Age-associated changes on axonal regeneration and functional outcome after spinal cord injury in rats

This study was conducted to evaluate the association between aging and regenerative potential of spinal cord injury. Three groups of male Sprague�Dawley rats, including young (40 days), mature (5-6 months) and old (28-29 months) were spinally hemisected at the L1 level. The locomotor performance was assessed weekly for eight weeks after lesion using locomotors� rating scale developed by Basso, Bresnahan and Beattie (BBB). In the tracing study, retrograde labeled neuron was counted in the lateral vestibular nucleus for axonal regeneration. From 4-8 weeks, the functional recovery of the young and mature age rats was significantly increased in comparison to the old age group. At 8 weeks, young and mature animals achieved a plateau score of (mean ± SD), 17 ± 1.47 and 16.8 ± 0.70 respectively, and the old rats reached an average score of 13.8±1.63 (P<0.05). The mean number of labeled neurons in the vestibular nucleus in the young group (mean ± SD): 32.05 ± 1.03 increase significantly compared to the older age group 5.01 ± 1.31 (P<0.05). Current findings suggest that axonal repair and functional improvement decrease in aged animals after partial spinal cord injury. Thus, the aging process may affect the regenerative capacity of the injured central nervous system, and axonal regeneration is age dependent. © 2015 Tehran University of Medical Sciences. All rights reserved

Effects of Cadmium chloride on cochlear development in mouse fetus

Background: Cadmium is an essential component of industrial and non-industrial materials including foods, water, drinks and cigarettes. Reports have shown the teratogenic effects of cadmium, thus the present study was carried out with the aim of determining the effects of cadmium chloride on cochlear development in male mouse fetus. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study 30 male mouse fetuses of Balb/c race were included. Samples were divided in three groups of control, Experiment I and Experiment II. Experiment groups have received cadmium chloride with the dosage of 3 mg/kg and 5 mg/kg intra-peritonealy at the 9th day of pregnancy, respectively. The control group received distilled water. Six days later, mice were killed by ether and their fetuses were removed and kept in fixative. Finally, specimens were prepared and stained by H&E. Results were analyzed using ANOVA and scheffe tests. Results: Cochlear surface was significantly reduced in Experiments groups comparing to the control (P<0.05), meanwhile the spiral ganglion surface was significantly reduced, too (P<0.01 and P<0.003). The cochlear diameter has not differed among the groups (NS). The organ of corti in Experiment II group was smaller than that of control group (P<0.02). Conclusion: Cadmium chloride can cause degenerative changes on cochlear development of mouse fetus. Further studies regarding the effects of cadmium chloride on neural tube deformity and hearing dysfunction are strongly recommended

Effects of Ginger (Zingiberaceae) on Diabetes Mellitus Induced Changes in the Small Intestine of Rat

Introduction & Objective: Diabetes mellitus is the most common endocrine disorder and causes gastrointestinal complications .The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of ginger on the small intestine of diabetic rats. Materials & Methods: This experimental study was done in the anatomy department of Uremia Medical University in 1385. 24 adult male rats, weighing 250±20 gr were randomly selected and divided into 3 following groups: control, diabetic (induced by 60mg/kg STZ) and treatment groups. The treatment group was given ginger powder (5% of their consumed food weight during day/night period). After 8 weeks, all rats were anaesthetized and their small intestines were removed and measured for their weight and length. For histological assessment, samples from each part of duodenum, jejunum and ileum was fixed in 10% formalin and slides with hematoxilin & eosin staining were prepared. Villi length, crypt depth and muscular layer thickness were assessed by graticule eye piece of light microscope. Statistical analysis, one- way analysis of variance and Tukey’s SPSS software was used for data analysis. Results: The results showed that mean of intestinal length and weight, villi length and muscular layer thickness in all three parts and crypts depth in duodenum and jejunum in diabetic group increased significantly in comparison with control and treatment groups, but there was no significant difference between control and treatment groups. Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrate that ginger as an antioxidant, through decreasing oxidative stress, can prevent pathologic alterations induced by diabetes in small intestine

Effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of Carum copticum on withdrawal syndrome in adult rats addicted to morphine

