Protective Role of Quercetin on Thioacetamide-Induced Renal Injury in Adult Male Albino Rats

Background: Thioacetamide (TAA) is a recognized industrial poisonous agent drastically used in animal studies for induction of hepatic necrosis, fibrosis and cirrhosis. It is additionally reported to be nephrotoxic through induction of oxidative stress. Quercetin (QE) has a high antioxidant capacity via free radical scavenging, transition metal ion binding, and lipid peroxidation inhibition. Aim of the work: The goal of this research was to see if QE may help reduce the negative effects of thioacetamide on renal tissue by histological examination of the kidney. Material and methods: Twenty four adult male Albino rats 7–9 weeks old around 180–200g body weight were allocated into 3 groups; Group I (n=8) receiving distilled water, Group II (n=8); rats receiving TAA and Group III (n=8); receiving TAA and QE. Results: Renal tissues were examined under a light microscope stained by Harris Hematoxylin & Eosin (H&E stain), Periodic acid Schiff (PAS) and Masson’s Trichrome for TAA-treated groups revealed severe histopathological changes, whereas specimens obtained from QE-treated groups showed only mild changes. Immunohistochemical results corroborated these findings. Conclusion: This study demonstrated the ameliorative consequences of QE in opposition to TAA-induced renal injury in rats. The result of this study might contribute in the development of a novel complementary alternative medication in combating and therapeutic intervention of TAA-induced renal injury.

Neuroprotective Effect Of Methanolic Extract Of Sargassum Wightii On Haloperidol Induced Catalepsy And Tardive Dyskinesia In Albino Rats

Objective: The present study was designed to evaluate the neuroprotective effect of methanolic extract of Sargassum wightii on haloperidol-induced catalepsy and tardive dyskinesia in Wistar albino rats. Methods: In this study, thirty Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into six groups. Gr-I served as control. Haloperidol (1 mg/kg intraperitoneally) was administered to rats of Gr-II to Gr-V for twenty-one consecutive days to induce catalepsy and tardive dyskinesia. Animals of Gr-II to Gr-V were orally administered with vehicle, levodopa carbidopa combination (30 mg/kg), Sargassum extract 200 and 400 mg/kg respectively. All the drugs and vehicles were given orally one hour before haloperidol injection for twenty one consecutive days. The cataleptic scores were recorded using standard bar test. Tardive dyskinesia was assessed in terms of vacuous chewing movement (VCM) and tongue protrusion (TP) scores. After behavioural testing, all animals were sacrificed on twenty-second day and various biochemical parameters like MDA, SOD and GSH were estimated in brain tissue. Results: Chronic administration of haloperidol significantly increased cataleptic scores, VCM and TP scores. (p<0.001) Sargassum wightii extract (400 mg/kg) significantly inhibited haloperidol-induced catalepsy, VCM and TP (p<0.001) Haloperidol increased MDA and decreased SOD and GSH in brain tissue to a highly significant extent (p<0.001) Sargassum extract at 400 mg/kg also significantly reversed the haloperidol-induced alteration in brain oxidative stress markers. Conclusion: Sargassum wightii inhibits haloperidol-induced catalepsy and tardive dyskinesia. Thus it may be used as a unique therapeutic adjunct for the prevention of neuroleptic-induced extrapyramidal symptoms, however, it has to be explored more.

Effect of Combination Therapy of Garcinia kola Seed and Vitamin E in Acetaminophen Induced Hepatotoxicity and Oxidative Stress in Albino Rats

