Effect of aqueous extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa on hyperthyroidism-induced changes in the renal cortex of rats: a histological study

Hyperthyroidism is a condition resulting from hypersecretion of thyroid hormones [T3 and T4]. It affects multiple organ systems, including the renal system. This study was set to evaluate the protective effect of Hibiscus sabdariffa [roselle] on the damaging effect induced by hyperthyroid state in the rat renal cortex. Twenty-four adult male albino rats were used and divided into four groups of six rats each. Group I was the control group. In group II, the rats received aqueous extracts of roselle at a daily dose of 500 mg/kg body weight. In group III, the rats were given a daily oral dose of thyroxin [100 micro g/kg body weight] dissolved in distilled water through gavage for 1 month. In group IV, the rats were given an aqueous extract of roselle at a daily dose of 500 mg/kg body weight 3 h before thyroxin administration at 100 micro g/kg body weight. At the end of the experimental period, blood samples wer collected for thyroid hormone [T3 and T4] assay. Kidney specimens were processed for immunohistochemical and histological study using light and electron microscopes. Morphometric analysis of the proximal convoluted tubule [PCT] diameter was carried out. A statistically significant elevation in the levels of T3 and T4 was observed in the thyroxin-treated group. Also, a significant increase in the diameter of PCT was detected in this group. Histologically, some malpighian corpuscles were partially atrophied. Effacement of podocyte foot processes with thickening of the filtration barrier was observed. In addition, tubulointerstitial injury in the form of PCT dilatation, peritubular hemorrhage, and inflammatory cellular infiltration was also seen. Immunohistochemical examination of the thyroxin-treated group revealed excess actin fibers in the PCT cells, indicating exposure of these cells to stress. Furthermore, there was significant improvement in the histological and immunohistochemical pictures toward normal in the thyroxin and roselle-treated group. Roselle has a potent protective effect against the damaging effect induced by the hyperthyroid state in the rat renal cortex

histological study on the effect of noise on the adrenal cortex of adult male guinea pigs and the possible role of combined vitamin [A, C, and E] supplementation

Noise exposure is considered a stressful factor that causes changes in many organs, including the endocrine system. Timing of intervention by antioxidants obviously has a key role in the success of the therapeutic regimen. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of noise exposure on the histological structure of the adrenal cortex in adult male guinea pigs and evaluate the role of postnoise treatment with vitamins A, C, and E. Thirty adult male guinea pigs were divided equally into three groups. Group I [the control group]; group II [the experimental group], which was exposed to noise 4 h/day for 30 days; and group III, which was exposed to noise in the same manner as group II and then administered vitamins A, C, and E once daily for 5 successive days, starting 1 day after noise exposure. Specimens of the adrenal cortex were processed for study by light [H and E stain] and electron microscopy. Morphometric study was also performed. The adrenal cortex of the noise-exposed group [group II] showed loss of architecture of the zona glomerulosa and fasciculata with cellular infiltration. In addition, zona fasciculata cells showed marked cytoplasmic vacuolation, whereas zona reticularis cells appeared with condensed nuclei and congested blood sinusoids. Ultrastructurally, zona glomerulosa and fasciculata cells revealed swollen mitochondria, dilated cisternae of smooth endoplasmic reticulum, and a few lipid droplets. Animals treated with combined vitamins [group III] revealed restoration of the normal adrenocortical structure, whereas zona reticularis showed increased proliferative activity. Morphometric study revealed a significant increase in the mean thickness of the cortex and surface area of both zona glomerulosa and fasciculata of the exposed animals, whereas group III revealed nonsignificant difference from the control. Exposure to noise caused histological alterations in the structure of the adrenal cortex. Postnoise treatment with vitamins A, C, and E could markedly reduce these alterations

possible toxic effect of different doses of Nigella sativa oil on the histological structure of the liver and renal cortex of adult male albino rats

