Toxicity of methotrexate on fertility and internal organs of male albino rats

Fifty male adult albino rats with average weight of 220 - 250 gm were used in this study. Animals were divided into four test groups and a control group each comprised of ten rats. Test animals received methotrexate [MTX] in a therapeutic constant low dose of 7.5 mg/kg/ week for eight weeks. The effects of the drug were assessed by histopathological, biochemical and spermatozoal examination immediately after its stoppage and within one month recovery period. Significant histopathological changes in internal organs of albino rats associated with marked functional biochemical abnormalities were observed. Also there was marked alteration in sperm count, motility and increased percentage of abnormal forms. Gradual improvement was observed during the recovery period

Percutaneous toxicity of ethylene glycol and 1,2 propylene glycol in rats

Forty albino rats were divided into four equal groups. The three test groups were applied percutaneously with 1000 mg /kg of ethylene glycol, 1, 2-propylene glycol and a mixture of equal amounts of both ethers respectively, while the fourth group served as a control. The application was done 6 days / week for 8 weeks. Results of the ethylene glycol and combined [ethylene and propylene glycols] groups revealed depression of bone marrow cellularity with significant changes in the Hb concentration and the blood cell counts. Histopathological findings of liver, lungs and kidneys showed marked evidences of toxicity whereas the testes were slightly affected and the application site of the skin was found normal. Minimal changes were observed in the propylene glycol group

Postmortem biochemical changes of the vitreous humor in relation to the cause of death and premortal suffering period

Lactic acid, albumin, total proteins, sodium, chloride and potassium wereestimated in the vitreous humor of 30 female albino rats. Animals weredivided into five equal groups, one of them used as a control group, while theother groups were classified according to the cause of death. In thestrangulation groups, insignificant changes of lactic acid and potassiumconcentrations were observed, while other investigated items revealed highlysignificant increase. Concentrations of all the estimated materials showedsignificant increase in the bleeding and hypothermic groups. Increasingconcentrations of lactic acid and most of the estimated items seem to berelated to the increased permeability of brain cells and blood brain barrierfollowing stressful death. Also, this reflects the intensity of the braindamage and the induced effects of prolonged hypoxia caused by respiratorydepression preceding death