Effect of induced diabetes mellius on the histological structure of the renal cortex of adult male albino rats and the possible protective role of licorice extract

Diabetes is one of the most common chronic metabolic disorders worldwide. One of the major complications of type 2 diabetes is diabetic nephropathy. The present study was to investigate the effect of type 2 diabetes on the histological structure of the renal cortex of adult male albino rats and the role of licorice ethanolic extract on diabetic renal affection. Forty adult male albino rats were utilized. They were classified into three main groups: the control group [group I], the experimental diabetic group [group II], and the possible protected group [group III]. Type 2 diabetes was induced in rats in groups II and III by giving them a high-fat diet and a single low dose of streptozotocin. Diabetic rats were divided into two subgroups: untreated subgroup IIa and treated subgroup IIb. The possible protected group received licorice ethanolic extract concomitant with the high-fat diet and the single low dose of streptozotocin. At the end of the experiment, the kidneys were dissected out and processed for light and electron microscopic examination. Fasting blood glucose level, fasting insulin level, serum urea, and creatinine were estimated and statistically analyzed. Examination of the renal cortex of untreated diabetic subgroup IIa demonstrated glomerulosclerosis and distorted podocyte foot processes. The cells lining convoluted tubules revealed thick basement membranes, disorganization of basal infoldings, and mitochondrial disarrangement. The area% of positive Bax immunoreaction was significantly increased in subgroup IIa as compared with subgroup IIb and group III. Examination of the renal cortex of the treated diabetic animals [subgroup IIb] revealed little improvement and failure of licorice extract to normalize renal cortical changes, most probably due to late intervention. In contrast, the protected group [group III] revealed a nearly preserved normal architecture. Changes in the renal cortical structure were attenuated with prophylactic therapy of licorice ethanolic extract

Effect of streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus on the cerebellar cortex of adult male albino rats: histological and immunohistochemical study

Diabetes mellitus is a common metabolic disorder with well-known serious secondary complications. It is also associated with central nervous system damage. This damage is characterized by impairment in brain functions, with neurochemical and structural abnormalities. To clarify the effects of streptozotocin-induced diabetes on the histological structure of the cerebellar cortex of adult rats. Twenty adult male albino rats were used in this study, randomly divided into three groups. Group I was the control group; group II received a single intraperitoneal injection of 0.1 ml saline; and group III received a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin at a dose of 60 mg/kg freshly dissolved in 0.1 ml saline. After 8 weeks, the cerebellum was dissected and processed for light and electron microscopic examinations and also for glial fibrillary acidic protein [GFAP] to demonstrate the astrocytes. Morphometrical and statistical analyses were carried out. In group III, degenerative changes were observed in neurons. Mitochondrial alterations and disarrangement of myelin sheaths with increased area of myelinated axons were observed. Dispersed presynaptic vesicles in swollen axonal terminals were also observed. However, there was good evidence of gliosis, which was supported by a significant increase in the number of GFAP astrocytes. The cerebellar cortex was particularly susceptible to hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress and could have contributed toward the neuronal damage and increased astrocyte activity

effect of high-fat diet-induced obesity on the parotid gland of adult male albino rats: histological and immunohistochemical study

Obesity is a major health problem that affects up to 30% of adult and has been linked to an increase in dietary intake, especially fat intake and a sedentary lifestyle. In addition, it is a well-known aggravating factor in the pathology of many organs. The aim of the study was to investigate the histological and immunohistochemical changes in the parotid gland of the rats maintained on rich-fat diet. Sixteen adult male albino rats were divided equally into a control group I and a high-fat diet group II. Rats in group II were fed a high-fat diet for 3 months. At the end of the experimental period, blood samples were collected for detection of total cholesterol and triglyceride. Half of the parotid samples were processed for light microscopic examination, whereas the other half were prepared for electron microscopic examination. Paraffin sections were stained with H and E, Mallory trichrome, and also with alpha smooth muscle actin [alpha-SMA]. Specimens from group II showed disarrangement of the acinar cells, cytoplasmic vacuolization, and nuclear irregularity. Marked fibrosis between serous acini and intense cellular infiltration were observed. An apparent increase in the immunoreaction for alpha-SMA was found at the periphery of the acini and interlobular ducts. The results of the present study suggest that there is a significant relationship between fat-rich diet intake and structural changes in the parotid gland, such as massive fibrosis, numerous dilated blood vessels, and intracellular vacuolization with lipid droplets

