Immunological,biochemical and histopathological evaluation of histamine receptors (H1R,H2R,H3R and H4R)-antagonist in rabbit experimental model: A short term study

The present study was designed to delineate the immuno- and hepatotoxicological roles of HRs-antagonists in vivo which is elementary in existing literature. The cohort comprised of two experimental studies. Experimental study 1 was designed for immunological investigations and consisted of seven groups and immunized with intravenous injection of SRBC at day 3 containing six rabbits each. Experimental study 2 was designed to assess the functional status of liver and comprised of seven groups containing five rabbits each. In both experimental studies group-I received sterile distilled water intramuscularly, and group II–VI received subcutaneous histamine, pheniramine (H1R-antagonist), ranitidine (H2R-antagonist), iodophenpropit (H3R-antagonist) and JNJ7777120 (H4R-antagonist), respectively while group-VII received DMSO intramuscularly. ELISA was used to assess the immunological investigations. The SRBC-specific immunoglobulins (Igs), IgM and IgG were significantly increased (p < 0.05). Hepatotoxicity due to same histamine and HRs-antagonists were demonstrated by biochemical and histopathological methods. Rabbits in group II–VI had significantly (p < 0.05) elevated levels of serum enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP) and bilirubin. Histopathological examination showed maintained hepatic lobular architecture in histamine and DMSO-treated groups a kin to control. Notable findings in other groups included increased binuclearity in H1R, trinuclearity in H2R, oxyphilic clusters of hepatocytes in H3R and moderate centrilobular necrosis in H3R and H4R-antagonist-treated groups without obvious inflammatory cell infiltration and Kupffer cell prominence. It is concluded that HRs-antagonist play immune suppressive role through H1R, H2R and H4R while immune enhancing role through H3R. In addition, HRs-antagonists appear moderately hepatotoxic in terms of altered serum enzyme levels and non-inflammatory hepatocellular damage.     

Preventive effect of a galactoglucomannan (GGM) from Dendrobium huoshanense on selenium-induced liver injury and fibrosis in rats

This study was carried out to investigate the preventive effects of galactoglucomannan (GGM), a homogeneous polysaccharide from Dendrobium huoshanense, on liver injury and fibrosis induced by sodium selenite. Sprague–Dawley rats injected subcutaneously with sodium selenite at the dosage of 3.28 mg kg^?1 b. wt. were set as the model groups. Rats treated with sodium selenite at the dosage of 3.28 mg kg^?1 b. wt. and GGM at 50–200 mg kg^?1 b. wt. were set as the prevention groups. Biochemical and histological analysis showed that GGM significantly ameliorated selenite-induced liver injury and fibrosis in rats. Oral administration of GGM effectively attenuated the toxicity of selenite to liver tissue, which was judged both by the decreased activities of serum hepatic enzymes, including alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and by liver histopathological examination. Meanwhile, GGM also reduced the levels of H₂O₂ and malondialdehyde (MDA), elevated the levels of GSH, restored the fluidity of hepatic plasma membrane, and retained the activities of endogenous enzymes including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione S-transferase (GST). The prevention of selenite-induced liver injury and fibrosis by GGM was further supported by the reduced expression of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and type I collagen. These results suggested that GGM may be developed into a novel antifibrotic agent for the prevention of liver injury and fibrosis.     

Dose-dependent effect of histamine on liver function markers in immunized rabbits

ObjectiveThe present study was designed to delineate the hepatotoxicological roles of histamine dose-dependently in immunized rabbits.MethodsThe cohort comprised of three groups (II, III and IV), containing 18 rabbits each, and received subcutaneous histamine 50 μg/kg, 100 μg/kg and 200 μg/kg, respectively for 10 days (b.i.d., starting from 3 days prior to immunization until 7 days after immunization). Group I (control, n = 18) received subcutaneous sterile distilled water for 10 days. They were subsequently immunized at day 3 with intravenous injection of SRBC (1 × 10⁹ cells/ml). Blood samples were collected on pre-immunization (pre-I) day 0, as well as on days 7-, 14-, 21-, 28- and 58-post-immunization (post-I). Biochemical parameters aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and bilirubin [total bilirubin (TB), direct bilirubin (DB) and indirect bilirubin (IB)] were determined.ResultsGroups II and IV revealed a significant decrease (on day 0-pre-I) and a significant increase (on days 7-, 14-, 21-, 28- and 58-post-I) in ALT and AST levels, when compared with the corresponding values of groups I and III while group II showed a significant increase in ALT and AST levels as compared to group IV. ALP levels in groups II, III and IV showed a significant enhancement when compared with group I. Moreover, results of TB, DB and IB demonstrated increased levels in group III when compared with groups I, II and IV. The results were found statistically significant (p < 0.05).ConclusionShort-term treatment of histamine produces dose-dependent differential patterns of hepatic dysfunctions suggestive mild liver degeneration warranting further long-term studies.     