Background & Aim: Long-term useofopioidcreates toleranceandphysical and psychologicaldependence. Discontinuation of the drug, creating ashortageofendogenousopioidsandwithdrawal syndromeemerges.Addictiontreatmentin traditional medicine isusing ofherbssuch asCarumcopticumthathas manytherapeutic effects. The purpose of thisstudy was to evaluatethe effects of hydro-alcoholic extractof Carumcopticum onwithdrawalsyndromein adult ratsaddictedto morphine. Material & Method: In this study70male Wistarratsdividedinto seven groups of 10, six groups were addicted by morphinesulfateinjection (the first 5days10 mg/kg, the second 5days15 mg/kg andon the dayfrom11 to21, 20mg/kg) subcutaneouslyfor 21 days.Groups three, four and five were fed respectively 10%, 20% Carumcopticum extract and methadone (mg/kg 5) after addiction of animals until the end of period. Groups sixandseven were given respectively10%and 20% of Carumcopticumextractfrom the beginning to the end of treatment period orally.Group one(control) andGrouptwo (morphine) were fed daily 0.5 mL of saline orally to the end of the treatment period (day 21to 35).Datacollected from body weight, jumping, itchingand diarrhea ofanimals wereanalyzedby SPSS software, using Unpaired T test, ANOVA and LSD as post-hoc statistical tests. Finding: Comparing the mean of weight loose ofthe animals in different treatmentgroupson day21with 35showed statistical significant reduction in the group that received extract of Carumcopticum 10%. On the day 21,itchingand jumping, in the group that received extract of Carumcopticum 10%,and the diarrhea, in the group that receivedthe extract ofCarumcopticum20%compared withthe control groupshoweda significant decrease(P<0.05).On day35,Jumping and diarrheain thegroupsreceived theextract ofCarumcopticum10 and 20percent comparedwith the control groupshoweda significant decrease(P<0.05). Conclusion: According to the results, hydro-alcoholic extract of carumcopticum inconcentration of 10and 20percent are effectivein reducingwithdrawal syndromeofmorphine as like as methadone.Perhapsitcan be usedas an alternative tomethadoneinaddictiontoreducepainfulwithdrawalsyndromeand freed from the side effects ofmethadone.This suggestionneeds a widerinvestigation

The effect of hydroalcohlic extract of Valeriana officinalis on the astrocytes of hippocampus in rats

Introduction: The Valeriana officinalis has therapeutic properties in neurological disorders, insomnia and hysteria. Thus, we evaluated the protective activity of Of ethanol extract of this plant on the proliferation and diameter of astrocytes in the hippocampus. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, forty Sprague Dawley rat (200–230 g) were randomly divided equally into 4 groups, in which the control group received distilled water. The treatments groups I, II and III received Valeriana officinalis extracts 300, 400 and 600 mg/kg respectively, daily for three weeks. Then, the rats were killed and brain were removed and fixed. The numbers and large diameter of the astrocytes cells were measured in the hippocampus of different groups. Results: The mean numbers of astrocytes of the CA1 and CA2 in the group that received 600 mg/kg of Valeriana officinalis extracts were 16.79±6.48 and 9.11±3.91 respectively, which significantly increased compare to the control group. The mean of large diameter of astrocytes in the CA1 region of the animals with 300, 400 and 600 mg/kg of Valeriana officinalis were 10.41±2.87, 7.85±2.36 and 5.5±2.06 respectively, that decreased significantly compare to the control group 13.1±4.01. Conclusion: The Valeriana officinalis extract with antioxidant property has potential to proliferate the astrocytes cells in the hippocampus

Improving learning of anatomy with reusable learning objects

Introduction: The use of modern educational technologies is useful for learning, durability, sociability, and upgrading professionalism. The aim of this study was evaluating the effect of reusable learning objects on improving learning of anatomy. Methods: This was a quasi-experimental study. Fourteen (reusable learning objects) RLO from different parts of anatomy of human body including thorax, abdomen, and pelvis were prepared for medical student in Yasuj University of Medical Sciences in 2009. The length of the time for RLO was between 11-22 min. Because their capacities were low, so they were easy to use with cell phone or MP4. These materials were available to the students before the classes. The mean scores of students in anatomy of human body group were compared to the medical students who were not used this method and entered the university in 2008. A questionnaire was designed by the researcher to evaluate the effect of RLO and on, content, interest and motivation, participation, preparation and attitude. Result: The mean scores of anatomy of human body of medical student who were entered the university in 2009 have been increased compare to the students in 2008, but this difference was not significant. Based on the questionnaire data, it was shown that the RLO had a positive effect on improving learning anatomy of human body (75.5%) and the effective relationship (60.6%). The students were interested in using RLO (74.6%), some students (54.2%) believed that this method should be replaced by lecture. Conclusion: The use of RLO could promote interests and effective communication among the students and led to increasing self-learning motivation

Effects of cadmium on photoreceptors and ganglionic cells of retinal layer in mice embryo — An ultrastructural study

469-474Cadmium (Cd) is one of the environmental contaminant and because of its non-decomposable character, it can damage nature. In this study, TEM was used in order to assess the ultrastructural effects of Cd on photorececptor and ganglionic cells of mouse retinal layer. Apoptotic nuclei, heterochromatic nuclei, deletion of nucleus membrane, invisible nucleolus, and apoptotic cells with mitochondrial changes were observed in mice embryo (days 15 of gestation) following CdCl2 injection to mothers on day 9 of gestation. Cadmium exposure caused apoptotic changes both in photoreceptors and ganglionic cells

The Effect of Various Types of Surgical Repair of Sciatic Nerve Transection on Number of Dorsal Root Ganglion Neurons