Hepatoprotective effects of Astragalus kahiricus root extract against ethanol-induced liver apoptosis in rats / 中国天然药物

The hepatoprotective activity of the ethanol extract of Astragalus kahiricus (Fabaceae) roots against ethanol-induced liver apoptosis was evaluated and it showed very promising hepatoprotective actions through different mechanisms. The extract counteracted the ethanol-induced liver enzymes leakage and glutathione depletion. In addition, it demonstrated anti-apoptotic effects against caspase-3 activation and DNA fragmentation that were confirmed by liver histopathological examination. Moreover, the phytochemical study of this extract led to the isolation of four cycloartane-type triterpenes identified as astrasieversianin II (1), astramembrannin II (2), astrasieversianin XIV (3), and cycloastragenol (4). The structures of these isolates were established by HRESI-MS and 1D and 2D NMR experiments. The antimicrobial, antimalarial, and cytotoxic activities of the isolates were further evaluated, but none of them showed any activity.

Breastfeeding practice and determinants among Arab mothers in Qatar

To assess the breastfeeding practices of Arab mothers by measuring breastfeeding indicators, and to identify the related determinants that affect maternal practices in Qatar. Using interview administered questionnaires, we carried out this cross-sectional study with cluster sampling of 770 Arab mothers of children below 24 months of age attending primary health care centers in Qatar from June to October 2009. Early initiation of breastfeeding was found in 57%, exclusive breastfeeding under 6 months in 18.9%, and continued breastfeeding at one year in 49.9% of mothers. Children ever breastfed comprised 97.9%, continued breastfeeding at 2 years old comprised 45.4%, and predominant breastfeeding 11.9%. The proportion of children who were appropriately breastfed was 29%. The `rooming in` rate was 43.9%. Receiving breast milk substitutes, exposure to advertisements for artificial teats, and employment status showed a significant relation with both early initiation and exclusive breastfeeding. On demand feeding was related to exclusive breastfeeding, and `rooming in` and mode of delivery was related to early initiation. Breastfeeding practice among Arab mothers in Qatar is not at an acceptable level. Core indicators, optional indicators, and health facility indicators for breastfeeding practice are not at the desired World Health Organization recommended levels

Evaluation of the possible protective effect of aloe vera against reproductive toxicity induced by diazinon in adult albino rats

Diazinon, an organophosphate insecticide has been used in agriculture and domestic for several years. This work was undertaken to investigate the toxic effects of diazinon on reproductive systems in adult albino rats of both sexes and to assess the protective effects of aloe vera against these toxic effects. A total of 60 adult albino rats of both sexes were equally divided into five groups. Twelve rats served as the negative control [group 1], another twelve rats were used as positive control group [group 2] received deionized water [the vehicle]. The remaining thirty-six rats were equally divided into three groups. Rats in group 3 were treated with aloe vera in a dose of 300 mg/kg, while those of group 4 received 12.8 mg/kg of diazinon. Rats in the 5[th] group were treated with aloe vera followed by diazinon. For each group, it was further subdivided into two subgroups; a-subgroup for male rats and bsub group for female rats. Chemicals and vehicle were administered by gavage on a daily base for eight weeks. By the end of the study, all rats were sacrificed for collection of blood samples for evaluation of testosterone, estradiol and progesterone. Testicular and ovarian specimens were collected for assessment of oxidative stress markers and histopathological examination. Diazinon significantly reduced the serum levels of testosterone in male rats and estradiol and progesterone in female rats. Diazinon induced disorganized degenerated germinal epithelium with edema between the seminiferous tubules and degeneration of the corpora lutea and ovarian follicles. These changes were accompanied with increased caspase-3 immunoreactivity and significant decreases in testicular and ovarian glutathione [GSH] levels, activity of superoxide dismutase [SOD] enzyme and a significant increase in malonaldehyde levels. Also it was observed that aloe vera treatment diminished diazinon induced detrimental effects in both testis and ovary. Diazinon induced testicular and ovarian damage might be due to oxidative stress and free oxygen radicals production upon diazinon exposure, inducing histopathological alterations and promoting local apoptosis via activation of caspase-3 pathway; however, aloe vera seems to be an effective antioxidant against diazinon induced testicular and ovarian toxicity