Symplocos cochinchinensis attenuates streptozotocin-diabetes induced pathophysiological alterations of liver,kidney, pancreas and eye lens in rats

The beneficial effects of hydroethanol extract of Symplocos cochinchinensis (SCE) has been explored against hyperglycemia associated secondary complications in streptozotocin induced diabetic rat model. The experimental groups consist of normal control (NC), diabetic control (DC), DC + metformin 100 mg kg⁻¹ bwd, DC + SCE 250 and DC + SCE 500. SCEs and metformin were administered daily for 21 days and sacrificed on day 22. Oral glucose tolerance test, plasma insulin, % HbA1c, urea, creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, albumin, total protein etc. were analysed. Aldose reductase (AR) activity in the eye lens was also checked. On day 21, DC rats showed significantly abnormal glucose response, HOMA-IR, % HbA1c, decreased activity of antioxidant enzymes and GSH, elevated AR activity, hepatic and renal oxidative stress markers like malondialdehyde, protein carbonyls compared to NC. DC rats also exhibited increased level of plasma urea and creatinine. Treatment with SCE protected from the deleterious alterations of biochemical parameters in a dose dependent manner including histopathological alterations in pancreas. SCE 500 exhibited 46.28% of glucose lowering effect and decreased HOMA-IR (2.47), % HbA1c (6.61), lens AR activity (15.99%), and hepatic, renal oxidative stress and function markers compared to DC group. Considerable amount of liver and muscle glycogen was replenished by SCE treatment in diabetic animals. Although metformin showed better effect, the activity of SCE was very much comparable with this drug.     

Toxico-pathological changes induced by cypermethrin in broiler chicks: Their attenuation with Vitamin E and selenium

Ninety 1-day old broiler chicks of mixed gender (as hatched) procured from a local hatchery were randomly divided into five equal groups. All the treatments were given through crop tubing. Groups 1–4 received cypermethrin (CY) (600 mg kg^?1 b. wt.) daily for 30 days. In addition to CY (group 1), groups 2–4 received Vit E (150 mg kg^?1 b. wt.), Se (0.25 mg kg^?1 b. wt.), and Vit E (150 mg kg^?1 b. wt.)+Se (0.25 mg kg^?1 b. wt.), respectively. Group 5 served as control andreceived normal saline (2 ml kg^?1 b. wt.) for 30 days. Randomly selected six broiler chicks from each group were slaughtered at experimental days 10, 20 and 30 for the collection of serum/plasma and morbid tissues. Absolute organ weights were recorded. Total plasma proteins, fibrinogen and creatinine were significantly (P<0.05) increased while alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and urea decreased significantly (P<0.05) in CY-treated group when compared with the control group. Kidneys were swollen grossly in treated broiler chicks. In liver, necrosis of hepatocytes, cytoplasmic vacuolation, bile duct hyperplasia and mononuclear cellular infiltration were observed. In kidneys, necrosis of tubular epithelial cells, cytoplasmic vacuolation, cellular infiltration and atrophy of glomeruli were observed. Sub-arachnoid space was much dilated in CY-treated broiler chicks. It can be concluded that CY induces biochemical and histopathological alterations in broilers chicks; however, these toxic effects can be ameliorated by Vit E or Se. Combination of Vit E and Se was more effective in ameliorating toxic effects of cypermethrin in broilers chicks.     