Background: Considering the need for appropriate maintenance of function and survival of neurons after nerve injury, and inadequacy of information about the number of sensory neurons in dorsal root ganglion after nerve trauma, this study was carried out on mice ganglia after their sciatic nerve cut. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study 12 adult, 200-250 gram weight, Wistar rats were randomly assigned into four groups of axotomy, epineurial suture repair, nerve guidance channel repair, and sham. Left sciatic nerve was transected in mid-thigh level and then in axotomy group, it left without repair in epineurial suture group it was repaired end to end and in nerve guidance channel repair it was repaird by PVDF (Polyvinilidine Flouride) tube containing collagen gel. The right side sciatic nerve spared intact. After 12 weeks, the 5th left and right dorsal root ganglia were excised and flouroscent Hoescht staining of prepared frozen sections performed and their neurons counted. Data were analysed with one way Anova, and Tuki tests. Results: The average number of neurons in axotomy group was 144.2±11.2 (P ≤0. 001), in epineurial repair group 189.8±15.5 (P<0.04), and in nerve guidance channel group 163.9±5.6 (p<0.001). Conclusion: Primary surgical nerve repair decreased sensory neuronal loss after nerve transection, but could not prevent it completely. Further studies on the causes of sensory neuron death after nerve injury and repair is recommended at molecular level

Survival, Fertilization and Developmental Rates of Cryotop-Vitrified Oocyte and Embryo Using Low Concentrated Cryoprotectants

Background & Aim: The preserving embryos, the risk of multiple pregnancies, the existence of factors in stimulated uterine cycle, are important forces in perfecting embryo cryopreservation. The aim of current study was to assess Survival, Fertilization and Developmental Rates (SRs, FRs, DRs) of the mouse oocytes and embryos using cryotop and low concentrated cryoprotectants solutions. Methods: Mouse C57BL/6 oocytes and embryos were collected. Oocytes SRs, FRs, DRs were recorded after cryotop-vitrification/ warming. As well as comparing fresh oocytes and embryos, the data obtained from experimental groups (exp.) applying 1.25, 1.0, and 0.75 Molar (M) CPAs were analyzed in comparison to those of exp. adopting 1.5 M CPAs (largely-used concentration of EthylenGlycol (EG) and Dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO)). Results: The data of oocytes exposed to 1.25 M CPAs were in consistency with those exposed to 1.5 M and control group in terms of SR, FR and DR. As fewer concentrations were applied, the more decreased SRs, FRs and DRs were obtained from other experimental groups. The results of embryos were exposed to 1.25 M and 1.0 M was close to those vitrified with 1.5 M and fresh embryos. The results of 0.75 M concentrated CPAs solutions were significantly lower than those of control, 1.5 M and 1.0 M treated groups. Conclusion: CPAs limited reduction to 1.25 M and 1.0 M instead of using 1.5 M, for oocyte and embryo cryotop-vitrification procedure may be a slight adjustment

Structural and Ultrastructural Study of Motor Neurons Following Sciatic Nerve Repair by Epineural Suture, Autograft and Nerve Guidance Channel in Adult Rat

ABSTRACT: Introduction & Objective: Much interest has been focused on the development of alternative instrument for bridging the nerve gaps. In the present study we used poled polyvinelidene fluoride (PVDF) tube filled with nerve growth factor (NGF) and collagen gel as a substitute for nerve autograft and compared the results with other current surgical techniques. Materials & Methods: In this experimental study, 40 male Wistar rats each weighing 200-250 g were randomly divided in five groups nerve guidance channel, autograft, epineural suture, axotomy and sham operation. In nerve guidance channel groups, a 10 mm piece of left sciatic nerve was transected and this gap was repaired by PVDF tube containing NGF 7s (100 ng) and collagen gel (1.28 mg/ml). In autograft group, the 10 mm piece was 180° rotated and sutured to two nerve ends. In epineural suture group, left sciatic nerve in the middle thigh was transected then sutured end to end. In axotomy group, left sciatic nerve was transected in the middle thigh and was not repaired. After two months, left ventral L4-6 segments of spinal cord was removed and semi-thin and ultra-thin preparation for light and electron microscope were done. Contra-lateral side of spinal cord segments was used as control in all groups. Results: After two months we observed motor neuron atrophy and shrinkage, cytoplasmic vacouels and piknotic neurons in different surgical groups, but it was more intense in axotomy group. These changes were less in epineural suture group than in autograft and nerve guidance channel groups. In sham and control groups no changes were observed. In addition, increased nuclear condensation, nuclear membrane folding, central and marginal chromatin clumping in spinal motor neuron were observed in surgical groups mainly in axotomy group. Conclusion: According to the results, any type of injury to the sciatic nerve can cause cell changes and finally cell death in the spinal motor neurons. Using PVDF with NGF and collagen gel reduced cell changes at the level of autograft