Effect of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells on memory and neuronal cells number in the trimethyltin chloride damaged hippocampus

Background and Objective: Stem cells are a suitable treatment method for improvement of central nervous system diseases. Neuron regeneration is occure in damaged region using stem cell transplantation. This study was done to determine the effect of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells on memory and neuronal cells graft number in the trimethyltin chloride damaged hippocampus. Methods: In this experimental study, 28 wistar male rats were allocated into four groups including control, model, Vehicle and treatment groups. Animals were received 8 mg/kg/bw of neurotoxin trimethyltin chloride by the intraperitoneal injection for causing damaged in hippocampus. One week after intraperitoneal injection of trimethyltin chloride, stem cells was injected by stereotaxy method. Six weeks after stem cells injection, the spatial memory was assessed by Morris water maze and histological studies were done by Nissl staining and normal cells count by Olysia bio report software. Results: After bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells graft, the number of normal cells were more in the treatment group [74+/-15.190] in compared to the Vehicle [44.67+/-12.971] and Model [48.56+/-18.105] groups [P<0.05]. Also in Morris water maze test, the treatment group [387.35+/-189.18], [31.30+/-13.67] spent shorter distance and escape latency to reach the hidden platform, but this reduced non significantly in compared to Vehicle [438.18+/-192.56], [40.14+/-14.89] and model [407.98+/-225.44], [37.68+/-17.15] groups. The model and Vehicle groups spent longer distance to reach the hidden platform in comparision with the control [275.45+/-165.10] group [P<0.05]. Also the traveled distance in target quarter had significant increased in the treatment groups [799.80+/-125.91] in compared to model [588.51+/-136.94] and Vehicle [546.48+/-86.47] groups [P<0.05]. Conclusion: Using the bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells leads to reduce hippocampal lesions and increase the number of pyramidal neurons and improving memory in damaged hippocampus in animal model

Protective effect of Adenosine A1 receptor and ascorbic acid on hippocampal neuronal density and memory disorder in ischemia reperfusion induced Rats

Brain ischemia is one of the most important factor of morbidity and mortality and leaving many people with mental and physical disabilities. Until now there are no appropriate medications to prevent and cure ischemic injury. This study was done to evaluate the protective effect of Adenosine A1 receptor and ascorbic acid on hippocampal neuronal density and memory disorder in ischemia reperfusion induced Rats. This experimental study was performed on the hippocampus pyramidal neurons on 56 male BALB/c mice. Animals randmly allocated into 8 groups [N=7] including: 1] intact, 2] ischemic control group, 3] ischemic, plus agonist and adenosine of A1 receptor, 4] ascorbic acid [100 mg/daily], 5] ischemic plus agonist adenosine receptor [1 mg/1 kg] one week after ischemia, 6] ischemia, ascorbic acid befor and after ischemia and A1 receptor [1 mg/1 kg] agonist after ischemia, 7] A1 receptor, antagonist [2.25 / 1 kg], one weed after ischemia, 8] Ascorbic acid [100 mg/1kg] before and after ischemia plus A1 receptor antagonist [2.25 / 1 kg] after ischemia. Ischemia induced by clamping of common carotid artery and the drugs was injected subsequently into peritoneum after reduction of inflammation of ischemic zone. The Y-maze memory test performed after completing the treatment period, afterward brains fixed and prepared for microscopic nissl staining method. The counting of pyramidal cells were performed at 53500 square micrometer of CA1. Data were analyzed using SPSS-15 and ANOVA test. The Y-maze test showed extensive de?cit in short-term memory in ischemic group [PA=200] but in treatment groups this deficit significantly reduced [PA=243, 248 and 265]. The normal neuronal cell in ischemic group was significantly lowered [n=87] than treatment groups [n=111, 105 and 125] including ascorbic acid group [125], adenosine receptor agonist [105] and ascorbic acid plus agonist adenosine receptor [111]. The number of normal neuronal cell in ischemic groups significantly is reduced compared to treatment group [P<0.05]. This study showed that concurrent treatment of ascorbic acid and Adenosine A1 receptor agonist can significantly reduce the complications caused by brain ischemia in CA1 area of hippocampus

[Effect of 3-4,methylenedioxymethamphetamine in CA1 hippocampal neurons in male rats]

