Lack of Mutagenicity Potential of Periploca sepium Bge. in Bacterial Reverse Mutation (Ames) Test, Chromosomal Aberration and Micronucleus Test in Mice

OBJECTIVES

The root barks of Periploca sepium Bge. (P. sepium) has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for healing wounds and treating rheumatoid arthritis. However, toxicity in high-doses was often diagnosed by the presence of many glycosides. The potential mutagenicity of P. sepium was investigated both in vitro and in vivo.

METHODS

This was examined by the bacterial reverse mutation (Ames) test using Escherichia coli WP2uvrA and Salmonella typhimurium strains, such as TA98, TA100, TA1535, and TA1537. Chromosomal aberrations were investigated using Chinese hamster lung cells, and the micronucleus test using mice.

RESULTS

P. sepium did not induce mutagenicity in the bacterial test or chromosomal aberrations in Chinese hamster lung cells, although metabolic activation and micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes were seen in the mice bone marrow cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Considering these results, it is suggested that P. sepium does not have mutagenic potential under the conditions examined in each study.

Juvenile ferric iron prevents microbiota dysbiosis and colitis in adult rodents

AIM: To assess whether juvenile chronic ferric iron ingestion limit colitis and dysbiosis at adulthood in rats and mice.

METHODS: Two sets of experiments were designed. In the first set, recently weaned mice were either orally administered ferrous (Fe²⁺) iron salt or ferric (Fe³⁺) microencapsulated iron for 6 wk. The last week of experiments trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) colitis was induced. In the second set, juvenile rats received the microencapsulated ferric iron for 6 wk and were also submitted to TNBS colitis during the last week of experiments. In both sets of experiments, animals were sacrificed 7 d after TNBS instillation. Severity of the inflammation was assessed by scoring macroscopic lesions and quantifying colonic myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. Alteration of the microflora profile was estimated using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) by measuring the evolution of total caecal microflora, Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes and enterobacteria.

RESULTS: Neither ferrous nor ferric iron daily exposures at the juvenile period result in any effect in control animals at adulthood although ferrous iron repeated administration in infancy limited weight gain. Ferrous iron was unable to limit the experimental colitis (1.71 ± 0.27 MPO U/mg protein vs 2.47 ± 0.22 MPO U/mg protein in colitic mice). In contrast, ferric iron significantly prevented the increase of MPO activity (1.64 ± 0.14 MPO U/mg protein) in TNBS-induced colitis. Moreover, this positive effect was observed at both the doses of ferric iron used (75 and 150 mg/kg per day po - 6 wk). In the study we also compared, in both rats and mice, the consequences of chronic repeated low level exposure to ferric iron (75 mg/kg per day po - 6 wk) on TNBS-induced colitis and its related dysbiosis. We confirmed that ferric iron limited the TNBS-induced increase of MPO activity in both the rodent species. Furthermore, we assessed the ferric iron incidence on TNBS-induced intestinal microbiota dysbiosis. At first, we needed to optimize the isolation and quantify DNA copy numbers using standard curves to perform by qPCR this interspecies comparison. Using this approach, we determined that total microflora was similar in control rats and mice and was mainly composed of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes at a ratio of 10/1. Ferric juvenile administration did not modify the microflora profile in control animals. Total microflora numbers remained unchanged whichever experimental conditions studied. Following TNBS-induced colitis, the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio was altered resulting in a decrease of the Firmicutes numbers and an increase of the Bacteroidetes numbers typical of a gut inflammatory reaction. In parallel, the subdominant population, the enterobacteria was also increased. However, ferric iron supplementation for the juvenile period prevented the increase of Bacteroidetes and of enterobacteria numbers consecutive to the colitis in both the studied species at adulthood.

CONCLUSION: Rats and mice juvenile chronic ferric iron ingestion prevents colitis and dysbiosis at adulthood as assessed by the first interspecies comparison.

Epistatic Control of Mammary Cancer Susceptibility in Mice may Depend on the Dietary Environment

Recent studies have linked a high fat diet to the development of breast cancer, but any genetic basis for this association is poorly understood. We investigated this association with an epistatic analysis of seven cancer traits in a segregating population of mice with metastatic mammary cancer that were fed either a control or a high-fat diet. We used an interval mapping approach with single nucleotide polymorphisms to scan all 19 autosomes, and discovered a number of diet-independent epistatic interactions of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) affecting these traits. More importantly, we also discovered significant epistatic by diet interactions affecting some of the traits that suggested these epistatic effects varied depending on the dietary environment. An analysis of these interactions showed some were due to epistasis that occurred in mice fed only the control diet or only the high-fat diet whereas other interactions were generated by differential effects of epistasis in the two dietary environments. Some of the epistatic QTLs appeared to colocalize with cancer QTLs mapped in other mouse populations and with candidate genes identified from eQTLs previously mapped in this population, but others represented novel modifying loci affecting these cancer traits. It was concluded that these diet-dependent epistatic QTLs contribute to a genetic susceptibility of dietary effects on breast cancer, and their identification may eventually lead to a better understanding that will be needed for the design of more effective treatments for this disease.

Lactobacillus crispatus M206119 exacerbates murine DSS-colitis by interfering with inflammatory responses

AIM: To investigate the role of Lactobacillus crispatus (L. crispatus) strain China Center for Type Culture Collection (CCTCC) M206119 in intestinal inflammation.

METHODS: Forty 8-wk-old Balb/c mice (20 ± 2 g) were divided into four groups of 10 mice each. Three groups that had received dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) were administered normal saline, sulfasalazine or CCTCC M206119 strain, and the fourth group received none of these. We assessed the severity of colitis using a disease activity index, measured the colon length and weight, collected stools and mesenteric lymph nodes for bacterial microflora analysis. One centimeter of the proximal colon, middle colon and distal colon were collected and fixed in 10% buffered formalin, dehydrated in ethanol, and embedded in paraffin. Interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α expression was detected using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Protective factors zonula occludens (ZO)-1 and β-defensin 2 were detected by immunoblotting. The features of CCTCC M206119 strain were identified based on morphology, biochemical profile, and 16S RNA sequencing.

RESULTS: DSS-colitis animals treated with CCTCC M206119 had markedly more severe disease, with greater weight loss, diarrhea, fecal bleeding, and shortened colon length. In addition, the CCTCC-M206119-treated group had comparatively higher histological scores and more neutrophil infiltration than the controls. Expression of protective factors ZO-1 and β-defensin 2 was downregulated due to destruction of the mucosal barrier after CCTCC M206119 strain treatment. An in vitro assay demonstrated that CCTCC M206119 strain increased the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-κB in epithelial cells. Intestinal proinflammatory or anti-inflammatory cytokine responses were evaluated. Proinflammatory colonic cytokine (IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α) levels were clearly increased in CCTCC-M206119-treated animals, whereas anti-inflammatory colonic cytokine (IL-10) level was lowered compared with saline or 5-aminosalicylic-acid-treated DSS-colitis mice. Next, CCTCC M206119 strain was characterized as L. crispatus by microscopic morphology, biochemical tests and 16S rRNA gene level.

CONCLUSION: Not all lactobacilli are beneficial for intestinal inflammation, and L. crispatus CCTCC M206119 strain is involved in exacerbation of intestinal inflammation in DSS-colitis mice.