Clinico-hematological and micronuclear changes induced by cypermethrin in broiler chicks: Their attenuation with vitamin E and selenium

This study was carried out on 90 one-day-old broiler chicks to know clinico-hematological alterations, DNA damage caused by cypermethrin (CY), and attenuation of toxic effects by vitamin E (Vit E) and selenium (Se). Birds were randomly divided into five equal groups. Groups 1–4 received CY (600 ml kg^?1 b.wt) daily for 30 days by crop tubing. In addition to CY, groups 2, 3 and 4 received Vit E (150 mg kg^?1 b.wt), Se (0.25 mg kg^?1 b.wt), and Vit E (150 mg kg^?1 b.wt)+Se (0.25 mg kg^?1 b.wt), respectively. Group 5 served as control. Birds were monitored twice daily for clinical signs. They were weighed and blood samples were collected at experimental days 10, 20 and 30 for hematological studies. CY-treated birds showed more prominent signs of toxicity compared to CY+Vit E, CY+Se and CY+Vit E+Se birds. Body weight in groups 1–3 was significantly (P<0.05) smaller at days 20 and 30 when compared with the control group. Significantly (P<0.001) higher numbers of micronuclei appeared in chicks treated with CY compared to CY+Vit E- and CY+Se-treated birds. Significantly decreased total erythrocyte counts (TEC), hemoglobin (Hb) concentration and packed cell volume (PCV) in all treated groups were recorded. Treated birds suffered from macrocytic hypochromic anemia. Leukocytosis in early stage and later leucopenia was seen in treated birds. It can be concluded that CY induces toxic effects in broilers chicks; however, these toxic effects can be ameliorated by Vit E or Se. Combination of Vit E and Se was more effective to ameliorate toxic effects of cypermethrin.     

The effect of rosmarinic acid on 1,2-dimethylhydrazine induced colon carcinogenesis

This study was carried out to investigate the chemopreventive potential of rosmarinic acid (RA) against 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH) induced rat colon carcinogenesis by evaluating the effect of RA on tumour formation, antioxidant enzymes, cytochrome P450 content, p-nitrophenol hydroxylase and GST activities. Rats were divided into six groups and fed modified pellet diet for the entire experimental period. Group 1 served as control, group 2 received RA (10 mg/kg b.w.). Groups 3–6 were induced colon cancer by injecting DMH (20 mg/kg b.w.) subcutaneously once a week for the first four weeks (groups 3–6). In addition, RA was administered at the doses of 2.5, 5 and 10 mg/kg b.w. to groups 4–6 respectively. DMH treated rats showed large number of colonic tumours; decreased lipid peroxidation; decreased antioxidant status; elevated CYP450 content and PNPH activities; and decreased GST activity in the liver and colon. Supplementation with RA (5 mg kg/b.w.) to DMH treated rats significantly decreased the number of polyps (50%); reversed the markers of oxidative stress (21.0%); antioxidant status (38.55%); CYP450 content (29.41%); and PNPH activities (21.9%). RA at the dose of 5 mg/kg b.w. showed a most pronounced effect and could be used as a possible chemopreventive agent against colon cancer.     

Effect of different doses of hexavalent chromium on mandibular growth and tooth eruption in juvenile Wistar rats

Not only workers employed at industrial plants are exposed to intoxication with the element they manipulate, the population at large is also at risk of suffering health problems caused by contaminating wastes inadequately treated for their safe disposal. As a result certain toxic substances, such as hexavalent chromium,has reached the general population including children. The present study sought to evaluate the effect of intoxication with hexavalent chromium on body and mandibular growth and tooth eruption in suckling Wistar rats. Potassium dichromate was administered by gavage in a dose of 6.25 or 12.5 mg/kg body weight (b.w.) to one of the two groups of 4-day-old Wistar rats during 10 days. Our results showed that the effects of chromium are dose-dependent. Morphometric studies of body growth showed lower body weight in both experimental groups and shorter tail length in animals receiving 12.5 mg/kg b.w. dose of chromium, compared with controls. All parameters of mandibular growth were lower in the experimental group receiving 12.5 mg/kg b.w. of chromium. Differences in tooth eruption were observed at the level of the first molar in animals receiving 12.5 mg/kg and of the second molar in those receiving 6.25 mg/kg b.w. of chromium. Chromium was found to affect all the studied parameters.     