Considering the role of the hippocampus in memory, this study was done to evaluate the effect of 3-4,methylenedioxymethamphetamine on CA1 hippocampal neurons in male rats. In this experimental study 18 sprague dawley male rats [200-250g] were randomly allocated into three groups as follow: control [intact], control sham and experimental groups. Sham and experimental groups were received normal salin [1 cc] and MDMA10mg/kg IP for 7 days, respectively. Following transcardial perfusion by paraformaldehid 4%, structure and ultrastructure of right CA1 hippocampus were assessed by crysel violet staining and electronic microscope. Data were analyzed using SPSS-16, ANOVA and Tukey tests. There was no significant difference between control [mean=210 +/- 40.38] and sham groups [mean=199 +/- 38.7] in neuron density. Neuron number decreased significantly in experimental group [mean=98 +/- 25.4] in compare to control and sham groups [P<0.001]. There was no ultrastructural abnormality in control and sham groups. Finally, ultrastructural changes with apoptosis characterized by mitochondrial cristae reduction, distribution of nuclear chromatin and loss of cytoplasmic organelles in MDMA groups. This study shows that MDMA administration can stimulate the cell death with apoptotic pattern in hippocampus

[Bacterial endocarditis and periodontal disease]

Bacterial endocarditis is the infection of inner lining of heart and /or heart valves. This disease is usually related to the presence of some pathogenic bacteria in mouth, digestive system or urinary tract. Most of the times, this infection happens in people with heart problems like the presence of prosthetic valves, history of previous endocarditis, some congenital heart defects and heart transplant. Some bacteria which are able to reach into blood and produce bacteremia are able to cause endocarditis in these patients. Some pathogenic bacteria in mouth may produce this disease after causing periodontal infection and reaching into bloodstream. Among these bacteria, some Gram positive cocci and Gram negative bacilli have important roles. To prevent this disease, it is recommended to consider oral hygiene and to receive antibiotic prophylaxis before some dental surgeries

protective effect of medicinal herbs extracts including cynara scolymus L., cichorium intybus L. taraxacum officinal L. and berberis vulgaris L. in single and in combination form in CCI4 induced rat liver toxicity

Several herbal remedies are used in traditional medicine for treatment of liver disorders, but their efficacy, safety, and dosage have not been investigated so far. The present study was aimed to evaluate the liver protective effects of medicinal herbs extracts such as Cynara scolymus leave [artichok], Cichorium intybus roots [chichory], Taraxacum officinale root [dandelium], Berberis vulgaris [barberry] root and stems extract in single and in combination form against carbon tetrachloride [CCl4] induced liver toxicity. Total 70 wistar male rat, aged 5 months were divided in 7 groups of 10 rats each. One group kept as normal and out of six CCl4 intoxicated groups one served as control, one received mixture of four extract and four groups received artichok, chichory, dandelium, and barberry in the dosage of 150, 300, 300 and 250 mg/kg/day respectively. The plant extracts were injected intra peritoneal simultaneously with intoxication for three days. Three days after intoxication and extract treatments the serum liver enzymes levels such as ALT, AST and ALP as well as serum gluthathion and catalase were determined. In group receiving mixture of 4 herbal extract the blood level of ALT, AST and ALP were reduced significantly as compared to control group. In all the groups receiving herbal extracts the serum glutathione and catalase levels did not differ as compared to control groups. In the present study administration of chichory, artichoke, dandelium and barberry in combination form prevent liver intoxication withought influence on serum antioxidant properties

[Effect of transforming growth factor alpha of dentyte jyrus neurons and pyramidal cells of CA1 subfiled of hippocampus following ischemia-reperfusion in Rats]

Ischemia-reperfusion invoke cell death in hippocampus. This study was carried out to investigate the effect of transforming growth factor alpha [TGF-alpha] of dentyte jyrus neurons and pyramidal cells of CA1 subfiled of hippocampus following ischemia-reperfusion in rat models. This experimental study was done on 40 male Wistar rats weighing 250-300gr. Animals were divided in four groups: control [n=7], sham [n=7], ischemia [n=14] and treatment [n=14]. Sham group was just under surgical stress. In ischemia and treatment groups after induction of ischemia reperfiusion by obstruction of carotid arteries blocked for 30 minutes, reperfusion PBS [phosphate buffer salin] and subsequently TGF-alpha [50 ng] were injected stereotaxicaly in lateral ventricle, respectively. In 12 and 72 days after treatment the brains were fixated by transcardial perfusion and stained by immunohistochemestry and nissle methods. Furthermore, morris water maze was used to evaluate the learning memory. Data were analyzed using SPSS-16 and ANOVA test. Injection of TGF-alpha increased the cell number in hippocampus of treatment group compared to ischemic group. TGF-alpha increased expression of neuron in dentyte jyrus of treatment group in comparison with ischemic group [P<0.05]. Also spatial memory improved in treatment group in comparison with ischemia group. TGF-alpha improves ischemia-induced neurodegenration and memory impairment

