity / attention deficit disorder [ADHD]. This study was done to evaluate the effect of Ritalin and nicotine and combination of Ritalin and nicotine on daily sperm production and epididymal sperm reserve in mice. Methods: In this experimental study, 120 adult male BALB/c mice were r and omly allocated into one control group and 11 experimental [treatment] groups. Animals, in the first, second and third treated groups were received nicotine at the doses of 100, 200 and 400 microgr/kg/bw, respectively. Mice in fourth and fifth treated groups were received Ritalin at doses of 2 and 10 mg/kg/bw, respectively. Animals in sixth and seventh treatment groups were received nicotine in 400 microgr/kg/bw and Ritalin in 2 and 10 mg/kg/bw and in eighth and ninth groups, nicotine at dose of 200 microgr/kg/bw and Ritalin at doses of 2 and 10 mg/kg/bw, respectively. Animals in tenth and eleventh treated groups were received nicotine as dose of 100 microgr/kg/bw and Ritalin at doses of 2 and 10 mg/kg/bw, respectively. Ritalin and nicotine were administrated orally for 40 days. At the end of study, daily sperm production and epididymal sperm reserve were measeared. Results: The daily sperm production was significantly reduced in the groups with high consumption doses of nicotine and different doses of Ritalin and the majority of groups which used the combination of Ritalin and nicotine [P<0.05]. The epididiymal sperm reserve was significantly increased in experimental groups of 8, 9, 10 and 11 which were received the combination of Ritalin and nicotine in different doses [P<0.05]. Conclusion: The combination of Ritalin and nicotine reduces daily sperm production and it incereases epididiymal sperm reserve in adult BALB/c mice

[Histometrical study of ovarian follicles of immature mice treated with methylphenidate]

Background: The main part of ovary is consisted of follicles which certain drugs may cause change in them

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Methylphenidate on ovarian follicle of mice, treated by Ritalin before puberty

Methods: 40 immature female mice at 3 weeks of age were divided into 4 groups, consisting of one control and 3 experimental groups. The experimental groups were gavaged by 2, 5 and 10 mg/kg methylphenidate respectively and the control group received only distilled water with the same method for 60 days. At the end of the experiment, the mice were weighed and then the serum levels of FSH and LH were assessed and structural changes of ovarian follicles and corpora lutea were studied

Results: The mean difference of body weight in experimental groups compared with the control group which showed a significant reduction [p<0.05]. In experimental groups compared with the control group, a significant reduction in pre enteral, enteral follicles, corpora lutea and a significant increase in atretic follicles were observed [p<0.05]

Conclusions: Ritalin intake for a long period may increase the number of atretic follicles and decrease corpora lutea, so subsequently results in reduction of the growth of follicles and oocytes as well as inducing the atypical appearance of the cells in the luteinized cells

[Effect of methylphenidate hydrochloride on ovarian and pituitary gonadotropin hormone in peripubertal mice]

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder [ADHD] is the most common in psychology and Methylphenidate hydrochloride [MPH] is one of the most frequently prescribed pediatric medicine. This study was done to determine the effect of Methylphenidate hydrochloride on ovarian and pituitary gonadotropin hormone in peripubertal mice This experimental study was done on 40 preipubertal female mice [BALB/c] with three weeks age and approximate 12-15 gram. The mice were allocated randomly in one control and three experimental groups, designated as I, II and III. Animals in group I, II and III were received by gavage Methylphenidate hydrochloride with 2, 5 and 10 mg/kg body weight for six days, respectively. At the end of experiment body weight, serum estrogen, progesterone and pituitary gonadotropins were measured. Morphometric and histopathological evaluation of ovary were examined. Data were analyzed using SPSS-17, ANOVA and Tukey tests. The body weight and ovary dimensions of animals in experimental groups were reduced significantly in comparison with control [P<0.05]. Abnormal cells, structural alternations of granules cells and follicular growth abnormality were observed in experimental groups I and III in compare to control group. A significant reduction of estrogen, in group I, progesterone levels in group I and III were observed in comparison with the controls [P<0.05]. This study showed that the Methylphenidate hydrochloride administration induces the reduction of body weight, ovary dimensions and hormones

[Alterations to morphometry, histomorphometry and histochemistry of spleen following chronic methylphenidate intake in animal model]

Spleen is an organ that plays a major role in body's immune system and can affect some medicines on it. The purpose of this study is to examine the chronic effect of Methylphenidate on plasma cells and the morphometric and histomorphometric changes in spleen. In this study, a total of 18 adult male mice were divided into one control and two experimental groups. The experimental groups received Methylphenidate 2 and 10 mg/kg body weight, daily by gavage for 40 days. After the treatment, the number of plasma cells, morphometric and histomorphometric changes in spleen and also the weights of mice were studied. The results showed that there is a significant statistical difference between the control and experimental groups in the number of plasma cells, morphometric and histomorphometric structures of spleen and also in the body weight [p<0.05]. The results of this study indicate the harmful effect of Methylphenidate on spleen - an organ that has a major role in body's immune system

