Role of prostaglandin E2 receptor subtypes in ovarian follicle growth in the rat in vivo. Correlation with interleukin-8 and neutrophils

This study was conducted to elucidate the role of three of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) receptor subtype (EP2, EP3, and EP4) agonists in the process of follicular growth. The influence of these agonists on ovarian expression of intimately related factors to follicle development (neutrophils and interleukin-8 (IL- 8)) was also investigated. Immature female Wistar rats were injected once with these agonists and killed 48 hours later. Another group of rats were injected pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin. For evaluation of follicle growth, morphometric assessment of antral and ovulatory follicles was performed in serial ovarian sections. The study demonstrated that, EP2 and EP4 agonists showed the maximum follicle counts and diameters versus the control. EP2 and EP4 agonists mimicked PMSG induced follicle growth. Injection of the three agonists induced neutrophil infiltration into theca layer. EP4 agonist showed the most intense ovarian neutrophil accumulation. In addition, dense ovarian IL-8 expression was observed only after EP4 agonist injection. Conclusions: Our data suggests that: 1) EP2 and EP4 receptors are the key PGE2 receptors engaged in follicle growth. 2) Ovarian IL-8 expression and neutrophil infiltration are chiefly mediated via the EP4 receptor. EP2 and EP4 receptor agonists may be candidates for promising reagents that induce follicle maturation in clinical or agricultural fields. This knowledge could provide numerous targets for manipulation of fertility

A potential role of mesenchymal stem cells derived from human umbilical cord blood in ameliorating psoriasis-like skin lesion in the rats

Background: Psoriasis is a common autoimmune inflammatory skin disease, with no clear cause, treated with topical agents and phototherapy to conventional immunosuppressant drugs and biologic agents. Stem cell therapy has showed significant interest in regenerative medicine. The aim of this study was to use mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy compared to the topical application of the standard conventional corticosteroid cream. Materials and methods: 40 male adult albino rats were used, divided into 4 groups, 10 rats each. Group I (control), Group II (Psoriasis-like lesions induced by usage of Aldara cream), Group III (treated with Betamethasone) and Group IV (treated with mesenchymal stem cells). Specimens were stained with Hematoxylin & Eosin, Masson's trichrome, immune-histochemical technique for CD4, CD8 and CD31. Ultra-sections were prepared for transmission electron microscope examination. Results: MSCs demonstrated efficacy in reduction of disease severity in the form of uniform epidermal thickness covered by a very thin keratin layer. Normally- arranged layers of epidermal layers, with a clear border demarcation was seen between the epidermis and the dermis with apparently intact basement membrane. TEM showed absence of gaps between the tightly connected cells of the basal layer and the resting basement membrane. Conclusions: application of MSCs raises hope for developing a new, safe and effective therapy for psoriatic patients, avoiding the side effects of betamethasone