Stress Changes the Spatial Arrangement of Neurons and Glial Cells of Medial Prefrontal Cortex and Sertraline and Curcumin Prevent It

Objective

The present study explored the three-dimensional spatial arrangements of the neurons and glial cells within the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) of rats.

Methods

It evaluated the arrangement for differences after stress with or without treatment with curcumin and sertraline using second-order stereology. Orientator method was applied to obtain isotropic uniform random sections of mPFC. The pair correlation g(r) and cross-correlation functions were estimated by counting dipole probes superimposed on histological sections of mPFC.

Results

The mean total volume of neurons and glial cells was 0.80 (0.05) and 0.40 (0.07), respectively in the control group. The corresponding values decreased by 50% in the stressed group. The curve of g(r) for the neurons and glial cells showed a wider gap between the stressed rats'' mPFC. Theses indicate a negative correlation (repulsion) between the neurons and glial cells in the stressed rats. Evaluation of the cross-correlation function of the neurons and glial cells also showed a negative correlation in the stressed group. The estimated values of the global degree of order in the spatial point pattern for neurons and glial cells were 0.62 and 0.20 in control and stressed animals, respectively. Curcumin and sertraline protected the spatial arrangements of the cells after stress induction in rats. In addition, the volume of the neurons and glial cells remained unchanged after stress.

Conclusion

Dissociation of the neurons and glial cells can is seen at some places in the stressed rats'' cortex. However, the spatial arrangement of the cells was remained unchanged in curcumin+stress and sertraline+stress rats.     

An effective method for establishing animal models of azoospermia and oligospermia

The current study aims to develop a validated animal model to predict successful spermatogenesis retrieval in azoospermia and oligospermia men. Thirty-two mice were equally divided into 4 groups: control, scrotal hyperthermia (15 times), scrotal hyperthermia group (10 times), scrotal hyperthermia group (5 times). In the scrotal hyperthermia groups, their scrotum exposed to water at a temperature of 43°C for 20 min every other day. Then, the mice were euthanised and sperm samples were collected for sperm parameters analysis, and blood samples were obtained for hormonal assay. The testis samples were taken for histopathology experiments, immunofluorescence staining and Western blot in order to examine the protein expression together with RNA extraction in order to examine the gene expression of germ cell markers. The results of sperm analysis and histopathology of testicular tissue as well as the results of gene expression and Western blot showed that hyperthermia can significantly impair spermatogenesis. In conclusion, we have developed a novel model of azoospermia and oligospermia in mouse, which uses a high temperature to suppress spermatogenesis process through demolition of germ cells subsequent cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. The model will contribute to understanding azoospermia in human, oligospermia pathophysiology and the development of treatment.     

Experience with percutaneous closure of ductus arteriosus using the Amplatzer duct occluder in 243 consecutive patients and long-term results—A single centre study

Background:

Percutaneous closure of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) with Amplatzer duct occluder (ADO) has become increasingly popular in many cardiovascular centres. This study analysed the long-term results of percutaneous closure of PDA with ADO in a single centre.

Materials and Methods:

Between May 2004 and January 2013, 243 patients with median age of 2.5 years (range = 30 months to 38 years) and median weight of 10 Kg (range 4.5–80.5 Kg) underwent percutaneous closure of PDA using the ADO. The devices were implanted under fluoroscopic guidance. Patients were followed-up for any complications.

Results:

The mean diameter of narrow part of PDA was 6.4 ± 2.2 mm. The mean diameter of devices was 7.8 ± 2.3 mm. The devices were successfully implanted in 239 (98.3%) cases. At immediate, 1 day, 1, 6, 12 months and late follow-up, the complete occlusion rate was 33% (79 case), 97.1% (236 case), 97.5% (237 case), 98.3% (238 case), 98.3% (238 case) and 98.3% (238 case), respectively. Residual shunt remained in one case at late follow-up. The device embolisation occurred in five patients. The devices were successful retrieved in three patient and second larger devices were inserted. Two other devices were surgically retrieved and PDAs were ligated. Moderate left pulmonary artery stenosis (LPA) in one child and mild LPA stenosis in one infant were detected. Mild aortic obstruction occurred in one infant.