Photodynamic therapy for breast cancer in a BALB/c mouse model

OBJECTIVE

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been used for superficial neoplasms and its usage has been recently extended to deeper lesions. The purpose of this study was to observe whether or not PDT can cure breast cancer in the solid tumor model, and to define the critical point of laser amount for killing the cancer cells.

METHODS

Twenty four BALB/c mouse models with subcutaneous EMT6 mammary carcinomas were prepared. Mice were divided into eight groups depending on the amount of illumination, and the tumor size was between 8 mm and 10 mm. We began by peritoneal infiltration with a photosensitizer 48 hours prior to applying the laser light, and then we applied a non-thermal laser light. The energy was from 350 J/cm(2) to 30 J/cm(2) to the cancer.

RESULTS

Regardless of the tumor size from 8 mm to 10 mm, all mice apparently showed positive results via PDT. We also did not find any recurrence over 90 J/cm(2). In all models, the color of the breast cancer lesions began to vary to dark on 2 days post PDT and the tumor regression began simultaneously. Also, we confirmed the complete regression of the breast cancer 21 days after PDT.

CONCLUSION

We confirmed that PDT may treat breast cancers that are sized less 10 mm in mouse models. The moderate energy to destruct the breast cancer cells may be 90 J/cm(2). Therefore, we can expcect that PDT may be utilized to treat breast cancer, but we need more experience, skills and processing for clinical trials.

Effect of Animal Condition and Fluvoxamine on the Result of [(18)F]N-3-Fluoropropyl-2β-carbomethoxy-3β-(4-iodophenyl) Nortropane ([(18)F]FP-CIT) PET Study in Mice

PURPOSE

PET (positron emission tomography) is a noninvasive imaging technique, visualizing biological aspects in vivo. In animal models, the result of PET study can be affected more prominently than in humans by the animal conditions or drug pretreatment. We assessed the effects of anesthesia, body temperature, and pretreatment with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor on the results of [(18)F]N-3-fluoropropyl-2β-carbomethoxy-3β-(4-iodophenyl) nortropane ([(18)F]FP-CIT) PET in mice.

METHODS

[(18)F]FP-CIT PET of C57BL/6 mice was performed in three different conditions: (1) anesthesia (isoflurane) with active warming (38°C) as a reference; (2) no anesthesia or warming; (3) anesthesia without warming at room temperature. Additional groups of mice pretreated with escalating doses of fluvoxamine (5, 20, 40, 80 mg/kg) were imaged in condition (1). The time activity curve and standardized uptake value of the striatum, cerebral cortex, and bone were compared among these conditions.

RESULTS

In all conditions, radioactivities of the striatum and cortex tended to form a plateau after rapid uptake and washout, but that of bone tended to increase gradually. When anesthetized without any warming, all the mice developed hypothermia and showed reduced bone uptake with slightly increased striatal and cortical uptakes compared to the reference condition. In conditions without anesthesia, striatal and cortical uptakes were reduced, whereas the bone uptake showed no change. Pretreatment with fluvoxamine increased the striatal uptake and striatal specific to cortical non-specific uptake ratio, whereas the bone uptake was reduced.

CONCLUSION

Anesthesia, body temperature, and fluvoxamine affect the result of [(18)F]FP-CIT PET in mice by altering striatal and bone uptakes.

Body Weight Changes of Laboratory Animals during Transportation

The majority of laboratory animals were transported from commercial breeders to a research facility by ground transportation. During the transportation, many biological functions and systems can be affected by stress. In this experiment, the change of body weight during the transportation was measured and the recovery periods from the transportation stress established based on the body weight changes. Total 676 laboratory animals which were aged between 3 to 9 wk old were studied. The transportation time taken from container packing to unpacking the container was approximately 24 h. The temperature of animal container was constantly maintained by air-conditioning and heating equipment. Rats were found to be more sensitive than mice. The body weight of rats was significantly decreased 3.71% (p<0.05) compared to the body weight of mice which decreased 0.9% There was no significant difference between the strains in the same species. When the changes of body weights were compared between delivery days, C57BL/6 mice showed the most variable changes compared to other species and strains. Consequently, C57BL/6 was more sensitive to stress than the other strains and the transportation process needs to be standardized to reduce between day variability. To establish the recovery periods from transportation stress, the body weight changes were measured during the acclimation period. Although the body weight of animals decreased during transportation, animals recovered their weight loss after the next day.

The effects of Carthamus tinctorius L. on placental histomorphology and survival of the neonates in mice

OBJECTIVE

Carthamus tinctorius L. (Safflower) is a member of the asteraceae family which is used as a food additive but also has medicinal applications. This study investigated its effects on placental histomorphology and survival of mice neonates.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eighty Balb/C pregnant mice were randomly distributed into one control and three experimental groups (n=20). The control group received only distilled water, whereas experimental groups were administered intraperitoneally C. tinctorius extract at doses of 0.7, 1.4, and 2.8 mg/kg during the organogenesis period (6(th) to 16(th) day of gestation). On the 17(th) day of gestation, half of the animals were euthanized; their fetuses and placentas were removed and histomorphological study was performed. In the rest of the animals after parturition, the number of neonates was counted. Survival rates were periodically calculated for neonates within days 5, 15, 25, and 42 after birth. The results were evaluated by one-way ANOVA.

RESULTS

The results showed that treatment with 1.4 and 2.8 mg/kg C. tinctorius extract caused reduction in the trophoblastic giant cells ratio and increasing in the proportion of labyrinthine interhemal membrane (LIM). Moreover, the size of the labyrinthine zone per whole placenta, weight, diameter, and thickness of the placenta in the mice administered with 1.4 and 2.8 mg/kg C. tinctorius extract became lower than those of controls (p<0.05). In addition, in the treated mice with 1.4 and 2.8 mg/kg C. tinctorius extract, the number of neonate was drastically decreased on days 5, 15, 25, and 42 after birth.

CONCLUSION

It is concluded that treatment with C. tinctorius extract in doses of 1.4 and 2.8 mg/kg induces toxic changes in the placental structure so caution should be paid to popular consumption of this plant both as an alternative medicine and as a food additive.

Effects of Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) Aqueous Extract on In vitro Maturation, Fertilization and Embryo Development of Mouse Oocytes

OBJECTIVE

Lower pregnancy rates of in vitro matured oocytes compared to those of in vivo stimulated cycles indicate that optimization of in vitro maturation (IVM) remains a challenge. Reduced developmental competence of in vitro matured oocytes shows that current culture systems for oocyte maturation do not adequately support nuclear and/or cytoplasmic maturation. Therefore this study evaluates the effects of different concentrations of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) aqueous extract (SAE), as an antioxidant agent on IVM of immature mouse oocytes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this experimental study ,cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were collected from 6-8 weeks old novel medical research institute (NMRI) female mice ovaries. COCs were cultured in IVM medium supplemented with 0 (control), 5, 10, 20 and 40 µg/ml of SAE in 5% CO2 at 37℃. The rates of maturation, fertilization and development were recorded. ANOVA and Duncan's protected least significant test, using the SAS program was applied for all statistical analysis.