GENEDIA Multi Influenza Ag Rapid Test for detection and H1, H3, and H5 subtyping of influenza viruses

BackgroundRapid identification and subtype determination of influenza virus is important in managing infected patients. Rapid influenza diagnostic tests (RIDTs) are widely used in this manner, but most can only detect influenza A and B viruses without subtyping. A new RIDT, GENEDIA Multi Influenza Ag Rapid Test (GENEDIA), was developed for detection of influenza A and B viruses and also subtyping of influenza A to H1, H3, H5 which has not been possible with other RIDTs.ObjectivesAssess the performance of GENEDIA.Study designNasopharyngeal swabs were collected from 274 clinically suspected patients (influenza A/H1N1/2009 (n = 50), influenza A/H3 (n = 50), influenza B (n = 73) and influenza-negative (n = 101)) and analyzed with the real-time RT-PCR, GENEDIA, SD Bioline Influenza Ag, and Alere BinaxNow Influenza A&B Card. Also, 46 fecal specimens (H5N2 (n = 3), H5N3 (n = 3)) of spot-billed duck were analyzed with RT-PCR and GENEDIA.ResultsCompared to real-time RT-PCR, the sensitivities of GENEDIA, SD Bioline Influenza Ag, and Alere BinaxNow Influenza A&B Card were 73.0%, 57.0%, 58.0% for influenza A, respectively, and 68.5%, 65.8%, 57.5% for influenza B, respectively. Specifically, the sensitivity of GENEDIA was 70.0% for influenza A/H1N1/2009 and 76.0% for influenza A/H3. From the avian influenza samples, GENEDIA detected all six H5 subtype without any cross-reactions.ConclusionThe GENEDIA Multi Influenza Ag Rapid Test was sensitive in detecting influenza viruses compared with other commercial RIDTs and also useful for rapid subtype determination of influenza A.     

Anzer honey prevents N-ethylmaleimide-induced liver damage in rats

N-ethylmaleimide (NEM) is a sulphydryl blocker which impairs the sulphydryl dependent antioxidant system (mainly glutathione) in the body by alkylating endogenous sulphydryls. This study was designed to investigate the effects of Anzer honey on NEM-induced liver injury in rats. Thirty female Wistar albino rats were divided equally into three groups. Group 1: control; Group 2: NEM; Group 3: Anzer honey+NEM. NEM (0.075 mg kg^?1) was given to both group 2 and 3 administered subcutaneously (s.c.) for 30 days. The animals in the Anzer honey+NEM group were treated with Anzer honey at a dose of 0.275 g kg^?1, (p.o.) at 1 h prior to every NEM injection. At the end of the 30 day treatment period, liver samples were taken for determination of the glutathione levels and histological examination. NEM treatment alone caused a significant reduction of the liver glutathione levels in group 2. Furthermore, NEM treatment caused congestion and mononuclear cell infiltration in the liver when compared to the control group. In group 3, Anzer honey treatment reversed all the changes in glutathione level, as well as histopathological alterations, normally induced by NEM. The findings imply that depletion of glutathione concentration plays a causal role in NEM-induced liver injury, and that the hepatoprotective effect of Anzer honey may be mediated through sulfhydryl-sensitive processes. They further imply that it may also possess antioxidant properties.     

Association of FCGR2A p.R131H and CCL2 c.-2518 A > G gene variants with thrombocytopenia in patients with dengue virus infection

FCGR2A and CCL2 gene variants are important in dengue pathogenesis and were investigated in 122 dengue patients (DENs) [89 dengue fever (DF) and 33 dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF)] and 107 healthy controls (HCs) to find out their association with severity of dengue. Genotype frequencies of FCGR2A p.R131H and CCL2 c.-2518 A > G polymorphisms were not different between DF, DHF and HC. Significantly higher frequency of R/R genotype of FCGR2A p.R131H was observed in DEN cases with thrombocytopenia (TP) while the G/G genotype of CCL2 c.-2518 A > G was observed only in DEN cases with TP (p < 0.005). These results suggest that FCGR2A and CCL2 gene variants were associated with the risk of TP in dengue infections.     