[Differentiation of bone marrow stromal cells in dopaminergic cells in rat model of Parkinson's disease]

Previous studies have reported that the number of dopaminergic neurons surviving in the grafts is critical for functional recovery in Parkinson disease. Free radical mediated damage has been reported to contribute significantly towards low survival of grafted dopaminergic neurons, post transplantation. In the present study, an attempt has been to explore the neuroprotective potential of the combination of coenzyme Q10 and transplantation of mesenchaimal stem cells in rat model of parkinson's disease [PD]. In this experimental study of male Wistar rats that had been divided into six groups were used: Groups; control, sham, lesion, treatment with oral administration of CoQ10, treatment with graft BMSC and combined treatment with graft BMSC and oral administration of CoQ10. Oral administration of CoQ10 was started one week before the model creation procedure and continued during the whole treatment period. The laboratory model of Parkinson disease in rats was performed by injection 6-OHDA in substantia nigra pars compacta. The end of second month treatment molecular studies were performed. Molecular assessment showed that TH gene expression levels in the combined therapy group was significantly different with other experimental groups [p<0.001]. The combined use of two neuroprotective treatment and replacement therapy can have a more effective role in the treatment of Parkinson's disease in comparison to single treatment protocols

[Benign fibrous histiocytoma of the tongue: a case report with immunohistochemical features]

Benign oral fibrous histiocytoma is a rare lesion in the head and neck region. This tumor usually presents as a single nodular, painless mass which grows slowly and varies in size from 2-3 cm to over 10cm. Most patients are under 50 years of age and a history of trauma; chronic infection and sun exposure are reported. Case Report: In this paper a case of benign fibrous histiocytoma in the tongue of a 44-year-old man is reported. In microscopic view spindle cell Fascicules, along with infiltration of multinucleated giant cells was presented and for definitive diagnosis immunohistochemistry staining for SMA, Desmin, MSA, CD68 and CD34 was conducted. Microscopic feature of oral fibrous histiocytoma may be similar to some soft tissue tumors. Therefore, IHC is necessary for definite diagnosis

effects of cynara scolymus L. leaf and cichorium intybus L. root extracts on carbon tetrachloride induced liver toxicity in rats

Cynara scolymus and Cichorium intybus are popular herbal remedy in folk medicine for liver disorders. Although many experimental studies carried out, scientifically reliable data needed to verify minimum effective dosage and efficacy of these medicinal plants. In present investigation, the effects of C. scolymus leaf and C. intybus root extracts at different doses were tested against CCl[4] induced rats liver toxicity. The C. scolymus leaf and C. intybus root extracts at the doses of 300, 600 and 900 and 150, 300 and 450 mg/kg/day were prepared respectively. Liver intoxication was induced in 7 groups of rats by intraperitoneal injection of 1 ml/kg of 1:1 CCl[4] in olive oil for two successive days. One group kept as control and six different doses of plant extracts were administered to six groups simultaneously with CCl[4] administration. The serum levels of ALT, AST and ALP, liver tissue glutathione and catalase activity as well as liver tissue microvesicular steatosis [MVS] and pericentral coagulation necrosis [PCN] were determined after three days. The serum ALT, AST and ALP and liver tissue MVS were significantly reduced in both the C. scolymus and C. intybus groups at the doses of 900 and 450 mg/kg/day respectively while liver tissue PCN significantly reduced in C. scolymus 900 mg/kg/day group only as compared to control group. In present study administration of the C. scolymus leaf [900 mg/kg/day] and C. intybus root [450 mg/kg/day] extracts ameliorated CCl[4] induced rat serum liver enzyme changes and liver tissue histopathological damage

[Risk assessment of welders' exposure to total fume in an automobile industry]