RESULTS

The maturation rate was significantly higher in all groups treated with different concentrations of SAE compared with the control group (p<0.05). However, the lower concentrations of SAE (10 and 5 µg/ml) in maturation medium respectively increased the fertilization rate of oocytes and in vitro developmental competence when compared with the control group (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

The results of this study indicate that lower concentrations of SAE are more appropriate to be added to maturation medium when compared with other experimental and control groups. Generally, we conclude that addition of appropriate amounts of natural extracts such as SAE to maturation medium improves oocyte maturation and embryo development.

The effect of ciprofloxacin on sperm DNA damage, fertility potential and early embryonic development in NMRI mice

Side effects of ciprofloxacin (CPFX), a widely used broad spectrum antibiotic with fluoroquinolone core, have been reported in different organs. In the present study we sought to elucidate the impact of ciprofloxacin on sperm chromatin integrity and sperm DNA damage using Aniline Blue and Acridine Orange technique, respectively. The fertility potential in male mice was also evaluated. NMRI male mice of 8-week old were included in this study and they were randomly divided into three groups. The first group was received low dose (LD) of ciprofloxacin (206 mg kg(-1), PO) and the second was treated with high dose (HD) of ciprofloxacin (412 mg kg(-1), PO) for 45 consecutive days. The control mice were only treated with oral carboxymethyl cellulose for 45 consecutive days. Sperm cells were removed from cauda epididymis and analyzed for chromatin integrity and DNA damage. In addition, the rate of fertilization, two cell embryos, blastocysts, arrested embryos and their types was examined using zygotes cultured in human tubal fluid - bovine serum albumin (HTF-BSA) medium. Concomitant significant increase in DNA damage and protamine deficiency of the sperm cells in ciprofloxacin treated mice were observed (P < 0.05). In addition, the fertilization rate and embryonic development in treated mice were significantly lower than that of control mice, but the embryo arrest rate in treated mice was significantly higher than that of control group (P < 0.001). In conclusion CPFX was able to induce DNA damage and chromatin abnormalities of sperm cells which could be contributed in the observed low fertilization rate and retarded embryonic development.

Opiate System Mediate the Antinociceptive Effects of Coriandrum sativum in Mice

Our previous study showed that Coriandrum sativum (CS) has antinociceptive effects, but the mechanisms that mediate this effect are not clear. The present study was designed to test the role of opiate system in the antinociceptive effects of CS on acute and chronic pain in mice using Hot Plate (HP), Tail Flick (TF) and Formalin (FT) tests and also to compare its effect with dexamethasone (DEX) and stress (ST). Young adult male albino mice (25-30 g) in 33 groups (n = 8 in each group) were used in this study. CS (125 250, 500 and 1000 mg/Kg IP), DEX (0.5, 1 and 2 mg/Kg IP), vehicle (VEH) or swim stress were used 30 min before the pain evaluation tests. Acute and chronic pain was assessed by HP, TF and FT models. In addition, Naloxone (NAL, 2 mg/Kg, IP) was injected 15 min before the CS extract administration in order to assess the role of opiate system in the antinociception of CS. Results indicated that CS, DEX and ST have analgesic effects (p < 0.01) in comparison with the control group and higher dose of CS was more effective (p < 0.001). Besides, pretreatment of NAL modulates the antinociceptive effects of CS in all models (p < 0.001). The above findings showed that CS, DEX and ST have modulator effects on pain. These findings further indicate that the CS extract has more analgesic effects than DEX and ST and also provides the evidence for the existence of an interaction between antinociceptive effects of CS and opiate system.

AM281, Cannabinoid Antagonist/Inverse agonist, Ameliorates Scopolamine-Induced Cognitive Deficit

OBJECTIVES

Cannabinoids have been implicated in memory deficit. We examined the effect of AM281, cannabinoid antagonist/inverse agonist in prevention of scopolamine-induced cognitive deficit.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Object recognition task was used to evaluate memory in mice. Exploration time in the first and the second trial was recorded. The differences in exploration between a previously seen object and a novel object in second trial were taken as an index of memory. Scopolamine and AM281 were administrated at the same time, 40 min before second trial in the treatment group.

RESULTS

Object discrimination was impaired after scopolamine (2 mg/kg; IP) administration. AM281 (2.5, 5 mg/kg; IP) significantly restored object recognition ability in mice treated with scopolamine by 75%.

CONCLUSION

This study extends earlier findings, suggesting the interaction of cannabinoid and cholinergic system in memory. Additionally cannabinoid antagonists seem to show variable pharmacological properties.

Reduction of Sodium Arsenite-Mediated Adverse Effects in Mice using Dietary Supplementation of Water Hyacinth (Eichornia crassipes) Root Powder

BACKGROUND

In this study, we evaluated the protective effects of water Hyacinth Root Powder (HRP) on arsenic-mediated toxic effects in mice.

METHODS

Swiss albino mice, used in this study, were divided into four different groups (for each group n=5). The control group was supplied with normal feed and water, Arsenic group (As-group) was supplied with normal feed plus arsenic (sodium arsenite)-containing water, and arsenic+hyacinth group (As+Hy group) was supplied with feed supplemented with HRP plus arsenic water. The remaining Hy-group was supplied with feed supplemented with HRP plus normal water.

RESULTS

Oral administration of arsenic reduced the normal growth of the mice as evidenced by weight loss. Interestingly, tip of the tails of these mice developed wound that caused gradual reduction of the tail length. Supplementation of HRP in feed significantly prevented mice growth retardation and tail wounding in As+Hy group mice. However, the growth pattern in Hy-group mice was observed to be almost similar to that of the control group indicating that HRP itself has no toxic or negative effect in mice. Ingested arsenic also distorted the shape of the blood cells and elevated the serum enzymes such as lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT). Importantly, elevation of these enzymes and distortion of blood cell shape were partially reduced in mice belong to As+Hy group, indicating HRP-mediated reduction of arsenic toxicity.

CONCLUSION

Therefore, the preventive effect of hyacinth root on arsenic-poisoned mice suggested the future application of hyacinth to reduce arsenic toxicity in animal and human.

Effects of prenatal lipopolysaccharide exposure on reproductive activities and serum concentrations of pituitary-gonadal hormones in mice offspring

BACKGROUND

Maternal infection during pregnancy is a risk factor for some behavioral problems with neurodevelopmental origin. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of exposure of pregnant mice to the bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on sexual behaviour and serum level of pituitary-gonadal hormones of offspring in adulthood.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this Expremental study, pregnant NMRI mice (n=7/group) were treated with intra-peritoneal administration of LPS (1, 5 and 10 µg/kg) at day 10 of gestation. Induction of the pro-inflammatory cytokines, Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were measured in maternal serum 2 hours following the maternal LPS challenge. Behavior in the adult male offspring reproductive activity was investigated using receptive female mice. Concentrations of testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in adult offspring serum were measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method (at postnatal day 60, n=10/group).

RESULTS

One-way ANOVA showed that LPS administration induces a significant increase in TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 levels of maternal serum. Prenatal LPS exposure reduces sexual behavior and serum concentration of LH and testosterone in adult male offspring.

CONCLUSION

The overall results suggest that prenatal exposure to LPS increases pro- inflammatory cytokine levels, affects development of neuroendocrine systems and results in the inhibition of reproductive behaviors and reactivity of hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis in adult male offspring.