Acetaminophen, used for antipyretic and analgesic purposes has been known to exhibit toxic effects on the organs because of its ability to generate free radicals, causing varieties of diseases. This study investigated the impact of the combined formed ofGarcinia kolaseed and Vitamin E pretreatment exposure on hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress induced by acetaminophen in Albino Rats. Five groups of animals were used for this study. Group 1 as the control received distilled water orally only, group 2 astoxicity control intoxicated with 800mg acetaminophen intraperitoneally. The other three groups were pretreated with various doses of either Garcinia kolaseed extract or vitamin E or a combined form respectively by oral gavagemethod for 7 days before induction with acetaminophen intraperitoneally on the 8thday and sacrificed under chloroform anaethesia. Acetaminophen induction significantly rise (p<0.05) the hepatic enzyme levels (ALT, AST, and ALP) and a marked reduction of the antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT and GPX) in group 2 animals when compared with the control. There was also a significant rise (p<0.05) in the MDA levels. Meanwhile the combined form of Garcinia kolaseed extract and Vitamin E pretreatment exposure on theorgans showed no synergetic ameliorative potentials as compared with the single pretreatment exposure with Garcinia kola and Vitamin E respectively. The morphology of the tissue cells pretreated with these combined formed exhibited features showing signs of cell damages and slow recovery from the toxicity. Therefore combining Garcinia kola andVitamin E may lost its ameliorative and protective effect as seen in this induced acetaminophen albino rats implying that Garcinia kolaseed and Vitamin E should notbe taken in a combined form.

Effects of insulin and metformin on fetal kidney development of streptozotocin-induced gestational diabetic albino rats / 대한해부학회지

Gestational diabetes mellitus is one of common medical complications of pregnancy. Hyperglycemia in utero impairs renal development and produces renal anomalies. Metformin has antioxidant properties and better glycemic control. Aim: assessment insulin and metformin effects on renal development of streptozotocin-induced gestational diabetic albino rats. Sixty virgin female albino rats were used. Once pregnancy confirmed, animals were randomly assigned into control, metformin, diabetic, diabetic plus insulin, diabetic plus metformin and diabetic plus insulin and metformin treated groups. Rats were sacrificed on the 20th day of gestation; fetuses were extracted and weighted. Fetal kidneys were extracted prepared for light, morphometric and electron microscopic examination. Diabetic followed by diabetic plus metformin treated groups revealed retardation of glomerular development in the cortical and Juxtaglomerular zones with a significant increase in the early immature glomerular stages and immature to mature glomerular ratio compared to other groups. Diabetic group also showed morphometric changes, shrunken and empty glomeruli, vacuolar degeneration and hemorrhage. Diabetic plus metformin group showed minimal improvement while diabetic plus insulin and diabetic plus insulin and metformin groups showed developmental, histopathological and morphometric improvement with best results in the combination group. Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) possess deleterious effects on fetal kidney development. Insulin improves the glycemic state and decreases GDM effects on fetal kidneys. Metformin produces mild protection while the combination of insulin and metformin produces the best glycemic control and protect fetal kidneys.

Study on antipyretic property of the leaves of Ligustrum robustum

Background: Thorough pharmacological experiments on various plants used in traditional medicines are in progress in order to establish their effectiveness and safety. But modern drugs or conventional medicines are often viewed as impersonal, emphasizing crisis intervention. Keeping in view the above idea, the present study is undertaken on the plant Ligustrum robustum to explore its antipyretic property in albino rats.Methods: Healthy young albino rats weighing between 100-250gm were obtained for the study. The animals were divided into five groups with six animals in each group. Pyrexia was induced by subcutaneous injection of dried yeast in 2% gum acacia in normal saline at a dose of 20ml/kg body weight below the nape of the neck in albino rats. The antipyretic activity of the aqueous extract of Ligustrum robustum was tested by yeast induced method. The data were subjected to ANOVA followed by Dunnett’s ‘t’ test for statistical significance between different groups.Results: Ligustrum robustum in doses of 100mg/kg, 200mg/kg and 400mg/kg significantly reduced the temperature (p<0.05 to 0.01) in the 3rd and 4th hour after drug administration.Conclusions: Present study concludes that the aqueous extract of the leaves of Ligustrum robustum showed significant antipyretic property in the standard experimental animal models.

Toxicity Study of Ricinus cummunis Lnn Seed Suspension in Female Wister Albino Rats.