Risk assessment of Toxic or hazardous chemicals enables the Industrial Hygienists to make the appropriate decision in providing healthy work place. This project was conducted in an assembling plant, [4workshop] of an Automobile Industry in IRAN with 2 types of welding operations, including GMAW [CO[2] welding] and Spot resistance welding operations. Welders exposures were assessed via collecting 143 breathing zone air samples based on NIOSH 0500 method. Risk assessment was carried out using Singapore recommended method. Finding showed that the mean of welders exposure in GMAW and Spot resistance welding operations 5.61 +/- 5.78 and 2.38 +/- 2.15 mg/m[3], respectively [p<0.05]. The results showed that in GMAW welders had the high exposure in comparison with Spot resistance welders [p<0.05]. The findings also demonstrated that the risk rate of GMAW welders were high, while this rate for Spot resistance was low. More hygienic attention is needed for GTAW welders. Control approaches are required including effective engineering control, conduct air monitoring, biological monitoring training, adopt respiratory protection program, develop and implement safe and correct work procedures and finally reassess the risk after all the controls have been done

effects of Taraxacum officinale L. and Berberis vulgaris L. root extracts on carbon tetrachloride induced liver toxicity in rats

Taraxacum officinale and Berberis vulgaris have long been used as herbal remedies for treatment of a variety of complaints including liver dysfunction and gallbladder disease. However scientifically reliable data are needed to verify their minimum effective doses. In present study, the effects of Taraxacum officinale L. and Berberis vulgaris L. root extracts at the different doses 10, 20 and 30 times higher than average dose [THD] used in traditional systems of medicines were tested against carbon tetrachloride [CCl4] induced liver toxicity in rats. Methods: The root extracts of T. officinale at doses of 250, 500 and 750 mg/kg/day and B. vulgaris at doses of 300, 600 and 900 mg/kg/day, relative to 10, 20 and 30 THD average doses used in traditional systems of medicines were prepared by dissolving dry extracts in 5% dimethyl sulfoxide in distilled water. Eighty male Wistar rats, 5 months old, were divided in 8 groups of 10 rats each. Liver intoxication was induced in 7 groups by intraperitoneal injection of 1 ml/kg of 1:1 CCl4 in olive oil for two successive days. One group was kept as control and six different doses of medicinal plants extracts were administered to six groups simultaneously with CCl4 administration. After three days the serum levels of ALT, AST and ALP, liver tissue glutathione level and catalase activities as well as liver tissue microvesicular steatosis and pericentral coagulation necrosis were determined. In control group the blood levels of ALT, AST, ALP and liver tissue injury were increased whereas the serum GSH level and catalase activity decreased significantly after 3 days of beginning of carbon tetrachloride liver toxicity as compared to normal group. In T. officinale treated group at the dose of 750 mg/kg/day, the serum ALT and ALP levels and in B. vulgaris at the dose of 900 mg/kg/day, the serum ALP levels reduced significantly as compared to control group. The liver micro vesicular steatosis was inhibited significantly in both groups at the doses of 30 THD as compared to control group. In the present study administration of T. officinale and B. vulgaris root extracts at with 30 THD ameliorated CCl4 induced liver damage

Therapeutic effect of bone marrow stromal cells and coenzyme Q10 on rat models of parkinson's disease

The assessment of the ability of combined treatment of bone marrow stromal cells graft [BMSCs] and oral administration of Coenzyme [CoQIO] in rat model of Parkinson disease as a good substitute for common current Parkinson treatments, and the comparison of this combined treatment method with alone application of these treatments. In this experimental study of male Wistar rats were used. They were divided into six groups: control, sham, lesion, treatment groups with oral administration of CoQIO, treatment with graft BMSC and combined treatment with graft BMSC and oral administration of CoQIO. Oral administration of CoQIO with 200 mg/kg/daily dose started a week before the model creation procedure and continued throughout the whole treatment period. The laboratory model of Parkinson disease in rats was performed by injecting 2.5 microlitre saline solution 0.9% containing 8 micrograms 6-hydroxy dopamine [6-OHDA] and 0.2% ascorbic acid in substantia nigra pars compacta. Also in sham group the same volume solution saline-ascorbic was injected. BMS Cells were labeled by 5-Bromo-2'-deoxyuridine [Brdu] before transplantation. Behavioral assessment before creating the model, two weeks after creating the model and eight weeks after cell transplantation was performed. At the end of second month of treatment, Immunohistochemistry and histology Studies were performed. Behavioral assessment of two groups of alone treatments indicated the equal recovery in comparison with lesion group [p<0.01] while combined treatment of BMSC and Co Q10 showed a considerable recovery compared with lesion group [p<0.001]. In addition according to histological studies, no sign of gliosis and graft rejection was seen. Immunohistochemistry studies of Brdu indicate that the cells are alive after two month of application in host tissue. Cell count assessment showed that the number of neural cells in combined treatment of BMSC and Co Q10 was significant difference with others experimental groups [p<0.001]. The combined use of two neuroprotective treatment and replacement therapy can have a more effective role in the treatment of Parkinson's disease in comparison of alone treatment protocols