Short-term comparative study of the cyclophosphamide genotoxicity administered free and liposome-encapsulated in mice

BACKGROUND

Cyclophosphamide (CYP) is used to treat a wide range of human tumors. However, the mutagenic effect of CYP is still the primary limitation for wider applications to treat a variety of human malignancies. It has been reported that CYP entrapped in liposomes reduces non-specific toxicity and enhances anticancer effects in animal systems.

METHODS

In the present experiment, mice were injected with 50 mg/kg free CYP or encapsulated in liposomes to compare their ability to induce mutagenic damages including chromosomal aberrations, changes in Sister Chromatid Exchange (SCEs) frequencies, and in Mitotic Index (MI), as well as in cell cycle kinetics.

RESULTS

Both forms of CYP induced an increase in chromosomal aberrations and SCEs at the different sampling time. On the contrary, a decrease in mitotic index and delay in cell cycle kinetics was observed at all stages of the experiment.

CONCLUSION

Encapsulation of CYP increased its mutagenicity, especially at a longer sampling time. This may due to interaction of liposomes with cells which is mainly through endocytosis or fusion resulting in accumulation of drug inside the cell causing chromosomal damage. Further evaluation of possible toxicity of encapsulation drugs in healthy tissue is needed.

Antitumor efficiency of electrochemotherapy by high and low frequencies and repetitive therapy in the treatment of invasive ductal carcinoma in BALB/c mice

OBJECTIVE

In electrochemotherapy (ECT), there is an unpleasant sensation of muscle contraction when using a low frequency (1 Hz). Therefore, by increasing the pulse frequency above the tetanic frequency this painful sensation can be reduced. The aim of the present study is to compare the treatment efficiencies of low and high frequency ECT, and estimate the effect of its repeated sessions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We transplanted invasive ductal carcinoma into the flanks of female Balb/c mice. ECT was performed on the mice by the use of 8 pulses, 1000 v/cm, of 100 µs duration at 1 Hz and 5 kHz repetition frequencies along with intra-tumoral injections of bleomycin. We also used this ECT protocol for the second therapy session six days after tumour regrowth. The effect of treatment was measured by calculating the tumor volumes for 24 days following treatment. Statistical analysis was performed with ANOVA.

RESULTS

ECT at 1 Hz and 5 kHz pulse frequencies demonstrated significant inhibition of tumor growth, but after the first treatment the tumours began to regrow. Repetitive ECT sessions increased the curability of tumors up to 40% in the group treated by 1 Hz frequency and 60% in the group treated with 5 kHz frequency.

CONCLUSION

Our results demonstrate that the effects of 1 Hz and 5 kHz pulse repetition frequencies are comparable for inhibited tumour growth. Repetitive treatment can improve the effectiveness of ECT.

The effect of chronic administration of methylphenidate on morphometric parameters of testes and fertility in male mice

BACKGROUND

Due to common use of methylphenidate (MPH) for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and the role of the reproductive system in the production of gametes, studying the effects of this medication on the morphometry of testes, serum testosterone concentration, leydig cells function, and fertility rate was the aim of this study.

METHODS

Twenty seven male mice (Balb/C), eight weeks old, were randomly divided into one control and two treated groups. After weighing the mice, the treated groups received MPH (produced in Novartis company) at the doses of 2 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg for 40 days. The control group received only normal saline. Subsequently, after weighing the animals, the weights of testes, dimensions of the testis, and the serum testosterone concentration were measured in six mice belonging to each group. After tissue processing, the samples were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, then the leydig cells were counted. In order to assess male fertility in each group, 3 male mice were chosen and each of them was kept with three female mice in a separate cage. After 10 days, the fertility rates of the male mice were determined by counting the number of embryos in uterus and the corpora lutea in their ovaries.

RESULTS

The results of this study revealed that prescription of different doses of MPH can cause a significant decrease of the body weight. It reduces the number of leydig cells, too (p<0.01). Moreover, serum testosterone concentration (67.72±8.24 ng/ml in control group and 0.302±0.416 ng/ml after treatment with 2 mg/kg/day MPH) and fertility rate (95.42%±4.68% in control group and 64.96%±18.51% after treatment with 2 mg/kg/day MPH) of the male mice declined significantly in the treated groups compared with the control group (p<0.01), but it did not cause any changes in the weight or morphometric parameters of testes.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study confirmed that MPH can negatively affect serum testosterone concentration and fertility rate of the male mice by decreasing the number of leydig cells and reducing the body weight.

In vivo and in vitro effects of RAD001 on bladder cancer

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the influence of Everolimus (RAD001) on chemically induced urothelial lesions in mice and its influence on in vitro human bladder cancer cell lines.

METHODS

ICR male mice were given N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl) nitrosamine in drinking water for a period of 12 weeks. Subsequently, RAD001 was administered via oral gavage, for 6 weeks. At the end of the experiment, all the animals were sacrificed and tumor development was determined by means of histopathologic evaluation; mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) expressivity was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Three human bladder cancer cell lines (T24, HT1376, and 5637) were treated using a range of RAD001 concentrations. MTT assay, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL), and flow cytometry were used to assess cell proliferation, apoptosis index, and cell cycle analysis, respectively. Immunoblotting analysis of 3 cell line extracts using mTOR and Akt antibodies was performed in order to study the expression of Akt and mTOR proteins and their phosphorylated forms.

RESULTS

The incidence of urothelial lesions in animals treated with RAD001 was similar to those animals not treated. RAD001 did not block T24 and HT1376 cell proliferation or induce apoptosis. A reduction in cell proliferation rate and therefore G0/G1 phase arrest, as well as a statistically significant induction of apoptosis (P = 0.001), was only observed in the 5637 cell line.

CONCLUSION

RAD001 seems not to have a significant effect on chemically induced murine bladder tumors. The effect of RAD001 on tumor proliferation and apoptosis was achieved only in superficial derived bladder cancer cell line, no effect was observed in invasive cell lines.

Biocompatibility of Graphene Oxide

Herein, we report the effects of graphene oxides on human fibroblast cells and mice with the aim of investigating graphene oxides' biocompatibility. The graphene oxides were prepared by the modified Hummers method and characterized by high-resolution transmission electron microscope and atomic force microscopy. The human fibroblast cells were cultured with different doses of graphene oxides for day 1 to day 5. Thirty mice divided into three test groups (low, middle, high dose) and one control group were injected with 0.1, 0.25, and 0.4 mg graphene oxides, respectively, and were raised for 1 day, 7 days, and 30 days, respectively. Results showed that the water-soluble graphene oxides were successfully prepared; graphene oxides with dose less than 20 μg/mL did not exhibit toxicity to human fibroblast cells, and the dose of more than 50 μg/mL exhibits obvious cytotoxicity such as decreasing cell adhesion, inducing cell apoptosis, entering into lysosomes, mitochondrion, endoplasm, and cell nucleus. Graphene oxides under low dose (0.1 mg) and middle dose (0.25 mg) did not exhibit obvious toxicity to mice and under high dose (0.4 mg) exhibited chronic toxicity, such as 4/9 mice death and lung granuloma formation, mainly located in lung, liver, spleen, and kidney, almost could not be cleaned by kidney. In conclusion, graphene oxides exhibit dose-dependent toxicity to cells and animals, such as inducing cell apoptosis and lung granuloma formation, and cannot be cleaned by kidney. When graphene oxides are explored for in vivo applications in animal or human body, its biocompatibility must be considered.

The Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor Paroxetine, but not Fluvoxamine, Decreases Methamphetamine Conditioned Place Preference in Mice

Monoamine transporters are the main targets of methamphetamine (METH). Recently, we showed that fluoxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), decreased METH conditioned place preference (CPP), suggesting that serotonin transporter (SERT) inhibition reduces the rewarding effects of METH. To further test this hypothesis, in the present study we investigated the effects of additional SSRIs, paroxetine and fluvoxamine, on METH CPP in C57BL/6J mice. In the CPP test, pretreatment with 20 mg/kg paroxetine abolished the CPP for METH, whereas pretreatment with 100 mg/kg fluvoxamine prior to administration of METH failed to inhibit METH CPP. These results suggest that paroxetine, a medication widely used to treat depression, may be a useful tool for treating METH dependence. Further, these data suggest that molecules other than the SERT [such as G protein-activated inwardly rectifying K+ (GIRK) channels] whose activities are modulated by paroxetine and fluoxetine, but not by fluvoxamine, are involved in reducing METH CPP by paroxetine and fluoxetine.

Helicobacter pylori arginase mutant colonizes arginase II knockout mice

AIM: To investigate the role of host and bacterial arginases in the colonization of mice by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori).

METHODS: H. pylori produces a very powerful urease that hydrolyzes urea to carbon dioxide and ammonium, which neutralizes acid. Urease is absolutely essential to H. pylori pathogenesis; therefore, the urea substrate must be in ample supply for urease to work efficiently. The urea substrate is most likely provided by arginase activity, which hydrolyzes L-arginine to L-ornithine and urea. Previous work has demonstrated that H. pylori arginase is surprisingly not required for colonization of wild-type mice. Hence, another in vivo source of the critical urea substrate must exist. We hypothesized that the urea source was provided by host arginase II, since this enzyme is expressed in the stomach, and H. pylori has previously been shown to induce the expression of murine gastric arginase II. To test this hypothesis, wild-type and arginase (rocF) mutant H. pylori strain SS1 were inoculated into arginase II knockout mice.

RESULTS: Surprisingly, both the wild-type and rocF mutant bacteria still colonized arginase II knockout mice. Moreover, feeding arginase II knockout mice the host arginase inhibitor S-(2-boronoethyl)-L-cysteine (BEC), while inhibiting > 50% of the host arginase I activity in several tissues, did not block the ability of the rocF mutant H. pylori to colonize. In contrast, BEC poorly inhibited H. pylori arginase activity.

CONCLUSION: The in vivo source for the essential urea utilized by H. pylori urease is neither bacterial arginase nor host arginase II; instead, either residual host arginase I or agmatinase is probably responsible.

Effects of early prepubertal exposure to bisphenol A on the onset of puberty, ovarian weights, and estrous cycle in female mice

OBJECTIVE

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical used extensively to manufacture plastics and epoxy resin liners for food and beverage cans. BPA, with properties similar to estrogen, has endocrine-disrupting effects. In the present study, we examined the effects of early prepubertal BPA exposure on the onset of puberty and reproductive parameters such as estrous cycle and reproductive organ weights in female mice.

METHODS

Female mice were injected subcutaneously at postnatal day (PND) 8 with BPA (0.1, 1, 10, 100 mg/kg) in sesame oil or with sesame oil alone. Body weight was measured from PND 10 to 70. Vaginal opening and estrous cycle were monitored from PND 20 to 29. Animals were sacrificed at PND 25, 30, and 70, and the ovary and uterus weights were measured.

RESULTS

Early prepubertal exposure to BPA (10 and 100 mg/kg) significantly decreased body weight from PND 18 to 30. BPA treated mice at testing dose levels showed early opening of the vagina compared to the control group. The number of estrous cycle and days of estrus were significantly decreased in high dose (100 mg/kg) BPA treated mice. The ovary weight at PND 25 and 30 was significantly decreased in all BPA treatment groups.

CONCLUSION

Early prepubertal exposure to BPA accelerated the onset of puberty but decreased reproductive parameters in female mice.

Functions of PIWI proteins in spermatogenesis

Recently, a significant understanding of the molecular mechanisms regulating spermatogenesis has been achieved utilizing small RNA molecules (small RNAs), including small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), microRNAs (miRNAs), and Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) which emerged as important regulators of gene expression at the post-transcriptional or translation level. piRNAs are only present in pachytene spermatocytes and round spermatids, whereas miRNAs are expressed abundantly in male germ cells throughout spermatogenesis. This review is aimed at providing a glimpse of piRNAs and their interacting family proteins such as PIWIL1, PIWIL2, and PIWIL4 in spermatogenesis.

Establishment and preliminary identification of a mouse hepatocellular carcinoma cell line with high metastatic potential to the lung

AIM: To establish a mouse H22 hepatocellular carcinoma cell line with high metastatic potential to the lung to provide a suitable model for the study of metastasis-related molecular mechanisms.

METHODS: H22 hepatocellular ascitic tumor cells (M0) were inoculated into mice via the vena caudalis, and pulmonary metastatic lesions were harvested to refabricate ascitic tumor cells. The obtained cells were inoculated into mice again via the vena caudalis to form pulmonary metastatic nodes. The same procedure was repeated four times to obtain a cell line with high metastatic potential to the lung (M4). The metastatic ability in vivo, proliferation capability in vitro, cell division index, and cell cycle distribution of M4 cells were measured. The mRNA expression of the RhoC gene in M4 cells was detected by RT-PCR.

RESULTS: After injection via the vena caudalis, M4 cells produced pulmonary metastasis earlier and formed more and larger nodes. Compared to M0 cells, the doubling time of M4 cells was shortened by 38.73%; cell division index significantly increased (P = 0.014); and the proportion of cells in S phase was significantly higher (P = 0.022). The number of chromatosomes was comparable between M0 and M4 cells, while heteromorphism was more obvious in M4 cells. The mRNA expression of the RhoC gene was significantly higher in M4 cells than in M0 cells (1.011 ± 0.163 vs 0.486 ± 0.045, P = 0.0029).

CONCLUSION: A mouse hepatocellular carcinoma cell line with high metastatic potential to the lung has been established successfully.

Micronucleus Test of Picrorrhiza Rhizoma Aqueous Extract in Bone Marrow Cells of Male ICR Mice

In this research, the genotoxic effect of Picrorrhiza Rhizoma (PR) aqueous extract was evaluated using the mouse micronucleus test. PR extract was administered once a day for 2 continuous days by oral gavage to male ICR mice at doses of 2000, 1000 and 500 mg/kg. Cyclophosphamide was used as a known genotoxic agent in a positive control. The appearance of a micronucleus (MN) in polychromatic erythrocyte (PCE) is used as an index for genotoxic potential, and PCE ratio is used as an index of cytotoxicity. Although significant (p < 0.01) increase of the number of PCE with one or more nuclei (MNPCE) was detected in cyclophosphamide treated groups, no significant increases of MNPCE numbers were observed in all three different dosages of PR extracts treated mice with over 0.39 of the individual polychromatic erythrocyte ratio in all mice used in this study. The results obtained indicated that PR extract shows no genotoxicity effects up to 2000 mg/kg dosing levels.