[Morphometrical and histometrical changes of kidney in immature mice exposed to aspartame]

Aspartame, as a synthetic sweetener, has been widely used in food products during the recent decades and renal excretion of aspartame lasts several days. The aim of the present study was to investigate the dose-dependent effects of aspartame on morphometrical and histometrical changes of the kidney in immature mice. 24 immature female Balb/C mice, were randomly categorized to three experimental and one control groups of 6 mice each. Experimental and control groups received aspartame100, 200 and 400 mg/kg/bw respectively and distilled water with the same method for 21 days. At the end of the experiment, the mice were weighed and anesthetized their right kidneys were stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin. Body weight difference showed significant decrease in experimental groups of 100, 200, 400 mg/kg/bw [1.43 +/- 0.198, 1.64 +/- 0.281, 2.60 +/- 0.388] respectively compare to the control groups [4.65 +/- 0.139], length, width, diameter and weight of kidneys had significant decrease between experimental and control groups [p<0.05]. In the case of histometrical changes, the diameter of glomeruli, diameter of renal corpuscles and the height of epithelium of proximal and distal convoluted tubules showed significant decrease in experimental groups compared to control group [p<0.05]. The diameter of urinary space and lumen of proximal and distal convoluted tubules, experimental groups showed significant increase compared to control group [p<0.05]. This can be concluded that aspartame can induce morphometrical and histometrical changes in mice kidney

[ effect of soybean meal on the maintenance of cartilage in animal knee joints]

The soybean is one of the most important diet protein resources and induces a reduction of joint pain. The aim of the present study was to determine the incidence of joint disorders and arthritis, especially in the knee joint. According to the feed regimens, 36 female mice [balb/c; 3 weeks old] were divided into 3 groups including Group 1: Low protein for 6 months; Group 2: Low protein for 3 months and then followed by complete [or full] protein without soybean meal for the next 3 months and Group 3: Low protein for the first 3 months and then followed by complete protein with 20% soybean meal for the next 3 months. Finally the serum alkaline phosphatase [ALP] was measured and sections from the tibial cartilage were histomorphometrically studied. The thickness of the middle part of the tibial cartilage and the number of chondrocytes in the group used soybean meal [148/84 +/- 14/05, 12/77 +/- 1/57, respectively] showed a significant difference compared with the other groups [p<0.001]. Meanwhile, serum ALPlevels [76/402L/U] and the concentrations of the inter-cellular substance in the 3th group showed no significant difference compared with the other groups. It is concluded that soybean may effect on the growth of the knee joint cartilage in animals and also may induce stability of the knee joint cartilage in individuals with protein deficiency since childhood

[Morphometrical and histometrical study on Syrian mice testis treated with pure phenol]

Phenol is a toxic organic chemical found in many foods and chemicals in our environment. Regarding to the wide use of phenol and its harmful effects, this study was done to determine the effect of pure phenol on morphometrical and histometrical structure of testis. 24 mature male Syrian mice divided to one control and 3 treatment groups that received pure phenol at 30, 75 and 100 mg/kg doses through gavage during 35 days. Finally, body, testis and tunica albuginea layer weight, gonadosomatic index [GSI] and length, width and thickness of the testis were measured. For histometrical assessment, the diameter of seminiferous tubules and the thickness of germinal layer were measured. Body weight in 75 and 100 mg/kg doses [2.02 +/- 4.09 and 2.33 +/- 3.35g, respectively] had significant decrease [p<0.05] comparing with control group [10.16 +/- 3.97g]. The difference in weight, length, width and thickness of testis between treated groups and control group was not significant, but the GSI in 30, 75 and 100 mg/kg doses [0.53 +/- 0.11, 0.53 +/- 0.07, 0.5 +/- 0.07%, respectively] had significant increase [p<0.05] comparing with control group [0.088 +/- 0.0083%]. Weight of tunica albuginea layer had increased significantly [p<0.05] only at dose of 75 mg/kg [0.01 +/- 0.006g] comparing with control group [0.002 +/- 0.002g]. There were significant differences [p<0.05] in diameter of seminiferous tubules in control group [100.42 +/- 12.41 micro m] comparing with 30 mg/kg [130.18 +/- 49.14 micro m] and 75 mg/kg doses [156.89 +/- 53.36 micro m] and thickness of germinal layer in control group [47.96 +/- 18.42 micro m] comparing with 30 mg/kg [37.18 +/- 14.44 micro m] and 75 mg/kg [30.13 +/- 50.04 micro m] doses. Pure phenol can cause changes in body weight, GSI and histometrical structure of testis