Ricinus communis seed has been proven effective to prevent conception since time immemorial. This research focuses on the toxicity study of the seed suspension in Wister albino rats. Twenty four (24) rats were used for the sub-chronic toxicity study, while 13 mice for the acute toxicity study. The seed suspension of Ricinus communis seed at three graded concentrations (3.80, 7.60 and 11.40 mg/kg body weight) was administered orally; to Groups I, II and III respectively once every day for the period of one month. The liver and kidney functions were determined after the last administration. Serum alanine amino transferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), urea and creatinine were determined. The activity of ALT, AST, ALP and the concentrations of urea and creatinine at 3.80 mg/kg body weight showed no significant difference (p>0.05) compared to the control. However, a significant increase (p<0.05) in these parameters was observed in rats given 7.60 and 11.40 mg/kg body weight. Similarly a significant increase (p<0.05) in lipid profile was observed in rats given 11.40 mg/kg body weight. Acute toxicity revealed the median lethal dose (LD50) of 1587 mg. Histological analysis of the liver and kidneys of the rats after three months revealed no cellular death, necrosis or inflammation. This indicates that consecutive use of the seed at the traditional dose (3.80 mg/kg in rat; equivalent to 3 seed/70Kg in human) for long period of time is neither hepatotoxic nor nephrotoxic. Ricinus communis seed is therefore safe in rats at the concentrations administered.

In vitro Antisickling and Radical Scavenging Activities of a Poly-herbal Formula (Drepanoalpha®) in Sickle Cell Erythrocyteand Acute Toxicity Study in Wistar Albino Rats.

Aims: To evaluate the antisickling and radical scavenging activities and acute toxicity of indigenous nutritive formula Drepanoalpha®, produced through a bio-guided based plant selection. Study Design: Drepanoalpha® extracts, Antisickling activity by Emmel test, Antioxidant activity by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl bleaching methods; acute toxicity on rats, determination of biological and haematological parameters. Place and Duration of Study: Science Faculty University of Kinshasa, between January 2013 and February 2014. Methodology: The antisickling and antioxidant activities of Drepanoalpha® were determined using Emmel and the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl bleaching methods respectively. Acute oral toxicity test was performed to determine the LD50. Liver and kidney functions, the hematological and histopathological examinations were assessed using standard techniques. Results: Obtained results revealed that Drepanoalpha® possessesinteresting in vitro antisickling and antioxidant activities as revealed by the observed normal biconcave form of sickle erythrocyte (normalization rate >80%) and the radical scavenging activity (ED50= 0.604 ± 0.028 μg/mL). Acute toxicity assessment revealed that the medium lethal dose (LD50) is higher than 4000 mg/kg. Drepanoalpha® significantly increases the values of WBC, RBC, Hb, HCT, PLT, IDR-CV and PCT. Furthermore, this polyherbal formula significantly decreases the values of IDR-SD, P-RGC, AST and ALT (p<0.05). Both the control and treated groups displayed comparable non altered histological architecture of the liver cells. Discussion: The mean values of biochemical markers and hematological markers of treated rats revealed that Drépanoalpha® is potentially safe indicating non-toxic effect of the phytomedicine on immune cells and blood clotting factors. Moreover, this poly-herbal formulation increases the hemoglobin rate in the all treated rats (500-4000 mg/kg bodyweight) and preserves the histological architecture of the liver cells. Conclusion: Drepanoalpha® may increase weight gain, promote erythropoiesis and thrombopoeisis in sicklers patients. This phytomedicine could be used in the treatment of all form of anemia and may also prevent bile duct obstruction or intra-hepatic cholestasis. The results can form the basis for clinical trials in humans.

Abortifacient activity of Plumeria rubra (Linn) pod extract in female albino rats.

To evaluate the potential abortifacient activity of the aqueous, alcohol, ethyl acetate and chloroform extracts of P. rubra pod in female albino rats 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight doses of each extract were administered from day 11 to 15 of pregnancy and animals were allowed to go full term. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, simple phenolics, steroids, tannins and saponins. Clinical toxicity symptoms such as respiratory distress, salivation, weight loss, dull eyes, diarrhea, and change in the appearance of fur as well as mortality were not observed in the animals at any period of the experiment. All the four extracts of P. rubra pods exhibited abortifacient activity (8-100%). The extracts significantly reduced the number of live fetuses, whereas the resorption index and post implantation losses increased significantly. The % of abortion was found to be highest (100%) with 200 mg/kg dose of alcoholic extract of P. rubra pods.

Evaluation of hypoglycemic effect of mangifera leaf.

