effect of methylprednisolone on spatial learning and memory in adult male rats using an experimental model of Alzheimer's disease

The methylprednisolone [MP] is a synthetic glucocorticoid steroid initiallydeveloped for its enhanced anti-inflammatory activity. The present study aimed to examinethe effect of MP on the spatial learning and memory in an experimental model ofAlzheimer's disease in rats. Male rats were allocated into five groups: control group; lesiongroup which received electrically-induced lesion [0.5 mA, 3s] in the nucleus basalismagnocellularis [NBM] to create Alzheimer's model; sham group [the electrode wasimpaled into the NBM with no lesion]; MP group [lesion+30 mg/kg MP] and saline group [lesion NBM + 0.2 mL saline]. After one week, the rats were trained to perform the Y-mazetask for five days. The animals were tested for spatial memory one month later. Results showed that the bilateral lesion of NBM impaired the .spatial learningcompared to the control group [P=0.01]. The administration of MP significantly improved spatial learning of rats with the Alzheimer's disease [P<0.001]. Moreover, no effect onspatial learning was seen in the sham group compared with the lesion group. No significantdifference was observed between the results in the 5th day of training and the memory testafter one month. Administration of MP can be an effective treatment for the Alzheimer'sdisease

[Effects of caffeine consumption during pregnancy on postnatal development of testis in wistar rats offspring]

In recent years there are growing concerns about the decrease of male reproductive health by different factors. So, present study was aimed to determine the effects of caffeine consumption during gestation on development of histomorphometric structure of testis in Wistar rats offspring. Pregnant female Wistar rats in treatment groups received low and high doses [26 and 45 mg/kg] of caffeine during gestation via drinking water. At 1, 30, 60 and 90 days after birth, body weight of male offsprings were measured, serum testosterone levels analyzed and the testis were removed, their weights recorded and were fixed in Bouin's solution. Following tissue processing, 5-6microm sections were prepared, then, at different stages of postnatal development the volumes of testis were estimated by Cavellieri method and structure of seminiferous tubules analyzed quantitatively. The results showed significant [p<0.05] decreases in mean weight of pups, weight and absolute volume of testis in high dose treatment group in comparison with control group. Also, loss of spermatogenesis as increase of spermatogenic cells distribution, decreases of spermatgenic cell layers and germinal epithelium height and vacuolated germinal epithelium were seen in treatment groups. Mean diameter of seminiferous tubules decreased significantly [p<0.05] at 30 and 90 days of age in high dose treatment group. Moreover, serum testosterone levels at 60 and 90 days of age decreased significantly [p<0.05] in high dose treatment group. Present study indicates that caffeine consumption during gestation can reduce testicular parameters during postnatal development in male offspring Wistar rats

effect of sesame oil on blood cholesterol level in aged and young rats

Sesame oil includes unsaturated fatty acids and phosphatidyle choline [lecithin]. Regarding to nutritional properties and lack of cardiovascular side effects of sesame oil, its effect on blood cholesterol level in aged and young rats were studied. In this study, aged and young rats were assigned into four groups of eight as follows. One group received ordinary diet, as control and other groups received additional sesame oil 10% for 2,3 and 4 weeks, respectively. Finally, blood samples were obtained from rat hearts and were studied by enzymatic methods. Total cholesterol level was statistically lower in both young and aged rats receiving sesame oil 10% for 2,3 and 4 weeks, compared with control groups [p<0.05]. This study showed that sesame oil is able to decrease blood cholesterol level