[Effect of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine on pituitary-gonadal hormonized axis in immature male rats]

In recent years, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine [MDMA] consumption is prevalent among young people. It has adverse effects on central neural system and other organs. This study was done to determine the effect of MDMA on pituitary-gonadal hormonized axis in immature male rats. In this experimental study 35 immature male Wistar rats with approximate weight of 90 +/- 10 gr, age range of 40-45 days were allocated in five [n=7] including experimental I, II, III, control, and shem groups. Animals in the experimental I, II, III have received 2, 4 and 8 mg/kg bw of MDMA intraperitoneally after 14 days, respectively. Animals have received saline normal in shem group while the controls did not receive any substance. The blood samples and testes have collected. The serum FSH, LH, and Testosterone concentrations and testes weight were determined. Data analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey tests. Testosterone hormone concentration significantly increased in experimental groups [4 and 8 mg/kg bw] in comparison with control and shem groups [P<0.05]. Concentrations of FSH and LH in the experimental groups [2 and 4 mg/kg bw] significantly reduced in comparison with shem and control groups [P<0.05]. Testes weight significantly reduced in experimental groups [4 and 8 mg/kg bw] compared to control and shem groups [P<0.05]. This study showed the MDMA has adverse effect on pituitary-gonadal axis and tests weight in immature male Wistar rats

[Clinical and laboratory features of childhood Guillain-Barre syndrome associated with Campylibacter Jejuni infection]

Recent studies have confirmed association between Campylibacter jejuni infection and Guillain-Barre syndrome [GBS]. However, the characteristics of this association are not well studied in Iran. This study aimed to determine the frequency of this infection in children with GBS, and the clinical and laboratory features of this association. We performed a descriptive cross-sectional study on 47 children with GBS admitted to Tabriz Children's Hospital between July 2006 and July 2008. Serologic investigations were used to diagnose preceding C. jejuni infection. There was evidence of recent C. jejuni infection in 40.4% of the patients with GBS. Duration to achieve independent walking was longer in C. jejuni-associated patients [P<0.013]. However 95% of C. jejuni-associated GBS patients achieved independent walking at the end of 1 year. Axonal pattern was more common in patients with positive serology [P=0.05]. Campylobacter jejuni is a common antecedent infectious agent in children with GBS in Iran

[ effect of electrical lesion of paragigantocellularis lateralis nucleus on acute pain perception in presence of clonidine [alpha2 adrenergic agonist] in rat]

Paragigantocellularis lateralis nucleus [LPGi] involves several functions such as cardiovascular regulation, sexual behavior, withdrawal syndrome and pain. Ln addition, the role of a2 adrenergic in analgesia has been reported as well. We studied the role of a2 adrenergic receptor in LPGi on acute pain. After surgical process LPGi was lesioned bilaterally by using electrical DC current [1mA, 6 second], at stereotaxic coordinates of [AP=11.8, Lat.+/-l.86 and Depth=10.5]. Pain perception was tested using a standard hot plate. No significant difference was found between the control group and the sham group. There is a significant difference between the sham group and lesion+saline group [P<0.0002]. There are significant differences between the lesion+saline group and lesion+0.02 mg/km clonidine [P<0.001] as well as lesion+saline group and lesion+0.2 mg/km clonidine [P<0.001]. We conclude that a2 adrenergic receptors of LPGi nucleus not only have a major role in the clonidine induced analgesia but also may be affecting other parts of CNS to induce analgesia in rat