From the time of immemorial people have used various plant extracts in their own ethnic therapeutic system. Mango (Mangifera indica) is adorned all over the world as a fruit. But these plants have some medicinal utility also. The present research work is done to evaluate the antidiabetic effect of mango leaf on albino rat. Phytochemical tests are made with ethanolic extract of mango leaf. Albino rats were treated with ethanolic plant extract at the dose of 100,200 and 400 mg/kg body weight respectively. Another group of diabetic rats are given standard insulin dose as hypoglycemic agent. The blood sugar levels are monitored separately for different groups at different time periods. A significant reduction in blood glucose level is observed at 200mg/kg level after four hours of leaf extract application. It shows that Mangifera leaf is almost equipotent to insulin in its ability to reduce blood sugar.

Effect of a plant origin drug on the biodistribution of 99mTc-DTPA in Wistar albino rats

In recent years all over the world, medicinal plants are used quite a lot but side effects of biological and chemical contents and radiopharmaceutical interactions for each consumer in question aren't entirely well-known. The studies of plant origin drug interaction with radiopharmaceuticals are highly relevant and desired. One of them is passiflora syrup (Passiflora incarnata L., Passifloraceae) which is widely used for depression, insomnia, anxiety and menopause period. The aim of current study is to evaluate possible effects of passiflora syrup on the biodistribution of 99mTc-DTPA and its blood cells uptake. DTPA was labeled with 99mTc radionuclide. Biodistribution studies were performed on male Wistar albino rats which were treated via oral feeding-gavage-method with either passiflora syrup or 0.9 % NaCl as control group for ten days. Blood samples were obtained by cardiac blood withdrawal from the rats and they were radiolabeled. The biodistribution results showed that the passiflora syrup decreased the uptake of 99mTc-DTPA in kidneys and in blood cells. 99mTc-DTPA being used widely as a kidney diagnostic agent in nuclear medicine seems to be interacting with orally taken passiflora. Passiflora syrup may modify the uptake of 99mTc-DTPA by kidney. The knowledge of this negative effect may contribute to reduce the risk of misdiagnosis and/or repetition of the examinations in nuclear medicine.

Atorvastatin has no effects on kidney tissues of wistar albino rats in the long-term Intake: an electron microscopic Study / Atorvastatina no niene efectos sobre los tejidos renales de ratas wistar albinas en el consumo a largo plazo: un estudio de microscopia electrónica

In this study, we evaluated the ultrastructural findings of kidney with systemic administration of different doses of atorvastatin in a rat model. Statins may have anti-inflammatory effects that would play a role in preventing the cellular damage. The aim of this study was to investigate how atorvastatin could play a role in kidney tissues. Forty adult male Wistar albino rats (200­250 g) were randomly divided into 4 groups of ten rats each (A1, A2, A3 and Control). Three different doses of atorvastatin were used to determine the effects on kidney tissues during 90 day period. The kidneys of A1 (0.1-mg group), A2 (0.5-mg group) and A3 (1-mg group) group were excised and the tissues were examined after the 90 days by transmission electron microscopy. Despite increasing the dose of atorvastatin intake, the histological structures of atorvastatin groups were appeared normal in the same period. In conclusion, long-term use of atorvastatin was not found to have an adverse effect on kidney tissue.

En un modelo de rata, se evaluaron los hallazgos ultraestructurales del riñón provocados por la administración sistémica de diferentes dosis de atorvastatina. Las estatinas pueden tener efectos anti-inflamatorios que desempeñan un importante rol en la prevención del daño celular. El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar cómo la atorvastatina podría desempeñar un papel en los tejidos del riñón. 40 Ratas Wistar albinas Adultas (200-250 g) machos fueron divididas aleatoriamente en cuatro grupos de 10 ejemplares cada uno (A1, A2, A3 y Control). Tres diferentes dosis de atorvastatina se utilizaron para determinar los efectos sobre los tejidos del riñón durante un período de 90 días. Los riñones de los grupos A1 (0,1 mg), A2 (0,5 mg) y A3 (1 mg) fueron extirpados a los 90 días y los tejidos examinados por microscopía electrónica de transmisión. A pesar de haberse aumentado la dosis de ingesta de atorvastatina, las estructuras histológicas se asemejaron al grupo normal del mismo período. En conclusión, el uso de atorvastatina en un plazo prolongado, no produce efecto negativo sobre el tejido renal.