Nigella sativa seeds are commonly known as black seed or black cumin. It has been used for thousands of years as a spice and food preservative and also as a protective and curative remedy for numerous disorders. Our research aimed to study the possible toxic effect of different doses of N. sativa oil on the liver and kidney. Twenty-one adult male albino rats were used and divided equally into three groups. The first group was the control group. The second and third groups received the oil in two gradually increasing doses of 15 and 25 ml/kg, respectively, for 1 month. The animals were then sacrificed and samples of liver and kidney were taken and prepared for histological examination. In the kidney of group II there was epithelial shedding and necrosis of some cells of the proximal and distal convoluted tubules, but there was no effect on renal glomeruli. In contrast, in group III there was glomerular injury in the form of degeneration of the tuft of capillaries, ill-defined basement membrane, and destruction of endothelial cells, in addition to tubular necrosis. In group II there was minimal effect on the liver in the form of perivascular cellular infiltration; in group III was seen a markedly vacuolated foamy cytoplasm of hepatocytes, with dilated sinusoids and perivascular cellular infiltration. In conclusion, large doses of N. sativa oil have toxic effects on the histological structure of the kidney and to a lesser degree on the liver. Therefore, Nigella oil should be used in proper doses, and further studies on the effect of large doses of oil are recommended

Effect of shark liver oil on renal cortical structure in hypercholesterolemic rats

Numerous studies reported the association between hypercholesterolemia and renal damage. Elevated plasma cholesterol is involved in the onset and progression of renal diseases. Shark liver oil is reported to be an antioxidant and hypolipidemic. This study was conducted to investigate the possible effects of two different doses of shark liver oil in reducing renal cortical changes associated with high cholesterol diet feeding in correlation with serum lipids. Forty rats were divided into two groups: control group [group 1 = 1 0 rats] and high cholesterol diet-fed group [group 2 = 30 rats]. Group 2 was further subdivided into three subgroups: group 2a, nonsupplemented with shark liver oil; group 2b, supplemented with 1 0% shark liver oil; and group 2c supplemented with 20% shark liver oil. Kidney samples were processed for general histological, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural study of the renal cortex. Blood samples were collected for assessment of serum lipids. High cholesterol diet-fed group showed prominent podocyte injury characterized by de novo desmin staining and flattening and fusion of foot processes. Some renal corpuscles exhibited thickening and distortion of the glomerular basement membrane. Renal tubular cells showed intracellular vacuoles and mitochondrial degeneration. These structural changes were associated with altered serum lipids. Shark liver oil dietary supplement noticeably ameliorated renal cortical damage and corrected the changes in serum lipids with better improvement in the 20% shark liver oil-supplemented group. This study reveals the beneficial effect of shark liver oil, as a health supplement, in ameliorating the structural renal cortical damage and hypercholesterolemia associated with high cholesterol diet feeding

Effect of lead acetate on the histological structure of the adrenal cortex of male albino rats and the possible protective role of vitamin E

Lead is a nonessential, toxic, heavy metal widely distributed in the environment and chronic exposure to low levels of this agent is of public concern in many countries. Lead is a toxic agent with multiple target organs such as the gastrointestinal tract, the hematopoietic system, the immune system, the kidneys and the endocrine, reproductive and nervous systems. This study aimed to study the toxic effect of lead acetate on the histological structure of the adrenal cortex of adult male albino rats and the possible protective role of vitamin E in the these changes. Fifty male albino rats were divided into three groups: group I [10 animals] was used as a control, group II [20 animals] received lead acetate alone, and group III [20 animals] received the same lead acetate dose and supplementation with vitamin E, 6 h before lead acetate was given. At the end of the experiment [3 months], rats were killed and the adrenal glands were obtainerl. In the group that received lead acetate, the histological structure of the three zones of the adrenal cortex was markedly affected when examined by both light and electron microscopes. In the zona glomerulosa, there was loss of architecture and marked destruction of most of the cells. The electromicrograph of both the zona glomerulosa and fascicula showed degenerated mitochondria and vacuolation of the cytoplasm. These changes were not completely reversed with the use of vitamin E. The use of vitamin E may have little beneficial effect on the protection of the suprarenal cortex against lead acetate toxicity