Co-administration of subeffective anxiolytic doses of diazepam and hydroxyzine in elevated zero-maze in mice

OBJECTIVE

Benzodiazepines are from the most common drugs which are used for treatment of anxiety disorders. There are other drugs with antianxiety properties including antihistamines such as hydroxyzine, too. Body of evidence show that co-administration of two drugs which act through different mechanisms, makes the dose of each drug to be reduced, while preserving the desired effect with less adverse drug reactions. The aim of this study was to see whether co-administration of subeffective antianxiety doses of diazepam and hydroxyzine has any antianxiety effect in elevated zero-maze (EZM) in mice.

METHODS

To find the highest subeffective dose of each drug, different doses of hydroxyzine from 1.5 to 24 mg/kg and diazepam in doses of 0.25, 0.5 and 1 mg/kg were injected to male mice. Thirty minutes later, the animals were placed on EZM and various parameters of anxiety were recorded by a camera to assess later. After determination of subeffective antianxiety dose of the drugs, co-administration of hydroxyzine and diazepam was done and the anxiety parameters were measured.

RESULTS

In co-administration of 0.25 mg/kg of diazepam and 12 mg/kg hydroxyzine, as subeffective antianxiety doses of either drug, there were not any significant differences in main anxiety parameters, i.e., time spent in open areas and open area entries compared to control group. Hence, no anxiolytic effect was seen.

CONCLUSION

It seems that subeffective doses of diazepam and hydroxyzine may not have any facilitating or synergistic effect on each other in antianxiety responses in mice.

Targeting the inflammasome and adenosine type-3 receptors improves outcome of antibiotic therapy in murine anthrax

AIM: To establish whether activation of adenosine type-3 receptors (A3Rs) and inhibition of interleukin-1β-induced inflammation is beneficial in combination with antibiotic therapy to increase survival of mice challenged with anthrax spores.

METHODS: DBA/2 mice were challenged with Bacillus anthracis spores of the toxigenic Sterne strain 43F2. Survival of animals was monitored for 15 d. Ciprofloxacin treatment (50 mg/kg, once daily, intraperitoneally) was initiated at day +1 simultaneously with the administration of inhibitors, and continued for 10 d. Two doses (2.5 mg/kg and 12.5 mg/kg) of acetyl-tyrosyl-valyl-alanyl-aspartyl-chloromethylketone (YVAD) and three doses (0.05, 0.15 and 0.3 mg/kg) of 1-[2-Chloro-6-[[(3-iodophenyl) methyl]amino]-9H-purin-9-yl]-1-deoxy-N-methyl-β-D- ribofuranuronamide (Cl-IB-MECA) were tested. Animals received YVAD on days 1-4, and Cl-IB-MECA on days 1-10 once daily, subcutaneously. Human lung epithelial cells in culture were challenged with spores or edema toxin and the effects of IB-MECA on phosphorylation of AKT and generation of cAMP were tested.

RESULTS: We showed that the outcome of antibiotic treatment in a murine anthrax model could be substantially improved by co-administration of the caspase-1/4 inhibitor YVAD and the A3R agonist Cl-IB-MECA. Combination treatment with these substances and ciprofloxacin resulted in up to 90% synergistic protection. All untreated mice died, and antibiotic alone protected only 30% of animals. We conclude that both substances target the aberrant host signaling that underpins anthrax mortality.

CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest new possibilities for combination therapy of anthrax with antibiotics, A3R agonists and caspase-1 inhibitors.

A mouse model of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis induced by feeding a methionine-choline-deficient diet: establishment and dynamic monitoring

AIM: To establish a mouse model of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) by feeding a methionine-choline-deficient (MCD) diet and to dynamically monitor the pathological features of hepatic steatosis and inflammation in these mice.

METHODS: Forty mice were randomly divided into two groups and fed an MCD diet or a methionine-choline-sufficient (MCS) diet. At weeks 1 to 5, these mice were sacrificed to take serum samples for biochemical measurements and liver samples for HE staining and oil red O staining to grade the degree of fatty change and inflammation.

RESULTS: Steatosis and inflammation could be seen in mice fed an MCD diet for 2-3 wk. Serum ALT (U/L), AST (U/L) levels increased significantly (133.9 ± 6.3 vs 47.3 ± 1.3; 154.3 ± 24.6 vs 109.2 ± 50.4, both P < 0.05), whereas TG (mmol/L) levels decreased (0.97 ± 0.14 vs 1.45 ± 0.32, P < 0.01) at week 3 in rats fed an MCD diet than in those fed an MCS diet. At wk 5, TG (mmol/L) levels in the liver increased significantly in rats fed an MCD diet than in controls (1.50 ± 0.22 vs 0.98 ± 0.16, P < 0.01). Fibrosis could be seen at week 5 in mice fed an MCD diet.

CONCLUSION: A mouse model of NASH has been created successfully by feeding an MCD diet.

Migrating motor complex changes after side-to-side ileal bypass in mouse ileum ex-vivo: mechanism underlying the blind loop syndrome?

PURPOSE

This study was intended to investigate the migrating motor complex (MMC) changes after ileal bypass in ex-vivo mouse models.

METHODS

Partial (side-to-side) and total bypass (occlusion of proximal part of bypassed loop) were performed on ileums of female Institute of Cancer Research mice. After 2 and 4 weeks, the bypassed segments were harvested and MMCs were recorded at 4 different sites ex-vivo. Amplitude, duration, interval, direction of propagation, and the area under the curve (AUC) of MMCs were measured and compared to those of the controls.

RESULTS

In control mice (n = 7), most MMCs propagated aborally (91.1%). After 2 weeks of partial bypass (n = 4), there was a significant decrease in both amplitude and AUC, and orally-propagating MMCs increased significantly (45%, P = 0.002). Bidirectional MMCs (originating in the bypassed loop and propagating in both directions) were also observed (10%). The amplitude of the MMCs remained decreased at 4 weeks after partial bypass (n = 4), and neither the AUC nor the direction of propagation showed significant changes compared to 2 weeks. Similarly, in the total bypass model, both the amplitude and AUC of the MMCs decreased significantly compared to controls. In contrast to partial bypass, 95% of the MMCs within the bypassed loop propagated aborally after 2 weeks (n = 6), which was similar to the control state. After 4 weeks (n = 5), however, MMCs either lost their temporal relationship or completely disappeared.

CONCLUSION

The changes in propagation direction of the MMCs in the partially bypassed loop may contribute to stagnation of bowel contents and the development of blind loop syndrome.

Small GTPases and formins in mammalian oocyte maturation: cytoskeletal organizers

The maturation process of mammalian oocytes accompanies an extensive rearrangement of the cytoskeleton and associated proteins. As this process requires a delicate interplay between the cytoskeleton and its regulators, it is often targeted by various external and internal adversaries that affect the congression and/or segregation of chromosomes. Asymmetric cell division in oocytes also requires specific regulators of the cytoskeleton, including formin-2 and small GTPases. Recent literature providing clues regarding how actin filaments and microtubules interact during spindle migration in mouse oocytes are highlighted in this review.