Changes in the oxidative metabolism due to nicotine toxicity in the skeletal muscle fibres of male albino rat.

Nicotine has been reported to induce oxidative stress both in vivo and in vitro. The present study was undertaken to examine the effect of nicotine on oxidative metabolism in skeletal muscle fibre types (Type I & Type II) of male albino rats. The animals were divided into two groups: Group-I (control), and Group-II (experimental). The latter received subcutaneous injections at a dose of 0.5 mg/ kg body weight (Experiment-I), 1 mg/kg body weight (Experiment-II), 5 days/week for a period of 8 weeks. The animals were sacrificed after 24 hours of the last treatment, and skeletal muscle fibres such as soleus (SOL), red vastus (RV) and white vastus (WV) were isolated and analyzed. The activity of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) increased in nicotine-treated rats of both experiment-I, and experiment-II. Succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), isocitrate dehydrogenase (ICDH), malate dehydrogenase (MDH) and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PDH) were decreased in soleus (SOL), red vastus (RV) and white vastus (WV) skeletal muscle fibres. These findings indicate nicotine-induced oxidative stress in the skeletal muscle fibres of male albino rats.

Effect of nicotine on the glutathione, glutathione-s-transferase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activities in the skeletal muscle fibres of albino rat.

Nicotine, a major constituent of tobacco, plays a critical role in smoking addiction. Nicotine has been reported to induce oxidative stress by producing Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS). The present study was undertaken to examine the effects of nicotine on the antioxidant defense systems in the skeletal muscle fibre types (Type I, Type II) of albino rats. The animals were divided into three groups of six animals each, i.e., control, experimental-1 and 2. The animals received subcutaneous injection of nicotine in physiological saline at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg (Exptl. 1), and 1 mg/kg (Exptl. 2), 5 days a week, for 8 weeks. The animals were sacrificed at 20 hrs after the last treatment, and the following muscle fibres were isolated and analyzed - soleus (Type I), red vastus, and white vastus (Type II). Nicotine was found to significantly deplete the rat muscle fibres GSH (glutathione) content, and the activity of GST (glutathione-s-transferase) and G-6-PD (glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase). This indicates that nicotine induces oxidative injury in the muscle fibres of rat.

Effect of arsenic trioxide on renal functions and its modulation by Curcuma aromatica leaf extract in albino rat.

The protective effects of Curcuma aromatica leaf extract were studied on nehrotoxicity induced by arsenic trioxide in albino rats. LD50 estimated for arsenic trioxide was 14.98 mg kg-1 body weight. Nephrotoxicity was assessed by estimating the serum levels of urea, uric acid and creatinine, the markers of renal dysfunctioning. The applied doses of arsenic trioxide administered orally were 0.007 , 0.01 , 0.02 and 0.15 mg 100 g-1 body weight for sub acute (21,14 and 7 days) and acute (1 day) treatments respectively. Arsenic trioxide intoxication significantly increased the serum level of urea, uric acid and creatinine in comparison to control due to renal dysfunctioning. Pretreatment with dose of 50 mg kg-1 body weight of leaf extract of Curcuma aromatica restored the increased serum levels of urea, uric acid and creatinine to normal. The results reveal that Curcuma aromatica leaf extract has a potential to modulate the renal dysfunctioning caused by arsenic trioxide.

Acephate-induced alterations in acetylcholine and acetyl-cholinesterase of different brain regions of albino rat.

Acephate (O,S-dimethyl acetyl phosphoramidothioate) is a racemic organophosphorus insecticide, and is effective against a wide range of insects and their larvae. The present study investigated the effect of acute sublethal dose of acephate on acetylcholine (ACh) levels and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in different regions of rat brain, viz., cerebral cortex, hippocampus, cerebellum, and medulla oblongata. The LD50 of acephate (1080mg/kg) was evaluated by probit analysis method. Albino rats were divided into 4 groups with group I serving as control, while II, III and IV groups were given single, double, and multiple doses of acephate (1/5 LD50, i.e., 216mg/kg) orally, respectively. After a pre-determined time period, the rats were sacrificed by cervical dislocation, and the brain tissue was isolated in cold conditions to carry out estimations of ACh content and AChE activity. In contrast to increased AChE inhibition, ACh levels were elevated in all brain regions in a dose-dependent manner.