Evaluation of the hepatotoxic effects of polyethylene and butylated hydroxy toluene in adult male albino rats

Plastic is used in contact with nearly all packaged foods; plastic is made by combining many toxic synthetic man-made chemicals by a process called polymerization. FDA Office of Food Additive Safety assuming that all plastics migrate toxins into the food they contact. Butylated hydroxy toluene [BHT] is one of additives in LOPE [low-density polyethylene] and HOPE [high-density polyethylene]. Migration into water and food substances have been measured for this BHT antioxidant, generally at higher temperatures than experienced in normal use, there is considerable loss of antioxidants especially with fatty or oily foods so, study for biochemical and histopathological changes induced by Polyethylene and BHT on the liver of adult male albino rats using light and electron microscopes has done as following: Fifty albino rats were divided into five groups. 1[st] group rats served as control, 2[nd] group was gavaged daily with 0.5 ml of com oil [vehicle], 3rd group was administered with polyethylene pellets mixed to food by 1:20 daily, 4[th] group was gavaged with BHT by 1120 of LOSO equal 400 mg/kg/day in com oil, and the 5[th] group was gavaged by combination of polyethylene and BHT at same doses as 3[rd] and 4[th] groups. At the end of experiment which lasts for 12 weeks, all rats were anaesthetized and blood samples were collected for analysis of Alpha Feto Protein CAFP] serum level and liver function tests. Animals were sacrificed, specimens from liver were taken, and prepared for histopathological examination through light and electron microscopes. The study revealed that: There was significant increase of Alanine transaminase [ALT] and Aspartate transaminase CAST] with lowering in alkaline phosphatase level among Polyethylene, BHT and combination of BHT with Polyethylene administered groups compared to control group while AFP level showed significant elevation in both BHT and combined [polyethylene and BHT] group compared to control and polyethylene groups. These biochemical changes had been proved by histopathological examination, liver cells showed cellular infiltration around central vein with dilation and congestion of the vein and blood sinusoids, lobular necrosis with fatty infiltration. Ultrustructurally, liver cells showed muddy cytoplasm contained electro lucent vacuoles, electron dense mitochondria with loss of or few microvilli in bile canaliculi and sinusoids. This study concluded that, BHT gave the most significant toxic effect on liver of albino rats than ingestion of pure polyethylene while toxic effect was more prominent by using combination of both agents

Perceptions of secondary technical schools students in Assiut, upper Egypt, about AIDS: effect of an educational intervention

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome [AIDS] is a great threat to the youth. The aim is to assess the knowledge of secondary technical schools students on AIDS, identify related misconceptions, and measure the effect of a short health education program on their level of knowledge. This quasi-experimental study was done on 575 secondary technical schools students in Assiut City, recruited through a two-stage stratified cluster sampling. A self-administered anonymous questionnaire was used to collect data. A health education program was implemented, and its effect assessed through pre-post testing. The age range of the students was 16 to 20 years, with more girls [57.0%]. Only 30.8% had satisfactory knowledge about AIDS in the pretest. Statistically significant improvements in knowledge were revealed after program implementation [P<0.001]. Students who were Muslim, of urban residence, and had mobile phones had significantly higher scores [P=0.037, 0.004, 0.038 respectively]. The most common misconceptions were the definition of AIDS according to transmission, and phobias related to transmission, which decreased after the intervention. Multivariate analysis showed that the statistically significant independent predictors of the change in knowledge score after the intervention were age, religion and the health education program. Secondary technical schools students in Assiut city have a major deficiency in knowledge and many misconceptions regarding AIDS. The educational intervention had a positive impact on their knowledge, but a less marked effect on misconceptions. Knowledge was affected by age and religious belief. It is recommended that more health educational efforts tailored to needs and with approaches suitable to community cultures and values be introduced