Effect of sodium fluoride-induced toxicity on the renal cortex of lactating mice and their offspring: a light and electron microscopic study

Fluoride is commonly added to drinking water for its clarification and to reduce tooth decay. However, fluoride was shown to have cumulative toxic effects on various organs, including the kidneys. To investigate the impact of sodium fluoride toxicity of drinking water on the histological structure of the renal cortex of lactating mice and their suckling offspring. Forty mice [20 mothers and 20 of their offspring] were used in this study and divided equally into four groups: group I [control mothers]: allowed ad libitum access to tap water without any added sodium fluoride during pregnancy and lactation, group II [treated mothers]: drinking tap water containing NaF [0.5 g/L] from day 15 of pregnancy until day 14 after parturition, group III: [suckling offspring of control mothers] and group IV: [suckling offspring of treated mothers]. All mice were killed on postnatal day 14. Specimens were prepared for light microscope examination [hematoxylene and eosin and periodic acid-Schiff] and electron microscope examination. In addition, tubular epithelial height and tubular diameter were measured morphometrically and analyzed statistically. Examination of the renal cortex of treated mothers [group II] showed atrophic glomeruli with widened glomerular spaces. Tubules appeared dilated with decreased epithelial height as proved morphometrically. Tubular cells had a vacuolated cytoplasm and pyknotic nuclei. The apical brush border of many proximal tubules showed a weak and disrupted periodic acid-Schiff reaction. Ultrastructurally, some proximal lining cells showed heterochromatic nuclei, numerous cytoplasmic vacuolation of variable sizes and small scattered rounded mitochondria associated with loss of basal infoldings. However, the distal tubules maintained their basal infoldings and organized mitochondria. Podocyte foot processes were distorted and rested on a thickened glomerular basement membrane. The suckling offspring of the treated mothers showed less severe tubular injury than observed in their mothers as the tubular dilatation and the epithelial height were not affected significantly. Sodium fluoride induced various degrees of damage to the structure of renal cortex. The lactating mice renal cortices were severely affected compared to those of their suckling offspring. Thus, it is recommended to adjust the fluoride content in the municipal water supply and to avoid excess fluoride intake especially for lactating mothers

Acute heat stress and adrenal cortex: biochemical, histological and ultrastrureal study in albino rats

Stress can be defined as a state of threatened balance induced by external stressor and appear as the display of somatic, and psychic reaction, struggling to regain homeostasis. Among stressful stimuli, heat stress is an environmental factor capable of causing a wide range of physiological alteration chiefly at the level of the hopothalamic- pituitary-adrenocortical [HPA] axis. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of acute heat exposure on the ACTH and cortisol levels as well as structurally and ultrastructurally changes of the adrenal cortical glands in rats. Twenty normal adult male albino rats, weighting 180-200 grams, were divided into two equal groups. Group A represented the control rats and group B acted as a heat stressed rats that were exposed to hear at 38-40[degree sign]C for sixty minutes. At the end of experiment, rats were anesthetized, blood sample withdrawn for hormonal study and suprarenal glands were dissected out and prepared for microscopical and ultrasctructural examinations. A significant increase in ACTH and cortisol levels were reported in heat stressed group when compared with control group. Light microscopic examination of suprarenal cortical layers of heat-stressed rats revealed foamy cytoplasm with pyknotic nuclear changes as compared to control rats. In addition, ultrastructure examination of group B showed mitochondrial changes in all zones especially zona reticularis, decreased number of lipid droplets in both zona fasciculate and reticularis, and prominent dilatation of smooth endoplasmic reticulum vesicles when compared with group A. In conclusion, acute heat exposure was a stressful condition affecting the suprarenal glands as evidenced by the altered biochemical hormonal levels along with both structural and ultra structural changes

Histological study of the effect of Di [2-ethyihexyl] phthalate [DEHP] on the adrenal cortex of adult male albino rat and the possible protective role of ginseng

