Effect of lead toxicity on ultrastructure of cerebral cortex of adult rat

Lead is a major air polluant in large cities including Cairo. This study was designed to evaluate the lead induced toxic effects on the cerebral cortex of adult rats. Fifteen normal adult rats were used. They were divided into 2 groups: 5 rats as a control group and the other 10 rats were subdivided into 2 subgroups. Subgroup A [5 rats] were given lead as 400 ug/g body weight / day by gastric intubation [as high dose] for 2 months. Subgroup B [5 rats] were given lead as 100 microg/g body weight /day [as low dose] for 2 months. In the rats treated with low dose of lead, gliosis was seen as an apparent degenerative feature. Also, infiltration with inflammatory cells was evident. However, in the rats treated with high dose the degenerative changes were more evident. The neurons were distended and few. Nuclear and cytoplasmic lead inclusions were detected. Other features included; indented nuclear membranes, dilated endoplasmic reticulum as well as gliosis

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

Cyclic changes in the isthmus of the human fallopian tube at different phases of menstrual cycle and at menopause

The present study aimed at providing a detailed morphological and ultrastructural features of the isthmic part of the tube at different phases of menstrual cycle. The women undergoing hystrectomy with bilateral salpingectomy at Benha University Hospital were included in this study. Preoperative blood samples were obtained from patients and assayed for serum estradiol and progesterone to help in the accurate dating of the cycle phases. The specimens of isthmic part were transported immediately to the laboratory, and prepared for both light and electron microscopic study. At the early and mid-follicular phases of the cycle, increased number of both ciliated and secretory cells was detected. However, in the late follicular phase secretory activity was much more obvious, as evident by decreased ciliation and appearance of distended secretory cells. At the luteal phase of the cycle profound surface changes have been taken place where secretory cells dominate and cilia became prominent and erect. The postmenopausal endosalpinx presented a flattened surface epithelium with both ciliated and non-ciliated cells