ABSTRACT
The study was designed to explore anatomical and histological vasculature changes in the female genital system of camel and serological aspects that might be responsible to maintain thermoregulation. Twenty-four adult female camels were sampled during breeding (November-April) and non-breeding (May-October) season. Blood was collected for estrogen, progesterone and cortisol level estimation. Genital organs were sampled and described after slaughtering. Samples were taken from the ovarian artery (OA), vein (OV) and arterio-venous complex (AVC), for light and scanning electron microscopy. Sections were stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin. (H&E), Masson's trichrome, Weigert's elastic and toluidine blue. Temperature and relative humidity were used to calculate stress indicator. Stress indicator was higher in non-breeding season (NBS). Anatomical and histological vasculature (OA, OV, AVC) dynamics were significantly higher in breeding season (BS) especially diameter of left OA. Parameters of OA were positively associated with estrogen level. Collagen, elastic, smooth muscles and mast cells were recorded least in BS compared to NBS. Unique venous structure, intra-mural venules (IMV), was discovered in tunica intima of OA, seen positively and negatively associated with estrogen and cortisol level in BS, respectively. Scanned electron-micrograph exhibited penetration and wrapping of OA by small thinned-walled venules that may form IMV. The AVC was too tightly packed to differentiate due to the collapse of the wall. Hormonal, seasonal, stress indicator and vascular dynamic of female genital system are interlinked and IMV in association with OA and OV may be proposed as the site of counter-current exchange in female reproductive system of the camel.
ABSTRACT
Effects of Saussurea lappa root extracts prepared in ethanol according to the homeopathic principles were assessed on leukocyte phagocytic activity, lymphocyte transformation and mitogen-induced interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) in the cultures of peripheral blood mononuclear cells of goats (PBMC) in vitro. Leukocyte phagocytic activity was measured by flow cytometry, lymphocyte proliferation by MTT and IFN-gamma level in cell culture supernatants was determined by ELISA. The results obtained demonstrated that all test dilutions (D4, D6, D8) of Saussurea lappa in ethanol have exerted a stimulating effect on leukocyte phagocytic activity in dose-dependent manner. A 10 microl dose of Saussurea lappa of each dilution markedly enhanced phagocytic activity, while other doses tested made only a feeble stimulating effect. The increases with 10 microl dose were found significantly (P<0.01) different between each dilution, maximal stimulation was observed by D8 dilution. Different doses (10 microl, 2 microl, 1 microl, 0.5 microl) of all test dilutions (D4, D6, D8) of Saussurea lappa in sterile 0.9% NaCl solution inhibited lymphocyte proliferation. Maximal inhibitory effect was observed with the 2 microl dose. Similarly, Saussurea lappa suppressed the secretion of IFN-gamma by mitogen-activated (PHA; 2.5 microg/ml) of peripheral mononuclear cells in dose-dependent manner. In conclusion these findings suggest that enhanced leukocyte phagocytic activity may be helpful to clear the soluble immune complexes produced during a sustained immune response against self antigens which causes chronic inflammatory injury of tissue. On the other hand, inhibition of lymphocyte proliferation and IFN-gamma by Saussurea lappa may contribute to suppress immune-mediated inflammatory reactions possibly through a cell-mediated cytokine pathway. Thus it is concievable that ethanolic extracts of Saussurea lappa roots in homeopathetic dilutions may be considered as a potential candidate for therapeutic support in autoimmune and chronic inflammatory disorders.