Effect of cypermethrin on selected dehydrogenase enzymes in muscle and heart tissues of albino rats.

This study reveals significant variations in dehydrogenase enzymes on administration of oral, sublethal (41mg/kg) doses of cypermethrin as single, double and multiple doses with 48hr intervals. Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PDH) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities were increased, whereas succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) and malate dehydrogenase (MDH) activities were significantly decreased in muscle and heart tissues of albino rats, in a dose and time dependent manner. G-6-PDH is a key enzyme of HMP pathway. This pathway serves to generate glycolytic intermediates for the production of energy to tolerate toxic stress. SDH is a vital enzyme of citric acid cycle, and catalyses the reversible oxidation of succinate to fumarate. LDH activity shows an increase during anaerobic conditions to meet the energy demands. MDH activity depends on fluctuations of oxidative metabolism, and also reflects the turnover of carbohydrates and energy output.

Características ultraestruturais do segmento abdominal da aorta de rato albino / Mural features of the abdominal aortic segment of albino rat

O objetivo da presente pesquisa foi investigar as peculiaridades ultraestruturais da parede da aorta de rato. Foram utilizados sete ratos albinos, adultos jovens, dos quais foram coletados fragmentos da aorta abdominal infra-renal. Após a coleta, os segmentos asculares foram fixados e encaminhados para a rotina de microscopia eletrônica de transmissão e varredura. As lamelas elásticas aparecem interpostas às fibras musculares lisas, sendo essa disposição principalmente notada na túnica média da parede vascular. Entre as fibras musculares lisas e as lamelas elásticas, observa-se um inter-relacionamento aparentemente estreito, feito por conexão e ancoramento entre ambos os elementos murais por meio de lamelas de colágeno. A túnica íntima da aorta abdominal do rato mostra algumas peculiaridades ultraestruturais marcantes, tais como a interrupção, em certos locais da parede, de continuidade da lâmina elástica interna, interrupção acompanhada por poros endoteliais, de certa extensão, suprajacentes à falha na estrutura elástica intimal. Este padrão de constituição mural, com destaque aos ancoramentos elástico-musculares, via o colágeno, parece garantir propriedades fundamentais da parede vascular, concernentes à hemodinâmica, tal como o cisalhamento, normalmente notado entre os estratos superpostos da parede vascular, bem como a contratilidade e a visco-elasticidade da parede arterial.

The objective of the present research was to investigate the ultrastructural peculiarities of the aortic wall of the rat. Seven young adult rats were used, from which fragments of the infrarenal abdominal aorta were collected. After collection, the vascular segments were fixed and sent for analysis by scanning electron microscope. The elastic lamellae appear interposed with smooth muscular fibers; this pattern was verified mainly at the medial layer structure. Among the mural elements a well defined interrelationship was established through connective lamellae of the arterial wall. The collagen lamellae mainly provided anchoring among the elastic and smooth muscular constituents. The intimal layer showed special ultrastructural features, such as a non-continuous inner elastic lamina presented in certain sites of the vascular wall, followed by endothelial pores. This mural pattern of the abdominal aorta provided support to vascular functions such as shrinkage among the laminar composition of the arterial layers, also acting in mechanical properties of the vascular wall, such as viscoelasticity and contractility – essential actions to blood vessel hemodynamics.

Immunohistochemical analysis of glutamate, cholecystokinin and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide in the lateral geniculate complex of albino rat: A developmental study.

The lateral geniculate nuclear complex of albino rats was investigated with respect to the development of neurotransmitters/neuromodulators such as glutamate, cholecystokinin and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide at gestational day 18, various postnatal age periods and in the adult using immunohistochemical methods. The study shows the unequivocal presence of and the sequential changes in the profile of glutamate while cholecystokinin and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide are not demonstrable at any of the age periods. Glutamate is seen both in the cells and fibres from 40 postnatal day onwards and immunoreactivity is more intense in the adult. The findings are discussed with relevance to the role of neurotransmitters in development.

