RHAMM expression in the rat endometrium during the estrous cycle and following implantation

Receptor for hyaluronic acid mediated motility [RHAMM] has intracellular and extracellular functions. In this study, we focus on the expression of RHAMM in the rat uterus during estrous cycle and implantation period. The female adult rats were divided into six groups following estrous cycle determination [n=36]. The utreri of rats were collected according to estrous cycle phases [menstruation group]. For the implantation groups, uteri were obtained on D4, D5 and D6 [day of implantation] of pregnancy. The tissue samples were fixed and cut into 5 micro m thick sections. RHAMM was investigated using immunohistochemical techniques and the intensity of RHAMM was evaluated by using the Hscore technique. Comparisons between groups were performed using Kruskal-Wallis test. The RHAMM immunoreactivity of uterine antimesometrial epithelium [343.00 +/- 12.81], mesometrial subepithelium [285.00 +/- 27.26] and mesometrial stroma [270.00 +/- 36.00] were more prominent [p<0.05] in the proestrus than estrus [275.00 +/- 25.96; 220.00 +/- 14.48; 218.00 +/- 11.19] and diestrus [262.00 +/- 20.71; 192.50 +/- 29.25; 216.00 +/- 12.97] groups, respectively. The most intense staining was seen in the epithelium on day four [275.50 +/- 30.06] and six [293.50 +/- 34.47] of pregnancy [p<0.05]. Strong RHAMM expressions were in both mature and predecidual cells on D5 [256.00 +/- 18.71], [247.50 +/- 22.14] and D6 [256.00 +/- 30.72], [265.00 +/- 14.87], respectively. RHAMM expression was prominent in the nondecidual region on D5 [270.00 +/- 13.36]. Considering the role of RHAMM in cell proliferation, differentiation and angiogenesis, spatiotemporal expression of RHAMM in the uterus during estrous cycle and peri-implantation period is a means through which uterus becomes receptive for developing an embryo

Neuroprotective effects of selenium and ginkgo biloba extract [EGb761] against ischemia and reperfusion injury in rat brain

To determine the neuroprotective effects of Ginkgo biloba extract [EGb761] and Selenium [Se], and the combination of these agents on ischemia/reperfusion [I/R] injury in a rat model of transient global cerebral I/R. This experimental study took place in the Animal Research Laboratory at Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey in the year 2006. Fifty rats were subjected to cerebral I/R induced by right carotid artery occlusion technique for a duration of 45 minutes, and then were treated with EGb761 [50 mg/kg/day, ip] and Se [0.625 mg/kg, ip], alone or in combination for 14 days after surgery. Superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase activities were measured in the hippocampal tissues from 25 animals. Histopathological examinations were also carried out under light and electron microscopy from the rest of animals. The results suggest that EGb761 has a potent neuroprotective effect against cerebral I/R induced injury in rat brain that is comparable with that of Se. However, the combined use of EGb761 and Se does not further protect from neuronal injury when compared with the use of both agents alone. Our results suggest that administration of EGb761, Se and its combination with EGb761 have significant neuroprotective effects on I/R injury in rats via suppression of oxidative stress