comparative study between bilateral ligation of the ovarian and the uterine arteries on the structure and function of the ovary of adult white rabbit: histological and immunohistochemical study

Uterine artery embolization is an effective alternative to surgery in fibroids and postpartum hemorrhage aiming to preserve the uterus and fertility. To compare between the effect of bilateral uterine artery ligation and bilateral ovarian artery ligation on the ovarian structure and function in rabbits. Twenty-eight adult female nonpregnant white New Zealand rabbits were divided into four groups [seven rabbits each]: group A [control], B [sham], C [subjected to bilateral ovarian artery ligation], and group D [subjected to bilateral uterine artery ligation]. After 2 months, all groups received a single dose of human chorionic gonadotrophin to induce ovulation and were then sacrificed 2 days later. Follicle stimulating hormone [FSH], luteinizing hormone [LH], and 17-beta-estradiol were measured. Ovaries were extracted bilaterally, weighed, and processed for microscopic and immunohistochemical studies. Group C showed a significant increase in FSH and LH, whereas 17-beta-estradiol and ovarian weight were significantly decreased. Moreover, there were only a few peripherally situated atretic follicles with no primary oocytes. Extensive apoptosis affecting the entire ovarian structure was detected. However, group D showed a significant increase in FSH and LH, with a nonsignificant decrease in 17-beta-estradiol and ovarian weight. Ovaries of group D showed delayed ovarian atresia. Granulosa cells showed pyknotic nuclei. Some atretic follicles still contained primary oocyte surrounded by indented zona pellucida. Apoptosis was detected especially in granulosa cells and corpus luteum. Uterine artery shares in the blood supply of the ovary. A countercurrent pathway exists between the ovary and the uterus. Ligation of the uterine artery compared with the ovarian artery ligation induced a delayed atresia in the follicles with preservation of the primary oocytes. Thus, uterine artery embolization could anticipate ovarian failure and early menopause

Histological and immunohistochemical study of experimentally induced concussion on young rats' frontal cortex and the possible protective role of erythropoietin hormone supplementation

Introduction: Closed-head concussive injury is one of the most common causes of traumatic brain injury. Multiple concussions, especially in children, can result in cumulative damage and increased risk for neurodegenerative diseases in later life

Aim of the work: The aim of the work was to clarify the effect of repeated concussions on the frontal cortex architecture and to identify a new protective therapy that decreases the brain insult caused by repeated concussions

Materials and methods: Twenty male albino rats 17-19 days old were divided into four groups: group I [control group] included five rats. The remaining rats were subjected to repeated head concussions for 3 successive days and then divided equally into the following groups: in group II [concussion group], animals were sacrificed 24 h after the last concussion; in group III [recovery group], rats were sacrificed 10 days after the last concussion; and in group IV [treated group], rats received an erythropoietin [EPO] injection for 3 successive days after the last concussion and were then sacrificed. The frontal cortex was examined using histological and immunohistochemical techniques

Results: In the present study, it was found that after 24 h of repeated concussions, subpial cellular infiltration, edema, and congested blood vessels were detected. The frontal cortex neurons showed degenerative changes. A significant decrease in glial fibrillar acid protein [GFAP] and synaptophysin [SYN] immunoreactivity was also detected. The recovery group showed hypercellularity of the frontal cortex. Some neurons still showed degenerative changes. A significant increase in GFAP and SYN immunoreactivity was detected. In the EPO-treated group, neurons were more or less normal. A significant decrease in GFAP immunoreactivity with a significant increase in SYN reactivity was detected compared with the recovery group

Conclusion: Concussion induced degenerative changes in neurons, neuroglia, and synapses. Recovery decreased degenerative changes with marked gliosis. Treatment with EPO improved degeneration, gliosis, and synapses