Histochemical Study on the Differentiation of Metanephros in Albino Rats / 대한비뇨기과학회지

Development and differentiation of mammalian kidney has been studied by many investigators. Hitreto, it has been known that a high vertebrate`s kidney was differentiated from as a metanephros. As a result of the study of most investigators on developmental processes of metanephros in man and rodents, they insisted that morphological development and differentiation of nephrons and collecting ducts should occur in the latter one quarter period of the fetal ages. But the initiation and completion time of renal function following its morphological development and differentiation have not been investigated perfectly. The author has determined the relationships of morphological and functional development of kidney were able to be revealed the studies of hydrolyzing phosphatase activities on the developing renal tissues. Therefore, in order to investigate the phosphatase activities of renal tissue following the development and differentiation of rate kidney, after interbreeding of healthy rats, fetuses of the 15th, 17th, 19th and newborns of the 1st, 4th, 7th and 10th day were sacrificed and were resected renal tissues. Histological preparations were prepared by way of hematoxylin and eosin stain for morphological changes of rat renal tissues, and Gomori's method(1941) for the detection of the activities of alkaline phosphatase, Gomori's method(1939) for the detection of the activities of acid phosphatase and Wachstein and Meisel's method(1957) for the detection of activities of ATPase were used, respectively. All of the preparations were observed with light microscope. The results were as follows; 1. The early differentiation of rat kidney began with glomerulus formation at the 17th day of fetal age and morphological development was completed at the 21th day of fetal age, and lobulation of kidney was observed at the 7th day of neonatal age. 2. In the fetal kidney of the 17th day, alkaline phosphatase activities were observed initially in the proximal tubules surrounding glomeruli in the cortico-medullary Junction, and the activities were increased at the 17th day of fetus. At the 21th day of fetus, the strength of the enzyme activity was increased at the same time as renal tubule which showed alkaline phosphatase activity was increased in the cortex. In the each newborn kidney, the enzyme activities were continuously increased in the proximal tubules at the 1st, 4th, 7th and 10th day of newborns. The renal corpuscle and ascending straight tubule of the Henle's loop showed trace activities. 3. Acid phosphatase activity was shown at renal tubules and glomeruli during the fetal age after the 17th day of fetus, and moderate reaction of the enzyme was shown in the renal tubules, glomeruli, medullary rays and Henle's loops after birth. 4. Adenosine triphosphatase showed moderate reaction in the glomerulus at the 17th day and 19th day of fetus, and strong reaction was shown at the 21th day of fetus, and the ATPase activities of medullary rays showed trace reaction after birth. According to the beginning and change of the enzyme activity as mentioned above, it was supposed that the development of rat kidney should begin at the 17th day of fetus. In the 21th day of fetus, diuresis and resorption were accomplished mostly in the glomerulus and proximal tubule, and resorpt. ion of the Henle's loop began just before and after the birth.

Morphology & Degeneration of Exoerythrocytic Forms of Plasmodium y. yoelii & Reactions of Host Cells in Rats & Mice / 第三军医大学学报

The exoerythrocytic forms (EEF) of Plasmodium yoelii yoelii BY265 in the liver of rats and mice are morphologically similar, however, the size of the matured EEF in the former is far much larger than that in the latter. In the sections of the liver of both the animals, which are sliced 48-65 hours after the inoculation of sporozoites, certain degenerated EEF can be found. The degenerated EEF fall into two types:(1) Degenerated EEF without WBC infiltration, These EEF usually remain intact in their outline with many vacuoles of the size 1-6?m in diameter in the cytoplasm. The nuclei of the host hepatic cells parasitized are usually swollen and appear blank after staining. No WBC infiltration can be found.(2) Degenerated EEF with WBC infiltration: The outline of these degenerated EEF is no more intact. They are usually infiltrated and/or surrounded by WBC.Degeneration occurs in 6.6% of the EEF in rats and 5.8% in mice. Once the normally developed parasites become matured and ruptured, large amoants of WBC are attracted and accumlated to form local foci of WBC infiltration of the size 35-90?m in diameter. In some of the foci, remnants of the parasites can be seen, while in some others, no remnants can be found and they most likely are also formed by the degenerated EEF or ruptured matured parasites.