Phthalates are widely spread environmental contaminants because of their use in plastics and other common consumer products. Di-[2-ethylhexyl] phthalate [DEHP] is the most abundant phthalate in the environment. Ginseng enhances adrenal gland function and improves physical performance, promotes vitality and increases resistahce to stress, aging and oxidants. The purpose of the present study was to study the histological effect of DEHP and Panax ginseng on the adrenal cortex. Forty adult male albino rats were used and were divided into four main groups [10 animals each]; a control group, Panax ginseng treated group which received 3.6 mg/rat of Panax ginseng orally once daily for 4 weeks, DEHP treated group which received 2.85 mg/kg body weight of DEHP orally once daily for 4 weeks and the fourth group received a combination of daily ginseng and DEHP for 4 weeks. Specimens of adrenal cortex were processed for histological study by light and electron microscopes. In DEHP treated rats, the cells of the three cortical zones, showed apparent increase in the cytoplasmic vacuolation and irregular darkly stained nuclei. Ultrastructurally, degenerative changes were observed in the cortical cells especially in the zona fasciculata in the form of cytoplasamic vacuolation, mitochondrial degeneration and increased lipid droplets. When Panax ginseng was added most of the morphological changes were resolved to be more or less similar to the control group. DEHP had a toxic effect on adrenal cortex which could be resolved by concomitant administration of Panax ginseng. So, it is advised to give ginseng to those exposed to DEHP especially in industries

comparative histological and toxicological study on the protective effect of casein versus retinol on N-Butyl Benzene sulphonamide-induced toxicity in adrenal cortex of albino rats

N-butyl benzene sulphonamide [NBBS] is a plasticizer used in production of plastic resins and as a starting agent in the synthesis of agricultural fungicides. Workers engaged in these industries and consumers of their products are at an increased risk of neurodegenerative intoxication. Nevertheless, other possible toxic effects of NBBS have not yet been studied. The aim of the study was to evaluate the possible toxic effect of NBBS on adrenal cortex of albino rats and the protective role of dietary casein versus retinol [vitamin A]. The study was conducted on forty two adult male albino rats, divided into four groups: a control group [further subdivided into; a negative subgroup receiving no treatment and three positive controls given olive oil, retinol or casein], NBBS-treated group and two protected groups receiving NBBS with either retinol or casein for 28 days. Blood samples were collected for estimation of serum corticosterone level and specimens from the adrenal cortex were processed and subjected to light and ultrastructural microscopic examination. Significant reduction of serum corticosterone level was noticed in NBBS-intoxicated group, while rats protected with casein or vitamin A showed restoration of serum corticosterone to nearly normal control values. On the other hand, light and ultrastructural examination revealed marked affection of the adrenal cortex of NBBS-intoxicated rats, with thickened connective tissue capsule and more affection of zona glomerulosa and fasiculata than zona reticularis. The pronounced feature of zona glomerulosa was hyperplasia and disorganized archades together with multiple lipid droplets and microvillous projections in some cells. Zona fasiculata showed disorganized columns. Some cells revealed excessive lipid droplets and myelin figures, while others showed nuclear pyknosis. Numerous bizarre mitochondria were demonstrated in some cells. Few cells showed disturbed mitochondrial cristae and rough endoplasmic reticulunt dilatation. Most of zona reticularis cells appeared normal, however, few cells revealed irregular nuclei and mitochondrial pleomorphism. Protection with vitamin A and casein was successful in ameliorating the biochemical and histological changes induced by NBBS, where increased serum corticosterone level was recorded approaching control values, with restoration of nearly normal histological structure of all three zones of the adrenal cortex, however casein was more effective in reversing NBBS toxic effects. The plasticizer NBBS showed significant adreno-cortical toxicity. The use of antioxidants especially casein was efficient against NBBS toxic effects. Restriction of the use of plastic packaging for foods, pharmaceuticals and other biological products is recommended to avoid leaching of plasticizers resulting in toxic exposure

effect of medroxyprogesterone acetate on the structure of adrenal cortex [zona fasciculata] of adult female albino rat. Light and electron microscopic studies

