Effect of commphora mukulextract on pituitary thyroid axis in rats

The aim of the work is to study the effect of Commiphora mukul [CM] extract on pituitary thyroid axis in rats. Twenty four adult male albino rats were used in this study divided into four groups equally [control, CM group [orally administered in a dose of 0.2 g/Kg b.w/d of CM extract], hypothyroid group [hypothyroidism was induced by adding thiouracil to the drinking water at concentration of 0.03%] and hypothyroid plus CM group].The result of the present work showed that oral administration of CM extract either in normal or hypothyroid rats produced significant increase of triiodothyronine [T[3]], thyroxin [T4], T3/T4 ratio and the activity of peroxidase and proteases enzymes, it also produced significant decreased in thyroid stimulating hormone [TSH], cholesterol and hepatic lipid peroxidation [LPO] when these results are compared to those of control, or hypothyroid group, with the exception of hepatic LPO which is insignificantly changed after oral administration of CM in hypothyroid rats, when this result is compared to hypothyroid group. We can conclude that thyroid stimulating effect of CM is different from that TSH and is probably not mediated through the pituitary, it acts directly on thyroid through increase the activity of peroxidase and proteases enzymes also enhance T3 more than T4 through decrease in lipid peroxidation in the liver

Effect of depo-provera on serum cortisol and the reserve capacity of suprarenal cortex

Depot-medroxy progesterone acetate [DMPA][Depo-provera] is a long acting [three months] contraceptive for intramuscular injection. The present study evaluates the effects of Depo-provera on the blood cortisol [morning samples] among twenty [20] multiparous users of Depo-provera injection prior to and after 7 days, one and 3 months of injection. The effect of this drug on blood corticosterone was, also, investigated in female albino rats prior to and after one, seven [7], and fifteen [15] days of its injection. The intra-peritoneal [IP] injection of the Depo-provera to female rats caused a significant gradual decrease of blood corti-costerone level after one, seven, and fifteen days of injection. Same results were obtained in women who were injected intramuscularly with the drug. The 5-h Synacthen [ACTH stimulation test] showed a significant gradual decrease in adrenal response in rats. These data show impairment of the response of pro gestin users to powerful or prolonged stress, such as long operative time, or any other life stressors

Respiratory hazards among workers in acrylic textile industry

For this study, ninety two exposed and thirty control workers were chosen randomly from Queisna Menoutex Factory. Each worker was examined using a special questionnaire for respiratory symptoms, personal data, history of exposure, and clinical examination. Spiromelric measurements were done using a compact spirometer. Environmental study revealed levels of acrylic fibres and acrylonitrile vapours lower than their threshold limit values. The results revealed that chronic bronchitis was significantly more prevalent among exposed than the control workers. A significant decrease in mean pre shift spiromelric measurements was found in exposed when compared with control workers. There was a significant association between the time intensity factor [for acrylic fibres and acrylonitrile vapours] and either of the prevalence of other respiratory symptoms or the changes in spirometric measurements for the non smoking exposed workers. Significant increase in the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and a significant decrease in mean pre shift spirometric measurements were found among smoking than among the non smoking exposed workers. The mean post-shift spirometric measurement was significantly lower than that of the pre-shift measurement for all the exposed workers