Conclusions:

Long-term follow-up of patients indicate that percutaneous closure of PDA using ADO is a safe and effective procedure. However, some complications, including device embolisation, left pulmonary stenosis and aortic obstruction may be observed in some cases.     

Chronic Administration of Methylphenidate Induced Degeneration of Spermatogenesis in Adult Male Rats

Pharmaceutical Chemistry Journal - Apossible mechanism of methylphenidate (MPH) action upon reproductive system, in particular on the fertility rate of male mice, is discussed.     

Long-Term Results of Transcatheter Closure of Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Infants Using Amplatzer Duct Occluder

Objective

Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is one of the most frequently seen congenital heart diseases. Its closure is recommended because of the risk of infective endocardis, as well as morbidity and mortality in the long. The aim of this study was to assess the long term results of the transcatheter closure of PDA in infants using amplatzer duct occlude (ADO).

Methods

From May 2004 to September 2011, forty eight infants underwent transcatheter closure of PDA. A lateral or right anterior oblique view aortogram was done to locate PDA and to measure its size. Before discharge, repeat aortogram was performed to evaluate eventual residual shunt and to confirm the appropriate deployment of the ADO. Follow up evaluations were done with transthoracic echocardiography at discharge, 1 month, 6 months, 12 months and yearly thereafter.

Findings

The mean age of patients at procedure was 9.18±2.32 (range 3 to 12) months, mean weight 6.73±1.16 (range 4.5 to 10.1) kg. The PDA occluded completely in 20 out of the 48 patients. Twenty four patients had trivial or mild shunt and two patients had moderate residual shunt which disappeared in one patient within 24 hours and other patient with moderate shunt in 1 month. One patient (age 8 months) had mild LPA stenosis. The device emobolization occurred in two patients, immediately after the procedure in one and during night in the other patient

Conclusion

The long term results suggested that transcatheter closure of PDA using Amplatzer duct occluder is a safe and effective treatment in infants less than 1 year of age with minimal complications.     

Spatial arrangement of testicular cells disrupted by transient scrotal hyperthermia and subsequent impairment of spermatogenesis

The spermatogenesis is temperature-dependent and heat stress have destructive effects on spermatogenesis and reduces sperm quality. Sixteen adult mice were allocated to two groups: hyperthermia and control groups. Scrotal hyperthermia was induced by water bath with 43°C for 30 min. Then, the spermatozoon was isolated through the tail region of epididymis for sperm parameters analysis. The testicular tissues were taken for stereological studies, hormonal assay, TUNEL assay and molecular studies. We found a marked decrease in sperm parameters and serum testosterone level in mice induced by scrotal hyperthermia as well as stereological analysis indicated a significant reduction in testicular cells and changes in the spatial arrangement of testicular cells in the scrotal hyperthermia groups compared to the control groups. Moreover, the TUNEL assay results showed that apoptotic cells were enhanced significantly in the group of scrotal hyperthermia compared to the control groups. Furthermore, scrotal hyperthermia caused a reduction in the expression of retinoic acid 8 (STRA8), c-kit and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) genes in the scrotal hyperthermia groups compared to the control. According to results, induction of transient scrotal hyperthermia leads to a fluctuation in the spatial arrangement of testicular cells, which finally influences the normal function of spermatogenesis.     

Alterations of neuroimmune cell density and pro-inflammatory cytokines in response to thimerosal in prefrontal lobe of male rats