[ effect of silybum marianum on GFAP and spatial memory in a mouse model of alzheimer's disease]

Studies have shown that Silybum marianum have high levels of antioxidant polyphenolic substances and have neuro-protective effects on neurodegenerative diseases. Accordingly, this study was conducted to determine the possible effect of Silybum marianum on expression of and spatial memory in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. This experimental study was conducted at Yasuj University of Medical Sciences in 2009. Thirty adult male Wistar rats were allocated in three groups: sham group, experimental group, and lesion group, each consisting of ten rats. The experimental and lesion groups received Ibotonic acid of the NBM nucleus in stereotaxic apparatus whereas the sham group underwent surgical procedure without any injection. The experimental group received 200mg/kg of Silybum mirianum extract orally, diluted in 1% Arabic gum. Also the sham group received 1% Arabic gum every day for four weeks. The lesion group did not receive anything. The behavioral assessment was measured, after treatment, by using of Y maze test on day 7 and 28 in all groups. The ELISA method was used to measure the GFAP level in Hippocamp at the end of behavioral assessment. The collected data was analyzed by the SPSS software using ANOVA and Repeated Measures of Analysis Variance tests. Improvement of behavioral performance of the experimental animals compared to the lesion and sham groups were increased significantly on day 7 and 28 [P<0.01 and P<0.001 respectively]. The ELISA method showed that the level of the GFAP synthesis decreased in the experimental group compared to the lesion and sham groups [P<0.001]. The Silybum marianum plant has a protective effect on the nerve tissue in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease by decreasing of the GFAP synthesis and lead to the improvement of behavioral performance

[Effect of different levels of oil-extracted propolis on immune system of broiler chicks against newcastle virus]

Biosecurity in the production of broiler chickens is very important but it is hard or even impossible to maintain; hence, promotion of immune responses could control diseases in chickens. At present study, the effect of six levels of oil-extracted propolis [0, 50, 100, 150, 200 and 250 mg/kg ration] on immune system against Newcastle virus was studied using a completely randomized design with 360 chickens. Blood antibody ratio against the Newcastle virus [HI test], the weight of thymus, bursa fabricius and the percentage of lymphocytes were measured for a period of 42 days and the data were analyzed. The results indicated that the rate of antibody has significantly [p<0.05] increased with an increase in the amount of propolis in diets and with the levels of 250 mg/kg ration the antibody rose to 10.42 titre at the age of 42 compare to control [6.42]. The weight of thymus gland also increased significantly [p<0.05] with the increase in the levels of propolis and at the levels of 250 mg/kg in ration, weight of thymus increased up to 14.54g in compared to control [8.47 g]. Similarly the weight of bursa fabricius significantly increased [p<0.05] from 2.42 g in contral to 4.62 g in 250 mg propolis/kg of ration [p<0.05]. Intake of 200 and 250 mg propolis/kg of ration has significantly increased the lymphocytes to the levels of 50.18 and 51.25 percent compared to the control [48.93%], respectively. Results indicate that the efficiency of immune-system for immunizing of broiler chickens against Newcastle virus has been promoted using 50 up to 250 mg of propolis per kg of ration

[Foodborne listeriosis]

Foodborne listeriosis is a rare and very dangerous disease which is caused by Listeria monocytogenes. This bacterium is found in the nature in very high population, but can cause disease only in certain groups of people. Listeriosis usually happens after consumption of unpasteurized dairy products especially soft and unripe cheeses and ready to eat meat products like hot dog by susceptible people. In general, pregnant women, infants, elderly people and immuno deficient patients are susceptible to this disease. Listeria monocytogenes is able to produce septicemia, meningitis and abortion in human. The important characteristic of this bacterium is its ability to live inside the cells of immune system and by this way, it is able to distribute through body easily. In order to prevent listeriosis, susceptible people should avoid eating unpasteurized dairy products and ready to eat meats