Evaluation of inner ear congenital and developmental lesions by HRCT and MRI

To assess the role of HRCT and MR imaging in the evaluation of congenital and developmental anomalies of the inner ear and how the results could affect the management of such patients, 56 patients [43 males, 13 females, aged 7 days to 70 years] were examined by high resolution computed tomography and/or magnetic resonance imaging between July 2000 and May 2004 for assessment of inner ear abnormalities. Eighty-five developmental and congenital inner ear lesions were detected in 67 temporal bones and were classified into three groups: Group A, lesions involving the proper inner ear structures [23 lesions in 14 temporal bones of 10 patients]; Group B, lesions involving vascular structures [58 lesions in 49 temporal bones of 43 patients]; Group C, facial nerve lesions [4 lesions in 4 temporal bones of 3 patients]. It was concluded that HRCT is the gold standard imaging modality for assessing lesions involving the osseous labyrinth of the inner ear and vascular structures while MRI significantly improves the diagnosis of lesions involving the membranous labyrinth and related cranial nerves. Both imaging modalities significantly help the otologist in treating and establishing the proper management plan for these patients

Comparison between ruler set and instrument for assessment of simple reaction time in workers occupationally exposed to cyanide

Cyanide is a chemical widely used in industry and is a major environmental pollutant and an important toxic asphyxiant, to which exposure occurs through inhalation as well as ingestion and skin contact. 1. This work aimed to measure the simple reaction time [SRT] in workers exposed to cyanide using our experimental modified reaction time ruler se which was approved by the Academy of The Scientific Research in 2002 and the reaction time standardized instrument 2. To confirm the efficacy of the ruler set by comparing its results with those of the standardized instrument. 3. To elicit the effect of smoking on cyanide level in blood. A cross-sectional study was carried out in a unit for hardening and metal plating process in 99-Army Factory, Helwan. One hundred male workers with a possibility of cyanide exposure were studied in addition to 100 male workers in the same factory without possible exposure to cyanide, as a control group. All exposed group were evaluated using a self-administered questiolmaire, medical examination and cognitive test including simple reaction time [ruler, instrument]. In addition, serum level of cyanide was measured for both groups and subgroups, comparing the results to the maximum serum level that might be present in normal non-exposed individuals. The mean age was 42.83 +/- 8.26 years and 41.45 +/- 8.1 years in the study and control groups, respectively. The mean duration of exposure to cyanide was 20.14 +/- 7.88 years. Environmental measurement of hydrogen cyanide [HCN] in air ranges between 9.2 and 9.3 ppm. The serum level of cyanide in the exposed workers who were also reported to be smokers was 0.08 +/- 0.01 1g/ml compared to 0.05 +/- 0.01 Ig/ml in smokers of the control group, a difference which is statistically significant. On the other hand, cyanide serum level in exposed, non-smoker workers was 0.05 +/- 0.01 compared to 0.0 1 +/- 0.01 jig/ml in non-smokers of the control group, a difference which is statistically significant. Simple reaction time ruler set assessment: statistical analysis showed mean and standard deviation of 31.04 and 4.02 for the exposed group and 21.46 and 1.16 for the control group. The difference is statistically significant [p < 0.001].Simple reaction time instrument assessment: Statistical analysis showed mean and standard deviation of 30.93 and 4.00 for the exposed group and 21.39 and 1.16 for the control group. The difference is statistically significant [p < 0.001]. Cyanide exposure causes lag of respofise as evidenced by prolongation of reaction time. We recommend using SRT ruler instead of instrument being cheep, simple and accurate with a short application time. Workers in industries with a hazard of cyanide exposure should wear protective mask, and work at a suitable spacing distance away from the source of cyanide release. Measuring SRT on periodic basis is recommended for early detection of cyanide poisoning in those workers

Developmental abnormalities of mid and hindbrain: a study of 23 Egyptian patients