[Effects of co-administration of soy extract and vitamin D3 on serum calcium level and thyroid function in mice]

The Thyroid gland with two symmetrical lobes has an important role in metabolism of the body and regulating of calcium. Any factor making structural and hormonal changes in this gland can produce metabolic disorders. To investigate the functional changes of the thyroid gland following coadministration of soy extract and Vitamin D3, 42 mature female mice in 7 groups were studied for 35 days. Two doses of soy extract [5 and 10 g/kgBW/day]; two doses of Vitamin D3 [100 and 200 micro g/kgBW/day]; and, a combination of both soy extract and Vitamin D3 with two doses were fed to each mouse by gavage. At the end of the feeding trial, following anesthetizing by diethyl ether, mice were bled. Serum levels of calcium were determined by method Colorimetry, and serum concentrations of T3, T4, TSH were determined by method Radio Immuno Assay. Data was statistically analyzed by the one way ANOVA test and significant differences were observed between groups [p<0.001]. Results showed the occurrence of a dose-dependent hypothyroidism in mice receiving only soy extract. In mice receiving only vitamin D3, significant and dose dependent increases of calcium levels, significant and dose-dependent decreases of TSH levels and, insignificant decreases in serum concentrations of T3 and T4 were observed. Finally, groups receiving a combination of high doses of soy extract and Vitamin D3, showed hypothyroidism. In conclusion, this study suggests that co-administration of soy extract and Vitamin D3, only in low doses, can balance the effects of individual use of these components on thyroid function and calcium homeostasis

Study of brain sand in sheep epiphysis

Pineal bodies usually contain a concretion called brain sand. Concretion is mostly composed of phosphate and calcium carbonate. The concretion increases with age, however the origin and mechanism of formation of these materials are not clearly understood. Calcified bodies are usually used as a guide in radiographic studies. Due to the importance of these materials, this research was done on brain sands in sheep brains. In this research, 24 specimens of pineal glands were collected from sheep at the ages of 3, 4, 6 and 7 years. They were then fixed in boin's Fluid for 8 hours and then put in 70% ethanol. After 72 hours, the specimens were stained by Von Kossa and studied with light microscope. For studying pineal body, 6 whole brains were put in10% formaldehyde for 2 months. Results showed that brain sands were only seen in 7 years old sheep in the central part of pineal glands

[ study of the effects of formaldehyde injection on testicular tissue structure of mouse]

Formaldehyde is one of the chemicals which are widely used in different places. Considering the fact that the usage of this chemical can induce a reduction on the motility and viability of spermatozoa and/or make them abnormal, a precise study on testicular tissue structure, producing spermatozoa, seems to be necessary because no accurate study has previously been carried out on this issue. In this experimental-quantitative investigation, a total number of 30 mice were divided into four experimental and one control groups. In this study, formaldehyde has been injected intraperitoneally at different doses for a period of time of 40 days. In order to provide the tissue specimens, the mice were initially anesthetized and after removing the testes and tissue preparing processes, the hematoxylin and eosin staining method was used and the sections of testicular tissue were studied under light microscope. Comparison to the control group, disorganization in some seminiferous tubules, cellular irregularity and reduction in density of genital cells, increasing of intertubular spaces, and confusion of interstitial tissue, discoloration and vacuolization of leydig cell cytoplasm and also a thickness in basement membrane of spernatogenic epithelium were observed in the experimental groups. The results of this study revealed that injective formaldehyde could induce some changes in testicular tissue and also it could increase the risk of infertility

Effect of heroin used in Iran on fertility in mice [Balb/c]

Heroin as opium is being used in two pure and impure forms with known disastrous effects on different body organs including genital system. The aim of this study was to determine the changes in testosterone secretion, the percentage of fertility, changes of the body and testis weight, and gonado somatic index in mice [Ballb/c]. A total of 90 adult male and female mice were selected and male mice were assigned into three control and two experimental groups. Different experimental groups of heroin-dependant mice [50 mg/kg IP for 3 days, twice daily], were divided into two groups. One of which received heroin 5 mg/kg IP and the other 5 mg/ml IP twice daily for a period of 40 days. Then the serum of 24 male mice was studied. After copulation of the male and female mice, the rate of infertility was estimated and the proportion of body and testis weight and gonado somatic index in tested groups was determined. Serum testosterone showed insignificant difference between the control groups, however, its level did differ significantly between the control and experimental groups [p<0.05]. Meanwhile, fertility rate did not differ between the control groups, but showed a significant difference between the control and the experimental groups [p<0.05]. Body and testis weight differed significantly between the control and the experimental groups [p<0.05]. Heroin may reduce the testosterone level and testis weight, while it is associated with infertility