Expression of TRPV1 receptors increased in hippocampus following pentylenetetrazole-induced kindling in male rats

Background: The exact pathogenesis of epilepsy is not clear well. Recent studies showed the possible involvement of transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) receptors in this disease. Objectives: The aim of this study was to measure the expression of TRPV1 receptors in hippocampus following pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced kindling in male rats. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 14 male Wistar rats were allocated into two groups of experimental and control (seven rats in each group). The kindling group received a subconvulsive dose of PTZ (35 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) every 48 hours for 15 sessions, while the control rats were injected with an equal dose of saline. At the end of the injections, rats were decapitated, and their brains were removed. TRPV1 receptor expression in hippocampus region was assessed by real-time polymerase chain reaction method. Results: The results of the current study showed that expressions of TRPV1 receptors were increased in hippocampus following PTZ-induced kindling in male rats. Conclusions: Since the expression of TRPV1 receptors increased in hippocampus of epileptic rats, the TRPV1 receptors may be good candidates for epilepsy treatment. � 2016, Tehran University of Medical Sciences

A Novel Method for Investigating the Role of Reflux Pattern in Color Doppler Ultrasound for Grading of Varicocele

Abstract Varicocele is the most common correctable cause of infertility. Color Doppler Ultrasound (CDUS) has a sensitivity of 97% and specificity of 94% for diagnosing this condition. This study aimed to propose a new pattern of scrotal Doppler for predicting the severity of varicocele. An observational study was conducted from January 2016 to January 2017 on 120 testes units in 60 patients. Scrotal CDUS and semen analysis were done in all participants. Patients were evaluated for reflux pattern, pampiniform venous plexus diameter, and venous reflux time. The ultrasonography parameters and semen analysis data were compared to assess the correlations between the results. The reflux pattern and vein diameters had a significant correlation. Also, a significant correlation was detected between the reflux pattern and reflux time. There was a significant correlation between the reflux pattern and two parameters of semen analysis namely sperm count and its motility. In conclusion, the reflux pattern classification suggested in this study can be used as a useful predictor of varicocele severity and sperm parameters in patients with varicocele

The effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Pistacia vera on pentylenetetrazole- induced kindling in rat

Abstract Background and objectives: Most antiepileptic drugs that are commonly being used in the clinic have a wide range of unwanted side effects; while some species of pistachios have been used in the traditional medicine to treat epilepsy. The aim of the present study was to investigate the anticonvulsant effects of the hydroalcoholic extract of Pistacia vera L. in pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced chemical kindling. Methods: this study was carried out on 40 male Wistar rats. Chemical kindling was induced by intraperitoneal administration of PTZ (40 mg/kg) on every alternate day (30 days). The hydroalcoholic extract of P. vera (50 and 100 mg/kg) were administered orally every day (30 days). In days which animals received both PTZ and extract, PTZ was injected 30 min after extract administration. Convulsive behavior was observed for 30 min after PTZ injection and scored according to racine scale. Diazepam was used as the reference anticonvulsant drug. Results: Pretreatment with 50 and 100 mg/kg of P. vera extract decreased seizure scores, stage 4 latency and stage 5 duration compared to the control group. The anti-epileptic effects of P. vera extract were comparable to diazepam. Conclusion: The present findings demonstrated that the hydroalcoholic extract of P. vera may inhibit the development of seizure behavior following chronic PTZ-induced model of epilepsy in rats

The effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Pistacia vera on pentylenetetrazole-induced kindling in rat

Background and objectives: Most antiepileptic drugs that are commonly being used in the clinic have a wide range of unwanted side effects; while some species of pistachioshave been used in the traditional medicine to treat epilepsy. The aim of the present study was to investigate the anticonvulsant effects of the hydroalcoholic extract of Pistacia vera L. in pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced chemical kindling. Methods: this study was carried out on 40 male Wistar rats. Chemical kindling was induced by intraperitoneal administration of PTZ (40 mg/kg) on every alternate day (30 days). The hydroalcoholic extract of P. vera (50 and 100 mg/kg) were administered orally every day (30 days). In days which animals received both PTZ and extract, PTZ was injected 30 min after extract administration. Convulsive behavior was observed for 30 min after PTZ injection and scored according to racine scale. Diazepam was used as the reference anticonvulsant drug. Results: Pretreatment with 50 and 100 mg/kg of P. vera extract decreased seizure scores, stage 4 latency and stage 5 duration compared to the control group. The anti-epileptic effects of P. vera extract were comparable to diazepam. Conclusion: The present findings demonstrated that the hydroalcoholic extract of P. vera may inhibit the development of seizure behavior following chronic PTZ-induced model of epilepsy in rats