Effect of vitamin C in reducing the toxicity of endosulfan in liver in rabbits

In this study, the effect of endosulfan, an organochlorine pesticide, and the ameliorating effect of vitamin C on the livers of New Zealand white rabbits were studied. Livers of the rabbits were examined grossly and histopathologically, and caspase-3 activity was detected by immunohistochemical methods. A total of twenty-four rabbits were divided into four groups (n=6). Rabbits in Group I (END) were daily given a sublethal dose of endosulfan (1 mg/kg bw) in corn oil by oral gavage for 6 weeks. Group II (END+C) received the same dose of endosulfan and additionally Vit C (20 mg/kg bw) every other day during this period. Group III (OIL+C) received corn oil daily by oral gavage and vitamin C every other day for 6 weeks. Group IV (OIL), the control group, received only corn oil daily, by oral gavage throughout the experiment. The concentration of α-endosulfan in the END group was higher in livers (0.102±0.012 ppb) than the β-endosulfan (0.072±0.001 ppb). Decreased accumulation of α and β endosulfan was observed in the END+C group (0.025±0.003 and 0.016±0.002 ppb, respectively) (p<0.0001). The most prominent gross findings at the necropsy were seen in the END group, in which swollen and pale livers were commonly observed. Hemorrhages, degenerations, necrosis, and in some rabbits bile duct hyperplasia were the marked histopathological findings of the END group. Caspase-3 positive reaction was more severe in this group than in the others. An ameliorating effect of Vit C on gross, histopathological and immunohistochemical findings was observed in the END+C group. The results revealed that endosulfan is highly toxic for rabbit livers. However, toxicity was decreased by Vit C treatment, which reduced the accumulation of endosulfan in livers four-fold.     

Clinical significance of the single nucleotide polymorphism TLR2 R753Q in heart transplant recipients at risk for cytomegalovirus disease

BackgroundThe toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) is a significant component of innate immunity against cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection but information on the clinical significance of the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) (R753Q) is conflicting.ObjectivesThe inconsistent observations of the immunological and clinical significance of the TLR2 R753Q polymorphism for CMV infection indicates the influence of confounders.Study designThe presence of the TLR2 polymorphism was determined by a genotyping assay of 175 HTX patients and 281 healthy blood donors and evaluated in relation to selected virological and clinical parameters.ResultsRelative frequency of TLR2 polymorphism was similar in HTX patients and blood donors (homozygous wild-type, 94.3% vs. 94.0%; heterozygous, 5.1% vs. 5.7%; homozygous mutated, <1%). CMV viremia was detectable in 108 (61.7%) of HTX patients. The TLR2 polymorphism was neither associated with occurrence or level of CMV infection nor with survival, graft failure or rejection, or CMV serostatus of patient before transplantation. Nevertheless, CMV viremia occurred in 83.1% of R+/D+, 77.1% of R+/D-, and 64.3% of R-/D+ patients. Time of first CMV viremia was in R-/D+ patients later than in CMV-seropositive patients (median, 182 days versus 23 days; P < 0.001) corresponding to the duration of antiviral prophylaxis in R-/D+ patients.ConclusionsThe TLR2 R753Q polymorphism is extremely rare in the general population and HTX patients. Screening for this risk factor of CMV disease may not be cost-effective in contrast to testing for CMV viremia.     

Increase in HDL-C concentration by a dietary portfolio with soy protein and soluble fiber is associated with the presence of the ABCA1R230C variant in hyperlipidemic Mexican subjects

BackgroundA dietary portfolio has been used to reduce blood lipids in hyperlipidemic subjects. To increase the effectiveness of these dietary treatments in specific populations, it is important to study the genetic variability associated with the development of certain types of hyperlipidemias. Low plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels are the most common dyslipidemia in Mexican adults and are coupled with the presence of the ABCA1 R230C genotype. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the response of HDL-C concentration to a dietary portfolio in a group of Mexican hyperlipidemic subjects with ABCA1R230C (rs9282541) and R219K (rs2230806) polymorphisms.MethodsForty-three hyperlipidemic subjects (20 men and 23 women) were given a low saturated fat (LSF) diet for one month, followed by a LSF diet that included 25 g of soy protein and 15 g of soluble fiber daily for 2 months. We analyzed two ABCA1 polymorphisms and studied their association with serum lipids before and after treatment.ResultsHyperlipidemic subjects with the ABCA1 R230C genotype showed lower HDL-C concentrations at the beginning of the study and were better responders to the dietary treatment than subjects with the ABCA1 R230R genotype (+ 4.6% vs. + 14.6%) (p = .05). According to gender and the presence of the R230C genotype, women responded more significantly to the dietary treatment, reflected by an increase of 21.9% in HDL concentration (p = .022), than women with R230R genotype who only experienced an increase of 2.7% in HDL-C concentration. There was no association between the presence of the ABCA1 R219K variant (p = .544) and HDL concentration.ConclusionHyperlipidemic Mexican subjects with the ABCA1 R230C genotype showed lower HDL-concentrations and were better responders to dietary portfolio treatments for increasing HDL-C concentrations than subjects with the R230R genotype.     