Vincristine induced neurotoxicity: Study of 75 cases

Concern for side-effects of therapy related to treatment of childhood malignancies is becoming an increasingly important topic. In this study, we evaluated extent of vincristine [VCR] induced neurotoxicity in a group of children who underwent chemotherapy, with VCR being part of the regimen. In this investigation, for 75 children [54% boys, 46% girls], aged between 1 to 14 [mean 6.5 +/- 4.3] years, serial weekly neurological examinations were performed; of the 75, 70 had acute lymphoblastic leukemia and 5 Wilm's tumor. All patients were on a chemotherapy protocol of at least 4 consecutive VCR [1.5 mg/m[2]] injections. Decreased deep tendons reflexes were seen in the Achilles reflex in 78%, and the patellar reflex in 53% of patients. Muscle weakness was found in 70% of patients, being mild in 76% of them. Four percent of patients showed severe weakness. Petosis, jaw pain, hoarseness, abdominal pain and constipation were seen in 15%, 6%, 12%, 12% and 12% respectively. Paresthesia was observed in 32 of 52 patients, over 4 years old. No cases of foot drop, urinary retention or facial nerve palsy were seen in this patient group. Children on usual doses of vincristine regimen may have neuropathic side effects but most of these side effects are mild and not troublesome

External ocular manifestation of Wolfram syndrome

Wolfram syndrome is a neurodegenerative disorder usually diagnosed in childhood. The ocular manifestation of wolfram syndrome is mainly characterized by bilateral optic atrophy; however, pigmentary retinopathy has been reported in some cases. We present a case with new external ocular manifestation of wolfram syndrome not previously reported in the literature. A 22-year-old retarded man clinically diagnosed as having wolfram syndrome presented with ocular discomfort in his both eyes for a 4-year period, being aggravated recently. On examination, he was emmetrope with best corrected visual acuity of about two meter count finger in each eye. Pupillary response was sluggish but equal in both eyes. Ocular motility was normal and there was no considerable sign of nystagmus; however, there were disturbed blinking reflex, lagophthalmus, and poor bell's phenomenon. Slit lamp examination showed bilateral symmetrical saucer-like depression of the corneal surface adjacent to the limbos that is known to be deled formation. The result of Schemer test was out of the normal limit, in favor of dry eye. So, dry eye due to blinking disturbances in patients with wolfram syndrome as a neurodegenerative disorder may lead to external ocular manifestations, requiring conservative treatments

[ role of campylobacter jejuni in campylobacteriosis]

Campylobacter jejuni is a Gram negative, curved, motile, thermophilic and microaerophilic bacillus in Campylobacteriaceae family, which is one of the main causes of enteritis in human named campylobacteriosis. The main reservoir of Campylobacter jejuni is the alimentary tract of animals, especially chicken and turkey. Consumption of semi-cooked chicken meat, raw milk and unchlorinated water are the main routes for the transfer of this bacterium to human and causing campylobacteriosis. Two to 5 days after ingestion of contaminated food the symptoms of campylobacteriosis including fever, abdominal pain and diarrhea appear. In this food infection vomiting usually doesn't happen and diarrhea may end to dysentery. To control this food infection, meat should be cooked completely and consumption of raw milk and unchlorinated water must be avoided

[Homonymous hemianopia visual field defect following sildenafil consumption]

To describe the clinical and photographic features of a patient who developed left homonymous hemianopia due to right occipital lobe hemorrhage after ingestion of sildenafil citrate [Viagra]. A 63-year-old man was referred for acute blurred of vision in both eyes five hours after taking 50 mg Viagra [sildenafil citrate]. Visual field testing revealed left homonymous hemianopia and brain MRI disclosed a right occipital lobe hemorrhage. Sildenafil may cause intracranial hemorrhage leading to visual disturbance and visual field defects

[Evaluation of lead acetate side effects on rat hippocampus and the effects of vitamin C on these]

To investigate the effect of ascorbic acid against lead-induced neurotoxicity in the rat hippocampus. The heads of 40 male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 4 groups: normal, control, lead-treated and lead plus ascorbic acid-treated. Lead acetate [20mg/kg] was administered intraperitonealy to rats for 7days in third and fourth groups. During this period, rats in the fourth group received 500 mg ascorbic acid, in drinking water daily. At the end of the treatment, all rats were sacrified and their hippocamps were excluded. Using TEM the samples were examined in terms of natural and apoptotic cells. Histopathological evaluation showed that apoptosis was attenuated significantly in the ascorbic acid group but not in the lead group. Simultaneous administration of ascorbic acid and lead increased the level of Bcl-2 and decreased Bax protein compared with lead-treated only. It seems that ascorbic acid may reduce the lead-induced toxicity in central nervous system