With the advent of neuroimaging modalities specifically, magnetic resonance imaging [MRI], recognition of developmental defects of posterior fossa has greatly improved. Is to delineate the clinical, cytogenetics and radiological features of patients with midhindbrain anomalies. Twenty-three patients with mid-hind brain malformations were included in this study. Complete clinical evaluation, cytogenetic analysis and neuroradiological study were done for each patient. Patients' sex ratio was [M: F/ 0.9:1] and the mean age was 2.17 years. Parental consanguinity was 86.9% and positive family history was recorded in 7 families. Based on clinico-radiological findings, patients were categorized as Joubert syndrome and related cerebellar disorders [34.8%], pontocerebellar hypoplasia [26.1%], lissencephaly cerebellar hypoplasia [13%], isolated cobblestone lissencephaly with normal muscle and eye [8.7%], isolated vermian hypoplasia [13%] and retrocerebellar cyst [4.4%]. Cytogenetic analysis revealed abnormalities in 3 patients [13%]; pericentric inversion of chromosome 8 in a patient with lissencephaly cerebellar hypoplasia, del 5p14.3-pter delineating Cri du chat syndrome and associated with vermian hypoplasia and del 18q21.1-qter in a patient with retrocerebellar cyst due to paternal balanced translocation t [4;18]. FISH for specific locus and whole chromosomal painting were used to document the assigned aberrations. Although most of the cerebellar malformations are of Mendelian inheritance, this study emphasizes the importance of chromosomal analysis for patients with posterior fossa anomalies. With more researches describing clinico-radiological characterization of hind brain dysgenesis will allow better understanding of these disorders, further delineation of relevant syndromes and new genes identification

Study of neurometabolic disorders in Egyptian children

Background: Metabolic brain diseases usually present with a complex neurological picture so they are often overlooked. This prospective study was undertaken to focus on the clinical aspects, biochemical abnormalities and neuroimaging of the brain in children suffering from neurometabolic disorders

Patients and methods: This study was carried out on 130 patients suspected clinically of having metabolic brain diseases and presented to the neuropediatric clinic, neonatal intensive care unit in Benha faculty of medicine and the neurometabolic specialized clinic in Abu El-Reesh hospital. The diagnosis of neurometabolic disorders was confirmed in 29 children [22%]. They were 19 males and 10 females, their age ranged from 5 days to 10 yrs with mean age 3.61 +/- 2.2 years. They presented with clinical manifestations suggestive of metabolic brain diseases. They were subjected to thorough history, clinical examination, investigations in the form of serum ammonia, serum lactate ,blood glucose, blood gases assessment, ketone bodies in urine, CPK [creatine phosphokinase],urine organic acids, plasma aminogram, enzymatic assay, EMG [Electromyography],EEG[electroencephalography], muscle biopsy, CT and MRI of the brain

Results: Patients were classified according to their clinical presentations, biochemical and radiological findings into 5 groups, Group I, Organic acidemia 10 cases [34.5%], including, Methyl malonic acidemia [4 cases], Biotinidase deficiency [3 cases], Glutaric Aciduria type 1 [2 cases] and Maple syrup urine disease [one case]. Group II, Mitochondrial disorders 9 cases [31%] including, Leigh syndrome [4 cases], Pyruvate dehydrogenase deficiency [2 cases], mitochondrial encephalomyopathy [2 cases] and MELAS syndrome[mitochondrial encephalopathy, lactic acidosis and stroke] [one case]. Group III, Urea cycle abnormalities 5 cases [17.2 %]. Group IV Aminoacidopathy 3 cases [10.4 %]in the form of Phenylketonuria. Group V Fatty acid oxidation defect 2 cases [6.9%]. The main neurological manifestations were global developmental delay [93.1%], seizures [89.7%], hypertonia [65.5%] and microcephaly [55.2%]. Biochemical abnormalities were: Group I: had acidosis in 9 cases[90%] [ketoacidosis in [4 cases],lactic acidosis in[3 cases],acidosis without ketosis in [2 cases]], ketosis only in one case [10%] and hyperammonemia in 7 cases [70%] of cases. GroupII: had mainly lactic acidosis 5 cases [55.6%] and mild hyperammonemia [11.1%]. GroupIII: had isolated hyperammonemia [100%]. Group IV: had hyperphenylalaninemia in [100%] of cases with phenylketonuria. Group V: had lactic acidosis,mild hyperammonemia, hypoglycemia and absent ketosis in [100%]of cases. Neuroimaging showed abnormal findings in the form of basal ganglia abnormalities [41.4%], brain atrophy [27.5%], diffuse demeylination and focal demeylination [6.9%]each and normal findings in [17.3%]

Conclusion: Presence of unexplained neurological symptoms whose severity is out of proportion to the inciting illness should arouse suspicion of a metabolic disease. Screening tests like blood gas analysis, blood levels of lactate, glucose and ammonia, urine examination for ketones and neuroimaging provide valuable clues to the presence of an underlying metabolic disease

