Effects of oral administration of black seed [Nigella sativa] oil on histomorphometric dynamics of testes and testosterone profile in rabbits

The present study was conducted to evaluate the influence of oral administration of black seed [Nigella sativa] oil on histomorphometrical characteristics of testes and testosterone profile in adult rabbits. Twenty adult male rabbits aged seven months were divided into two groups: control and treated. Black seed oil was administrated orally for 60 days at 5ml/kg body weight/day on daily basis in addition to the food and water ad lib to the treated group. Biometric parameters of the testes were recorded immediately after their removal. Tissue samples of testes were processed with paraffin tissue preparation technique. Histometrical parameters of testes were measured with the help of automated image analysis software Image J[registered sign]. Serum testosterone concentration was determined with Radioimmunoassay technique. Statistical analysis revealed significant [P<0.05] rise in weight, length, circumference and volume of testis in treated group than control group. The values of histometrical parameters studied viz., thickness of spermatogenic epithelium, diameter and area of seminiferous tubules, diameter of lumen of seminiferous tubules, number of spermatogenic layers of testes and serum testosterone concentration were found significantly [P<0.05] higher in treated group than control group. Based on the data it is conceivable that the oral administration of black seed oil has potential to stimulate testicular function in adult rabbits

Effects of natural environmental conditions on the ovarian histometric dynamics of five striped squirrels (Funambulus pennanti) / Efectos de las condiciones ambientales naturales sobre la dinámica histométrica de ovarios en la ardilla de las palmeras (Funambulus pennanti)

The present study was designed to determine the morphological and histological variations in the female palm squirrel's reproductive organs which inhabit croplands of central Punjab. 16 specimens were collected from 3 different locations of Faisalabad district during different months in order to collect their ovaries samples in order to determine the breeding phenology of this species. Body weight and external body measurements were recorded. Two adult females were autopsied each month and their ovaries were extracted. Tissue were prepared by the tissue paraffin technique and stained by H&E. Seasonal variations in the follicular size and shape were observed. Statistical analysis revealed that values of all parameters of ovaries were significantly (P<0.01) higher during peak folliculogenic phase (January to May) as compared to low folliculogenic phase (November­December). Three reproductive phases were observed according to follicular development i.e., quiescent period (November- December), recrudescence period (January) and peak reproductive phase (February­March). In conclusion of this study, different phases of sexual activities are determined which are controlled by seasonal variations. These variations are in accordance to different physical factors which influences gross anatomical and histological changes of ovaries and folliculogensis of female five-striped northern palm squirrel (Funambulus pennanti) for adjustments in breeding phenology.

El presente estudio fue diseñado para determinar las variaciones morfológicas e histológicas en los órganos reproductores de la ardilla de las palmeras que habita en las tierras de cultivo del centro de Punjab. Dieciséis muestras fueron recolectadas en 3 lugares diferentes del distrito de Faisalabad durante diferentes meses con el fin de obtener los ovarios y determinar la fenología reproductiva de esta especie. Se registraron el peso corporal y las medidas corporales externas. Se realizaron autopsias de dos hembras adultas cada mes y sus ovarios fueron extraídos. Se prepararon los tejidos por técnica de parafina y tinción H & E y se observaron las variaciones estacionales en el tamaño y forma folicular. El análisis estadístico reveló que los valores de todos los parámetros de los ovarios fueron significativamente más altos durante la fase foliculogénica (enero a mayo), en comparación con la fase baja (noviembre-diciembre) (P <0,01). De acuerdo al desarrollo folicular se observaron tres fases reproductivas, el período de reposo (noviembre-diciembre), el período de recrudecimiento (enero) y la fase peak reproductiva (febrero-marzo). En conclusión las diferentes fases de las actividades sexuales definitivamente están controladas por variaciones estacionales. Estas variaciones se ajustan a diferentes factores físicos que influyen en los cambios anatómicos e histológicos de los ovarios y la folículogénesis de la ardilla hembra de las palmeras (Funambulus pennanti) para realizar ajustes en la fenología de su reproducción.

Effects of Saussurea lapp a roots extract in ethanol on leukocyte phagocytic activity, lymphocyte proliferation and interferon - gamma [IFN-gamma]

Effects of Saussurea lappa root extracts prepared in ethanol according to the homeopathic principles were ssessed on leukocyte phagocytic activity, lymphocyte transformation and mitogen-induced interferon-gamma [INF-gamma] in the cultures of peripheral blood mononuclear cells of goats [PBMC] in vitro. Leukocyte phagocytic activity was measured by flow cytometry, lymphocyte proliferation by MTT and IFN-gamma level in cell culture supernatants was determined by ELISA. The results obtained demonstrated that all tests dilutions [D4, D6, D8] of Saussurea lappa in ethanol have exerted a stimulating effect on leukocyte phagocytic activity in dose-dependent manner. A 10 micro liters dose of Saussurea lappa of each dilution markedly enhanced phagocytic activity, while other does tested made only a feeble stimulating effect. The increase with 10 micro liter dose were found significantly [p<0.01] different between each dilution, maximal stimulationwas observed by D8 dilution. Different does [10 micro liters, 2 micro liters, 0.5 micro liters] of all test dilutions [D4, D6, D8] of Saussurea lappa in sterile 0.9% NaCl solution inhibited lymphocyte proliferation. Maximal inhibitory effect was observed with the 2 micro liter dose. Similarly, Saussurea lappa suppressed the secretion of IFN-gamma by mitoren-activated [PHA; 2.5 micro g/ml] of peripheral mononuclear cells in dose-dependent manner. In conclusion these findings suggest that enhanced leukocyte phagocytic activity may be helpful to clear the soluble immune complexes produced during a sustained immune response against self antigens which causes chronic inflammatory injury of tissue. On the other hand, inhibition of lymphocyte proliferation and IFN-gamma by Saussurea lappa may contribute to suppress immune-mediated inflammatory reactions possibly through a cell-mediated cytokine pathway. Thus it is conceivable that ethanolic extracts of Saussurea lappa roots in homeopathetic dilutions may be considered as a potential candidate for therapeutic support in autoimmune and chronic inflammatory disorders