Transient micro-elastography: A novel non-invasive approach to measure liver stiffness in mice

AIM: To develop and validate a transient micro-elastography device to measure liver stiffness (LS) in mice.

METHODS: A novel transient micro-elastography (TME) device, dedicated to LS measurements in mice with a range of measurement from 1-170 kPa, was developed using an optimized vibration frequency of 300 Hz and a 2 mm piston. The novel probe was validated in a classical fibrosis model (CCl₄) and in a transgenic murine model of systemic amyloidosis.

RESULTS: TME could be successfully performed in control mice below the xiphoid cartilage, with a mean LS of 4.4 ± 1.3 kPa, a mean success rate of 88%, and an excellent intra-observer agreement (0.98). Treatment with CCl₄ over seven weeks drastically increased LS as compared to controls (18.2 ± 3.7 kPa vs 3.6 ± 1.2 kPa). Moreover, fibrosis stage was highly correlated with LS (Spearman coefficient = 0.88, P < 0.01). In the amyloidosis model, much higher LS values were obtained, reaching maximum values of > 150 kPa. LS significantly correlated with the amyloidosis index (0.93, P < 0.0001) and the plasma concentration of mutant hapoA-II (0.62, P < 0.005).

CONCLUSION: Here, we have established the first non-invasive approach to measure LS in mice, and have successfully validated it in two murine models of high LS.

Bifidobacterium lactis attenuates onset of inflammation in a murine model of colitis

AIM

To assess the anti-inflammatory effect of the probiotic Bifidobacterium lactis (B. lactis) in an adoptive transfer model of colitis.

METHODS

Donor and recipient mice received either B. lactis or bacterial culture medium as control (deMan Rogosa Sharpe) in drinking water for one week prior to transfer of a mix of naive and regulatory T cells until sacrifice.

RESULTS

All recipient mice developed signs of colonic inflammation, but a significant reduction of weight loss was observed in B. lactis-fed recipient mice compared to control mice. Moreover, a trend toward a diminution of mucosal thickness and attenuated epithelial damage was revealed. Colonic expression of pro-inflammatory and T cell markers was significantly reduced in B. lactis-fed recipient mice compared to controls. Concomitantly, forkhead box protein 3, a marker of regulatory T cells, was significantly up-regulated by B. lactis.

CONCLUSION

Daily oral administration of B. lactis was able to reduce inflammatory and T cells mediators and to promote regulatory T cells specific markers in a mouse model of colitis.

Protective Effects of Capparis zeylanica Linn. Leaf Extract on Gastric Lesions in Experimental Animals

The aim of the study was to study the anti-ulcer activity of the methanolic extract of the leaves of Capparis zeylanica Linn on experimental animal models. The methanol extract of Capparis zeylanica Linn. leaves was investigated for anti-ulcer activity against aspirin plus pylorus ligation induced gastric ulcer in rats. HCl-Ethanol induced ulcer in mice and indomethacin induced ulcer in rats at 200 mg/kg body weight p.o. A significant (p<0.01, p<0.001) anti-ulcer activity was observed in all the models. Pylorus ligation showed significant (p<0.01) reduction in gastric volume, free acidity and ulcer index as compared to control. It also showed 88.5% ulcer inhibition in HCl-ethanol induced ulcer and 83.78% inhibition in indomethacin induced ulcer.

Antioxidant effect of vitamin E treatment on some heavy metals-induced renal and testicular injuries in male mice

Toxic heavy metals in water, air and soil are global problems that are a growing threat to humanity. Heavy metals are widely distributed in the environment and some of them occur in food, water, air and tissues even in the absence of occupational exposure. The antioxidant and protective influences of vitamin E on a mixture of some heavy metals (Pb, Hg, Cd and Cu)-induced oxidative stress and renal and testicular injuries were evaluated in male mice. Exposure of mice to these heavy metals in drinking water for seven weeks resulted in statistical increases of plasma creatinine, urea and uric acid concentrations. The levels of glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutases (SOD) in kidney and testis tissues were significantly declined. Moreover, the histopathological evaluation of kidney and testis showed severe changes in mice treated with these heavy metals. Administration of vitamin E protected the kidney and testis of mice exposed to heavy metals as evidenced by appearance of normal histological structures, insignificant changes in the values of plasma creatinine, urea and uric acid, and the levels of kidney GSH and SOD, while the levels of testis GSH and SOD were notably decreased. These data suggest that the administration of vitamin E protects against heavy metals-induced renal and testicular oxidative stress and injuries.

GABA A Receptors in the Dorsal Hippocampus are Involved in Sate-dependent Learning Induced by Lithium in Mice

These experiments examined the effects of pre-test intra dorsal hippocampus (intra-CA1) administration of GABAA receptor agonist and antagonist, muscimol and bicuculline respectively, on state-dependent learning induced by lithium. Male NMRI mice were trained in a one-trial step-down inhibitory avoidance task, and immediately after training they received IP injections of either saline (10 mL/kg) or lithium (10 mg/kg). The animals were tested for step-down latency, as an index of inhibitory avoidance memory, 24 h after the training. The results showed that lithium (10 mg/kg) induced state-dependent learning. Although the decrease of step down latency due to post-training lithium (10 mg/kg) was not fully reversed by a lower dose of lithium (5 mg/kg) but pre-test intra-CA1 injection of bicuculline (0.25 μg/mouse) increased the effect of the lower dose of lithium. Pre-test intra-CA1 injection of muscimol (0.05 μg/mouse) by itself reversed the decrease of step-down latency induced by post-training lithium (10 mg/kg). Pre-test intra-CA1 injection of muscimol (0.03 and 0.05 μg/mouse) also disrupted state-dependent learning induced by lithium (10 mg/kg). The results suggest that a GABAA receptor mechanism in the dorsal hippocampus is involved in state-dependent induced by lithium.

Isolation and phenotyping of normal mouse liver dendritic cells by an improved method

INTRODUCTION

Dendritic cells (DCs) are bone marrow-derived cells, which migrate to lymphoid and non-lymphoid organs via blood. Liver DCs are believed to play an important role in the regulation of hepatic allograft acceptance. However, because of inherent difficulties in isolating adequate numbers of DCs from liver, limited information is available on the phenotype and functions of liver DCs. To address this issue, we isolated DCs from normal C57BL/6 mouse liver using a modified procedure and described their immunophenotypic characteristics.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Non-parenchymal cells (NPCs) were obtained by collagenase digestion of perfused liver fragments and density gradient centrifugation (14.5% nycodenz column). After overnight (18 hr) incubation of the NPCs, enrichment for transiently adherent, low- density cells on 13% nycodenz gradients permitted the recovery of low numbers of cells (approximately 1.2-1.5 x 10(5) per liver), many of which displayed distinct DCs morphology (abundant cytoplasm with prominent projections and irregularly shaped nuclei).

RESULTS

Flowcytometric analysis revealed that most of these cells were recognized by anti-CD11c (60-70%). The results obtained from double staining with PE and FITC conjugated monoclonal antibodies indicated that these cells were CD11c(+)/MHC-II(+) (53%), CD11c(+)/CD86(+) (53.5%), CD11c(+)/ CD8α(+) (36%) and CD11c(+)/CD11b(+) (45%).

