Evaluation of the possible protective role of folic acid on the liver toxicity induced experimentally by methotrexate in adult male albino rats

Methotrexate [MTX] is a chemotherapeutic drug that is widely used in the treatment of malignant tumors and rheumatic disorders. However, the clinical success is limited by the hepatotoxic effect which is a major adverse reaction that can occur during [MTX] treatment. The present study was designed to throw the light on the histological changes in the rat liver following treatment with [MTX] with evaluation of the possible protective effect of folic acid. Thirty two adult male albino rats were utilized in the present work. They were classified into four groups [8 animals each]. Group I: Served as control group. Group II: The rats received folic acid in a daily oral dose of [250ug/kg b.w] for four weeks. Group III: Included rats which received an I.P injection of MTX [20mg/kg b.w] once weekly for four weeks. Group IV: The animals were concomitantly treated with MTX and FA as the same previous doses, period and routes of administration for four weeks. Blood samples were collected from retroorbital venous plexus for biochemical measurements of liver enzymes [transaminases] in the serum, then the animals were sacrificed by decapitation. Specimens from the liver were processed for light and electron microscopic studies. The present work showed severe damage of the rat liver following [MTX] treatment as denoted by increased levels of aspartate transaminase [AST] and alanine transaminase [ALT] enzymes in the serum. Examination of the liver sections revealed severe dilatation and congestion of the central and portal veins with marked mononuclear cellular infiltration. Hepatocellular vacuolation with areas of fatty degeneration could be clearly seen. Increased collagen deposition especially around the portal areas was observed in addition to depletion of glycogen content. The activity of succinic dehydrogenase enzyme was apparently decreased while that of acid phosphatase was greatly increased. Severe damage of the cell organdies was obviously seen. On the other hand, rats received folic acid [FA] following treatmeIlt with MTX revealed more or less apparent normal architecture. FA proved to have remarkable protective effect against toxicity of MTX by minimizing the previous degenerative changes, so it is advisable for patients routinely treated with [MTX]

Effect of ciprofloxacin on the submadibular salivary gland of adult male albino rat: a light and electron microscopic study

Ciprofloxacin is a synthetic antimicrobial agent with a wide spectrum of antibacterial activity. This work was done to evaluate the histological and histochemical changes induced by ciprofloxacin administration on the structure of submandibular gland of rats. It also aimed to predict the possibility of recovery after drug withdrawal. Twenty-four adult male albino rats were used in this study. They were divided into three equal groups: 8 rats each. Group I was the control group. Group II included animals, which received the therapeutic dose of ciprofloxacin [90 mg/kg/day] for 10 days. Group III consisted of animals, which received the therapeutic dose of ciprofloxacin for 10 days and left to recover for 4 weeks. At the end of the experiment, the animals were decapitated and the submandibular glands were dissected out. They were prepared for light and electron microscopic examination. In Group II there were focal areas in the submandibular gland where the acini were almost disorganized. The acinar cells showed variable degrees of degeneration. The striated and convoluted ducts as well were affected. Some of their lining epithelium showed cytoplasmic vacuolations. There was a noticeable diminution in both the mucopolysaccharides and protein contents in the gland. However, these changes were seen to be reversible and the submandibular gland of rats in group III appeared more or less similar to the control

effects of orchiectomy, antiandrogen and testosterone on the parotid gland of albino rats

The relationship between the testis and the parotid gland has been poorly investigated. This study deals with the structure of the parotid gland and its changes after orchiectomy, antiandrogen [flutamide] and testosterone substitution. The rat parotid glands of controt and experimental animals [orchimectomized, orchiectomized with testosterone substitution and antiandrogen] were analyzed by light and electron microscopy. Orchiectomy and antiandrogen have more or less similar effects on the parotid gland. Both reduced secretory activity of the gland which was manifested by decreasing the secretory granules, vacuolations of the cytoplasm and degeneration of mitochondria. Exogenously given testosterone can prevent the mentioned effects of orchiectomy on the parotid gland. It is concluded that orchiectomy and antiandrogens affect the rat parotid gland, demonstrating the existence of an interaction between the testis and parotid gland

Effect of hormonal replacement therapy on the vaginal epithelium of ovariectomized rats

The present study was planned to clarify the effect of replacement therapy of estrogen and progesterone on ovariectomized rats. 49 adult female albino rats each weighing 200-250 grams were utilized in this study. The animals were divided into two major groups, the first group served as control group, it was further subdivided into three subgroups, subgroup Ia comprised the non ovariectomized female rats which received no treatment, subgroup Ib, sham operated group animals, subgroup Ic: received 0.1 ml olive oil i.m once per day for two consecutive days after 4 weeks of ovariectomy and served as control for estrogen and progesterone treated groups. The second group was subdivided into 4 subgroups. Subgroup IIa: included ovariectomized rats, subgroup IIb: ovariectomized rats treated with progesterone 12.5 mg/kg. Subgroup IIc: ovariectomized rats treated with estrogen 0.38 mg/kg. Subgroup IId: ovariectomized rats received combined treatment of both estrogen and progesterone. The non ovariectomized rats were sacrificed at oestrus cycle as denoted by daily vaginal smear, while the remaining groups were sacrificed after 4 weeks of ovariectomy by 48 hours, both light and scanning electron microscopy were performed. Results showed that exogenous progesterone increased mucosal folding with short bulb or rosette shaped microvilli. Estrogen resulted in epithelial cell proliferation and keratinization. Cell separations were obvious in some areas indicating desquamation. The combined treatment demonstrated morphological picture nearly similar to oestrus cycle. Hence, it is wise to use the combined treatment as denoted by inhibition of excessive vaginal epithelial proliferation and cornification