The suitability of rat hepatoma cell line H4IIE for evaluating the potentials of compounds to induce CYP3A23 expression

To investigate the suitability of H4IIE cells for detecting cytochrome P450 (CYP) induction in vitro, we compared CYP induction by typical CYP inducers in H4IIE cells and rat primary hepatocytes by examining gene expression and enzyme activity, and by immunocytochemistry. The cells were preincubated with 0.1 μM of dexamethasone (DEX) for 24 h, followed by 48 h of exposure to 10 μM of beta-naphthoflavone (bNF), 100 μM of phenobarbital (PB) and 10 μM of DEX. Cyp1a1, Cyp2b1/2 and Cyp3a23/3a1 (Cyp3a23) expressions in H4IIE cells were up-regulated 280-, 1.5- and 65-fold relative to those in vehicle-treated cells, respectively. The fold inductions of those expressions in rat primary hepatocytes were 80-, 33- and 152-fold, respectively. Comprehensive gene expression analysis using DNA microarrays showed that Cyp3a23, Gsta2, Ugt2b12, Udpgt and Sult2a1 expressions were up-regulated in H4IIE cells exposed to 10 μM of DEX. CYP3A activity was not increased, but some H4IIE cells exposed to DEX were stained strongly with anti-CYP3A antibody. We cloned these cells and obtained cloned H4IIE (cH4IIE) cells with expression level of Cyp3a23 higher than those of vehicle-treated cells. It was confirmed that preincubation with 0.1 μM of DEX increased pregnane X receptor (Pxr) expression level and enhanced the Cyp3a23 induction effects of test compounds significantly. Retrospective examination of in vitro CYP induction assay using cH4IIE cells resulted in 80% correlation with the data from in vivo rat toxicity studies. These results suggested that cH4IIE cells are suitable for evaluating the potentials of a compound to induce CYP3A23 expression.     

The effect of acrylamide on alpha-naphthyl acetate esterase enzyme in blood circulating lymphocytes and gut associated lymphoid tissues in rats

The aim of this study is to determine the functional effects of the acrylamide (AA) administrated by oral gavage on the peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) and the Gut Associated Lymphoid Tissue (GALT) in male Sprague-Dawley rats using alpha-naphthyl acetate esterase (ANAE) demonstration. For this purpose, two separate experiments were performed with Sprague Dawley rats. In Experiment-I rats were gavaged with 0, 30, 45 and 60 mg/kg b.w. AA for five consecutive days and in Experiment-II rats were gavaged with 0, 125, 150, and 175 mg/kg/b.w. AA for single oral dose. Animals were sacrificed 24 h after the last treatments in both experiments by servical dislocations under ether anaesthesia. Blood samples were collected from the heart in heparinized (10 UI heparin/ml^?1 of the blood) tubes before sacrification and lymphoid tissue samples from the ileal Peyer's patches (IPPs) were taken and processed for histochemical demonstration of ANAE following the sacrification. The lymphoid follicles of the IPPs of animals given 125, 150 and 175 mg/kg b.w. AA were markedly reduced in size. Germinal centres (GCs) markedly regressed in AA-treated animals compared with those of controls. ANAE-positive lymphocyte depletion of IPPs was very prominent in the high doses AA-treated animals. In the animals treated with 30, 45, and 60 mg/kg b.w. AA, the IPPs had similar histology to those of the controls. ANAE-positive peripheral blood lymphocyte levels significantly decreased in AA exposed groups in a dose dependent manner (p < 0.05). In conclusion, AA has detrimental effects on peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) and the Gut Associated Lymphoid Tissue (GALT) in rats.     