Monitoring ureteral patency by color doppler sonography after total hysterectomy

To endorse role of color Doppler sonography, as a rapid screening bed side test, for diagnosis of ureteral patency after total hysterectomy. This study included 50 patients who underwent total abdominal hysterectomy for benign conditions. Early postoperative Transabdominal color Doppler sonography of the urinary bladder for visualization of ureteral jets was done for all patients. Intravenous pyelography was done for few selected patients. The mean time required for visualizing ureteral jets, and the total number of jets per minute was not significantly different between right and left ureter. Normal flow pattern in the form of discrete jets was observed in all cases except 10 cases that showed partial obstruction in which the ureteral jets were in the form of sluggish continuous flow. Color Doppler sonography had high sensitivity and predictive values for early simple detection of uretral patency. Transabdominal color Doppler can be a simple bed side screening test for postoperative ureteral patency

Epidemiology of diabetes mellitus in a rural of Assiut governorate

The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of DM AND IGT in a rural population in Upper Egypt and to determine the associated risk factors for DM in this population. Individuals aged >/20 years in two rural villages in the Southeast of Assiut City, Upper Egypt, during the period of 2002. The mean outcome measures included age standardized prevalence rate of DM and IGT in rural Upper Egypt, the prevalence of previously diagnosed, newly discovered diabetic cases and IGT and the predictive risk factors for diabetes in that area. The study concluded that the age standardized prevalence rate of DM and IGT is slightly higher than that reported in other rural agricultural areas. About one third of all diabetic cases were undiagnosed at the time of the study and consanguinity emerged as the most powerful predictor of diabetes risk in in the study area

Risk assessment of coronary heart disease for Assiut university staff

A purposive sample of 539 subjects from Assuit University Staff [AUS] was included in this study; of them, 506 were free from coronary heart disease [CHD]. The individuals were subjected to risk score assessment. A computer program was developed to calculate the individual absolute risk score for developing CHD in the next ten years, based on Framingham heart study and coronary heart disease risk prediction chart. The percentage of CHD in AUS was 14.7%. The significant CHD risk factors included age, current smoking among men, diabetes mellitus [DM] and low HDL cholesterol [HDL-C]. The mean risk score was statistically significantly higher in males than in females [14.3 +/- 11.5 vs. 5.9 +/- 3.7]. About two thirds of males were at moderate or high-risk levels to develop CHD, while 82.6% of females were at the low and mild risk levels

Application of reaction time ruler set in occupational and environmental health

In the present study, a simple and very cheap apparatus, in comparison with other sophisticated and expensive imported ones, was used. The cost of this apparatus is L.E. 115 and the cost of the imported ones is about $ 9,000. The study was conducted on 100 male furnace workers exposed to infrared radiation with a mean age of 39.6 +/- 12.0 and a mean education level of 4.75 + 2.80 workers in one of the factories; in addition to 100 male workers with a mean age of 40.2 +/- 12.6 with a mean education level of 4.71 +/- 12.72 as control subjects, who were not exposed to infrared radiation in the same factory in Helwan. A subjective symptoms questionnaire, listing the most common discomforts or troubles in behaviors, the feeling and the sensation, was administrated. The questionnaire chosen for the test battery was developed at the Institute of Occupational Health [Helsinki]. The simple reaction time ruler set assessment for 100 male furnace workers exposed and 100 male workers not exposed showed mean and standard deviation of 277 and 86 for the exposed subjects as well as 220 and 67 for the control group, the difference was statistically significant

Effect of closantel on some blood parameters, histopathological changes and fetal development in pregnant female rabbits