Evidence suggests that the effect of heavy metals on neuroimmune cells lead to neurogenic inflammatory responses. In this study, immune cells [mast cells (MCs) and microglia] and pro-neuroinflammation cytokines (interleukin-1b and tumor necrosis factor-α) were assessed in the prefrontal lobe of rat brains exposed to thimerosal in different timeframes. A total of 108 neonatal Wistar rats were divided into three groups having three subgroups. The experimental groups received a single dose of thimerosal (300?μg/kg) postnatally at 7, 9, 11, and 15?days. The vehicle groups received similar injections of phosphate-buffered saline in a similar manner. The control groups received nothing. Samples of the prefrontal cortex were collected and prepared for stereological, immunohistochemical, and molecular studies at timeframes of 12 or 48?h (acute phase) and 8?days (subchronic phase) after the last injection. The average density of the microglia and MCs increased significantly in the experimental groups. This increase was more evident in the 48?h group. At 8?days after the last injection, there was a significant decrease in the density of the MCs compared to the 12 and 48?h groups. Alterations in pro-inflammatory cytokines were significant for all timeframes. This increase was more evident in the 48?h group after the last injection. There was a significant decrease in both neuroinflammatory cytokines at 8?days after the last injection. It was found that ethylmercury caused abnormal neurogenic inflammatory reactions and alterations in the neuroimmune cells that remained for a longer period in the brain than in the blood.     

Long-term Results of Balloon Pulmonary Valvuloplasty in Children with Congenital Pulmonary Valve Stenosis

Objective

Immediate, short and midterm outcome of balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty are well known, but there is limited information on long term results. We report long term results of 2–13. 5 years follow up of balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty in children.

Methods

From June 1998 to January 2012 sixty consecutive patients (33 females, 27 males) with moderate to severe valvar pulmonary stenosis (right ventricular to pulmonary artery pressure gradient greater than 50 mmHg) were considered for balloon valvuloplasty. The gradient was measured pre and immediately post–valvuloplasty at catheterization, and then by echocardiography at follow up. Follow up studies were performed 2–13.5 years (mean±SD; 7.1±2.5 years, median: 5.5 years) after procedure, by Doppler echocardiography in all patients and catheterization and angiography in two patients.

Findings

Balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty BPV was successful in 53 of 60 (88.3%) patients whereas surgical valvotomy was necessary in 6 to 60 (10%). There was one immediate death due to perforation of the right ventricular outflow tract. Pulmonary valve systolic pressure gradient decreased from 83.3±32.1 to 19.3±14.2 mmHg immediately after BPV and to 12.3±6.6 mmHg at late follow up (P<0.001). Pulmonary insufficiency was noted in 20 (38%) patient at short–term, but it was demonstrated in 17 (32%) at late follow up. A second valvuloplasty was performed in two (3.8%) patients presenting with re-stenosis.

Conclusion

The short, intermediate and long-term outcomes of pulmonary balloon valvuloplasty in children are excellent. Therefore it can be considered as the treatment of choice for children with pulmonary valve stenosis.     

Comparison of the effect of low level laser therapy with alvogyl on the management of alveolar osteitis

Background

This study investigated the efficacy of low level laser therapy (LLLT) for managing alveolar osteitis (AO).

Material and Methods

Sixty patients with alveolar osteitis of mandibular third molars were randomly divided into three groups. In group 1, socket irrigation was followed by alvogyl placement, and the treatment was repeated 48 hours later. In group 2, socket was irradiated with a low power red laser for 3 consecutive days (200 mW, 30 seconds on each of the buccal and lingual surfaces and 30 seconds at the middle of the socket, 6 J per area). The subjects in group 3 underwent treatment with a low power infrared laser with the same parameters as group 2. A visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to record the degree of pain at the morning (T0, before intervention) and at 6 (T1) and 12 (T2) hours later for 3 days.

Results

Pain was significantly lower in the alvogyl group than the other groups at T1 and T2 points on day 1 and at T0 and T1 points on day 2 (p<0.05). At T2 point on day 2 and on day 3, VAS became significantly lower in the red laser group compared to the other groups (p<0.05). The infrared laser was not more efficacious than the other groups at any of the treatment intervals, but it reduced VAS to an acceptable level.

Conclusions

LLLT displayed good results in this study for treatment of alveolar osteitis and should be further investigated as an alternative to alvogyl for AO management. Key words: Low level laser, low power laser, therapy, alvogyl, dry socket, alveolar osteitis, mandibular third molar.