The injectable contraceptive medroxyprogesterone acetate [MPA] is an internationally established option of birth control. To evaluate the possible effects of MPA on the structure of zona fasciculata cells, the adrenals of forty adult female albino rats were used. The experimental animals were divided into four groups treated as follows: group I was kept as control, groups II and III were injected intramusculary with MPA for 2 and 4 months respectively. Animals of group IV were injected for 4 months and sacrificed one month after the last injection. Specimens from the adrenal gland were taken and processed for light and electron microscopic examination. It has been found that MPA caused an increase in the thickness of zona fasciculate and activation of the cells when administered for 2 months. The cells showed numerous lipid droplets, large number of mitochondria and prominent smooth endoplasmic reticulum. However, MPA administration for 4 months resulted in reduction in the thickness of zona fasciculata with degenerative changes in its cells. The cells appeared small and separated from each other and exhibited many lysosomes and intracellular vacuolar spaces. After withdrawal, most of the cells appeared more or less normal and few cells showed some structural changes. These findings indicated that MPA at first caused activation of fasciculata cells and increased steroidogenesis, but prolonged use of MPA induced inactivation and degenerative changes in these cells. However some of these changes were reversible on withdrawal of the drug. Therefore precaution and follow up must be considered with prescribing this drug for prolonged periods

An ultrastructural stereologic study of mitochondria in the neonatal adrenal cortex of the rat

Se describen los cambios ultraestructurales observados durante el período neonatal en la corteza adrnal de la rata. Las celulas de la zona yuxtamedular presentan mitocondria sredondeadas con crestas vesiculares y retículo endoplásmico desarrollado. Se determinaron esteriológicamente por medio de métodos morfométricos variaciones en el número de crestas por superficie mitocondrial. Las células corticales de 1 y 10 días de edad, muestran un retículo endoplásmico bien desarrollado. Los análisis morfométrico indican que el número de las crestas aumenta el tercer día, seguido luego por un descenso, observándose el décimo día un segundo incremento. También se midió corticosterona en plasma. Los niveles más altos de esta hormona se encontraron los días 1, 2 y 10 de edad. En los días 3 a 8 se observó un descenso. Estos resultados son coincidentes con los cambios observados en el desarrollo mitocondrial y del retículo endoplásmico en el período neonatal. El incremento en el número de crestas mitocondriales en el tercer día de edad post natal, puede ser considerado como la expresión d ela mayor sensibilidad de la glándula en este período, en que se halla aún bajo la influencia materna. Los cambios morfológicos y metabólicos más relevantes observados la segunda semana de vida se deberían a la maduración del eje hipotálamo-hipofisiario. La corteza adrenal neonatal ya ha comenzado a funcionar en forma independiente, dejando de estar bajo la influencia materna

Efectos de la extirpación del area piriforme sobre la ultraestructura de la corteza suprerrenal / Effects of resection of piriform area on suprarenal cortex ultrastructure

Hemos estudiado la ultraestructura de la corteza suprarrenal de 40 ratas macho Wistar, de pesos entre 200 y 259 gm. Los animales fueron divididos en 3 grupos: grupo control (animales intactos o animales de operación simulada); grupo experimental I (animales sacrificados al mes de la operación) y grupo experimental II (animales sacrificados a los dos meses de la operación). Los animales experimentales fueron sometidos a la extirpación bilateral del área piriforme. Hemos observado un progresivco decremento de las gotitas lipídicas ( y de la esteroidogénesis) y un incremento de las alteraciones mitocondriales en las células de la capa fasciculada y también en las células de la capa reticular; lo que indica la existencia de una disminución en la elaboración de las hormonas cortico-suprerrenales. Estos hallazgos nos sugieren que el área piriforme estimula la elaboración de hormonas por la corteza suprarrenal