The effect of closantel on some blood parameters, histopathological changes and fetal development was studied on 3 groups of 10 pregnant rabbits each. The first group was used as a control whereas, the other groups were injected subcutaneously with closantel in a dose of 10 mg/kg body weight twice with one week apart at days 0 [day of mating] and 7of pregnancy [group A] and days 6 and 13 of pregnancy [group B]. The results revealed increased gamma-globulin concentration in the 20[th] and 28[th] day of pregnancy in both groups. Esinophil and monocyte numbers were significantly increased in the 20[th] and 28[th] day of pregnancy in group A and in the 28[th] of pregnancy in group B. There was no significant effect of the treatment on total leukocytic count, numbers of lymphocytes, neutrophils, basophiles and red blood cells. Hemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume [PCV], total protein, albumin, and globulin in the blood [alpha and beta] were within normal levels. Histopathological examination demonstrated activation in the mesenteric lymph nods, spleenic corpuscles and thymus gland in treated animals at both periods. Atretic oocytes in primary follicles in the ovary of the treated rabbits at day 0 and 7 of pregnancy and necrotic changes in hepatic parenchyma and urinefrous tubules were clearer in rabbits treated at days 6 and 13 of pregnancy. The anthelmentic closantel did not cause embryonic or teratogenic effects in rabbits. It is concluded that closantel has immune stimulatory effects which may contribute to the death of the parasite. It decreased the ovulation rate so it is highly advisable to avoid exposure of females to the drug during ovulation time. The drug also caused some necrotic changes in liver and urineferous tubules. It is contraindicated in animals having liver and kidney problems

Developmental studies on the kidneys of rabbits

The development of the rabbit's kidney was investigated during the pre and postnatal periods. The bilateral mesonephroi appeared in 11 days old fetuses as two masses bulging into the coelomic cavity; one on either side of the developing aorta. Each mesonephric blastema was composed of primitive tubules, corpuscle and duct; supported by vascularized mesenchyme and covered by the coelomic mesothelium. By the 14[th] day, brush border appeared in some mesonephric tubules. Once the metanephroi appeared; in 15 days old fetuses, degenerative changes began to occur in the mesonephroi. The latter were completely disappeared in fetuses of 22 days of age. In 15 days old fetuses, the uretric bud appeared in the center of the metanephric blastema. As the fetal age reached 17 days, this bud began to branch. At 20 days, metanephric corpuscles started to develop. Near the end of fetal life, marked maturation of some corpuscles was evident. By the 25[th] day, the proximal and distal tubules as well as the macula densa began to appear. In 27 days old, the renal pelvis, collecting tubules and the medullary rays became visible. Moreover, thick and thin segments of nephrons loop appeared in the medulla. In newly born rabbits, the production of new nephrons in the subcapsular zone persisted for 2 weeks. From 4 weeks and onward, the collecting tubules became lined by dark and light cells

Evaluation of enzyme linked immunosorbent assay [elisa] and pathological findings in the diagnosis of tuberculosis in camels [Camelus Dromedarius] in Egypt

A modified ELISA for serological evaluation of new standard key instead of the present key for interpretation of single intradermal tuberculin test in camels were conducted on sera taken from field animal and experimentally infected camels with a virulent Mycobacterium bovis. The results showed a high specificity of newly standard key than the present key for the detection of anti-tuberculous antibodies in sero-diagnosis of tuberculosis in camels. Moreover, a good correlation between post mortem findings, bacteriological isolation and the ELISA test results was found. Histopathologically, tuberculous lesions in experimentally infected camels were characterized by a productive and proliferative response of fibrous tissue with no exudative reaction and a few Langhan's giant cells. This is in contrast to lesions observed in domestic ruminants. The main feature of the lesion is caseous necrosis with some calcification and few giant cells. Acid-fast bacteria [AFB] arc rarely evident

Purification of 38KDa antigen for diagnosis of tuberculosis in buffaloes

The 38 kDa antigen of Mycobacteriurn tuberculosis strain H37/Rv was prepared und purified from the unheated culture filtrate by alcohol fractionation after being precipitated with ammonium sulphate. The prepared antigen was evaluated in comparison with bovine tuberculin by skin sensitivity test and ELISA in guinea pigs experimentally infected with typical and atypical mycobacteria. Results indicated the ability of 38 kDa antigen to differentiate between guinea pigs infected with both types of mycobacteria. Also, the antigen was evaluated in comparison with bovine PPD using ELISA for serum samples taken from tuberculin positive and negative buffaloes. The antigen was able to distinguish infection of pathogenic potential forms from cross-reaction sensitization by environmental mycobacteria at serum dilution of 1/80. Specificity of the 38 kDa antigen was 88.9% versus to 66.7% for bovine PPD. Therefore, 38 kDa antigen is strongly suggested for serological diagnosis of bovine tuberculosis