Histopathological features of the brain,liver, kidney and spleen following an innovative polytrauma model of the mouse

ObjectAmong the various introduced experimental traumatic brain injury models, there is a clear paucity of proper experimental polytrauma models. To overcome this experimental gap we introduced such a polytrauma model in the mouse including traumatic brain injury. Here, we report on the histopathological features of the brain, lung, kidney, spleen and liver.Materials and methods20 male C57BL mice with a mean weight of 23 g were anesthetized with ketamine and xylazine. The anaesthetized animals were subjected to a controlled cortical impact (CCI) over the left parieto-temporal cortex using rounded-tip impounder for application of a standardized brain injury. Following fracture of the right femur using a guillotine, a volume-controlled hemorrhagic shock was induced. The control groups included animals with CCI only (n = 20) and animals with femur fracture plus hemorrhagic shock without CCI (n = 20). Subjects were sacrified at 96 h following trauma. Brain, lung, kidney, spleen and liver of the animals underwent histopathological examinations.ResultsThe mortality rate at 96 h was 25% in the polytrauma group versus 10% in the control groups. Within the histopathological investigations, polytraumatized animals differ from those with a single trauma (traumatic brain injury or femur fracture with hemorrhagic shock) with various severity.ConclusionThe findings of this study show that such a polytrauma model can be standardized resulting in a reproducible damage. This model fulfills the requirements of a standardized animal model. It allows adequate analogies and inferences to the clinical situation of a polytrauma in humans.     

Clinical presentation and response to treatment of novel influenza A H1N1 in a university-based summer camp population

BackgroundLittle is known about the clinical presentation and course of novel H1N1 influenza in summer camps.ObjectivesTo describe the clinical course and evaluate the effect of influenza treatment in a summer camp population.Study designTwo large influenza outbreaks occurred in university-based residential camps between May 21 and August 2, 2009. Through active daily surveillance, medical evaluation at symptom onset, and data collection during isolation, we describe the clinical course of a large outbreak of novel H1N1 influenza.ResultsInfluenza-like illness (ILI) was documented in 119 individuals. Influenza A was confirmed in 66 (79%) of 84 samples tested. Three early samples were identified as novel H1N1. ILI cases had an average age of 15.7 years and 52% were male. Sixty-three were treated with oseltamivir or zanamivir, which was initiated within 24 h of diagnosis. Cough, myalgia and sore throat occurred in 69, 64 and 63% of cases, respectively. The highest temperature over the course of illness (T_max) occurred within 48 h after symptom onset in 87.5% of individuals. Average T_max was 38.4 °C (range 36.1–40.2 °C). Among confirmed influenza cases, 69% defervesced by 72 h and 95% defervesced by 96 h. Defervescence at 72 h was not different in the treated and untreated groups (p = 0.12).ConclusionsNovel H1N1 generally has a mild, self-limited course in healthy adolescent campers. Defervescence occurred within 72 h and was unaffected by treatment.     

The effects of grape seed and colchicine on carbon tetrachloride induced hepatic damage in rats

This study aims to determine the effects of grape seed and colchicine on carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) induced hepatic damage and on some serum biochemical parameters. Sixty male Wistar albino rats (200–250 g) were randomly divided into six groups (ten rats/group) and included the control group the group were given isotonic sodium chloride (1 mL/kg b.w) intraperitonealy (i.p.), group 2 the group treated i.p. injection of CCl₄ (1.0 mL/kg b.w) in corn oil twice in the first week, Groups 3 and 4 injected with CCl₄ as described for group 2 and the rats were orally given (100 mg/kg b.w) GSE and i.p. injected (10 μg/rat) with colchicine for four weeks, respectively and groups 5 and 6 were the grape seed and colchicine control groups in which rats were orally given grape seed (100 mg/kg b.w) and i.p. injected with colchicine (10 μg/rat), respectively. Anorexia, weight loss, motionlessness and hepatic colour variation at necropsy were observed in groups 2, 3, and 4. Hyperemia, focal bleeding, fat degeneration, changes ranging from degenerative to necrotic, increase in connective tissue elements, pronounced in portal sites in particular, and infiltration of lymphoid series cell observed in the livers of the rats in group 2, treated with CCl₄. Histological hepatic changes in the rats in group 3 and 4 were similar to those in group 2. The levels of serum total protein, albumin and globulin decreased in groups 2, 3, and 4, compared with groups 1, 5 and 6; aspartate transaminase (ALT) activities increased. The lowest alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities were in groups 4 and 5. We concluded that GSE and colchicine have not sufficient ameliorative effects to CCl₄ induced acute hepatic damage.