CONCLUSION

These findings indicate that the purity of DCs isolated by nycodenz gradient is higher than other reported methods. Considering the similar ratio of lymphoid (CD11c(+)/CD8α(+)) and myeloid (CD11c(+)/CD11b(+)) DCs in the liver, and the known role of lymphoid DCs in tolerance induction, it seems that this subpopulation of DCs is not the main reason of liver tolerogenecity. Therefore, other factors such as the immaturity of liver DCs or the effect of liver microenvironment on these cells, etc. may explain the acceptance of hepatic allograft.

Immunolocalization of galectin-3 in mouse testicular tissue

OBJECTIVES

Galectin-3 (Gal-3) is a member of the ß-galactoside-binding lectins which is expressed in a variety of tissues and plays a role in diverse biological events, such as embryogenesis, adhesion, cellular proliferation, and apoptosis. In this study, the presence and distribution of galectin-3 (Gal-3) in the mouse testicular tissue was investigated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eight adult NMRI mice were used in this study. Animals were sacrificed by decapitation under ether anesthesia. The testes were excised, fixed in 10% buffered formalin and embedded in paraffin for immunohistochemical (IHC) studies. H-score, a semi-quantitative method, was used for scaling the immunostaining.

RESULTS

Positive immunoreactivity to Gal-3 was detected in the connective tissues of the interstitium, Leydig cells and presumably peritubular myoid cells. Seminiferous tubules showed immuno-positive reaction in a stage dependent manner. Stages I-III and IX-XII of spermatogenic cycle showed mild immunostaining, while moderate immunostaining was observed at stages IV-VI. Highest immunoreactivity was observed at stages VII-VIII. H-score assessment showed a significant increase in stages of VII-VIII in comparison to other stages (P< 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Expression of Gal-3 in interstitial tissue and seminiferous tubules indicated that this protein probably has multifunctional roles in the mouse testicular tissue.

In-vivo Antioxidant Effects of Ethyl Acetate Fraction of Mentha spicata L. on 4-Nitroquinoline-1-Oxide Injected Mice

Antioxidant effects of ethyl acetate fraction of Mentha spicata (L.) were evaluated against 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide injected mice. For this study, experiment setup consisted of 36 albino mice of either sex divided into 6 groups: Control (25% DMSO in water), ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) alone group (80, 160 mg/Kg body weight-bwt), 4-NQO (7.5 mg/Kg bwt-IP) alone and 4-NQO + EAF. EAF and vehicles were administered orally for five consecutive days. 4-NQO (7.5 mg/Kg bwt) was injected intraperitoneally on the 6(th) day. After 24 h, the animals were killed; liver sample was extracted and used for bio-assay. 4-NQO alone treated group decreased (27-60%) the antioxidant activities and promoted lipid peroxidation (LPO-60%) over their respective control values. Pretreatment with EAF, at the maximum dose (160 mg/Kg bwt) brought down the LPO up to 87% enhanced by 4-NQO. Among the enzymatic antioxidants, glutathione S-transferase (GST) was the most affected enzyme with 4-NQO and the least was catalase (CAT). Pretreatment with EAF (160 mg/Kg bwt), the restoration of antioxidants like glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and CAT were found equal or less than 1.2 fold higher than that of the respective control values whereas, GST was observed to be the most restored antioxidant. Be reduced glutathione (GSH) and the least vitamin C over their control values. EAF restored the GSH and Vitamin E levels were found to be 1.2 fold higher than the respective control values.

Effects of Hydroalcoholic Extract from Salvia verticillata on Pharmacological Models of Seizure, Anxiety and Depression in Mice

Salvia verticillata is one of the salvia species which possesses remarkable antioxidant activity. In the present study, we investigated the possible effects of hydro-alcoholic extract from Salvia verticillata plant (SVE) in various models of anxiety, depression and seizure in mice. Mice were randomly divided into control (saline), SVE-treated and standard treatment groups. The SVE-treated groups received oral administration of various doses of SVE. As a standard treatment, diazepam and imipramine were used orally for anxiety/seizure and depression tests, respectively. The results of the study revealed that the plant extract produced significant anticonvulsant activity in maximal electroshock and pentylenetetrazol induced seizure models. Moreover, in forced swim test and tail suspension test of depression, SVE produced significant antidepressant effect in mice compared to control group. However, SVE did not show any effects on anxiety-like behavior of mice in elevated plus maze and light-dark tests. These results suggest potential therapeutic effects of the plant extract in seizure and depression.

Antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory and acute toxicity effects of juglans regia L. Leaves in mice

BACKGROUND

Juglans regia leaves have been used in folk medicine to alleviate inflammatory diseases. This study investigates the antinociceptive, anti-Inflammatory and acute toxicity effects of Juglans regia L. leaves in mice.

METHODS

351 Male and female albino mice were divided into negative (saline), positive (morphine or diclofenac) controls as well as test groups (n=6-8). The acute (intraperitoneally) toxicity was evaluated for 2 days. Antinociceptive activities were done using hot-plate and writhing tests. Anti-inflammatory effects were studied using xylene induced ear edema and cotton pellet tests.

RESULTS

The LD50 values of J. regia aqueous and ethanolic extrats were 5.5 and 3.3 g/kg, respectively. The aqueous (2.87 and 1.64 g/kg) and ethanolic (2.044 and 1.17 g/kg) extracts showed antinociceptive activity in hot-plate test. The pretreatment of naloxone (2 mg/kg, s.c.) did not inhibit the extracts activities. The extracts exhibited antinociceptive activity in writhing test, which were not blocked by naloxone. In xylene test, both extracts showed anti-inflammatory activity in some doses. The extracts showed anti-inflammatory activity against the chronic inflammation.

CONCLUSION

J. regia leaves demonstrated antinociceptive effect through non-opioid receptors and anti-inflammatory effect against acute and chronic inflammation. The extracts of J. regia could be considered as a promising analgesic and anti-inflammatory agents against diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Hepatoprotective Effect of Ficus carica Leaf Extract on Mice Intoxicated with Carbon Tetrachloride

Protective action of Ficus carica leaf ethanolic extract (obtained by maceration) was evaluated in an animal model of hepatotoxicity induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). Male albino mice were divided into six groups. group I was normal control group; group II received olive oil (CCl4 solvent), groups III-VI received CCl4. After inducing hepatic damage, group III served as control for CCl4; and groups IV- VI received different doses of Ficus carica ethanol extract (200, 400 and 800 mg/kg) prior to intoxication with CCl4. Liver marker enzymes were assayed in serum. Sections of livers were observed under microscope for the histopathological changes. Levels of marker enzymes such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were increased significantly in CCl4 treated mice (group III). In groups IV, V and VI, pre-treated with the plant extract and intoxicated with CCl4, decreased activities of these two enzymes were observed. Also, pre-treatment with the extract in these groups resulted in less pronounced destruction of the liver architecture with no fibrosis and moderate inflammation was observed compared with group III. The present observations suggested that the treatment with Ficus carica leaf extract in dose of 200 mg/kg enhanced protection against CCl4 induced hepatic damage.

Study of Foeniculum vulgare Effect on Folliculogenesis in Female Mice

BACKGROUND

Foeniculum vulgare (FVE) is used in traditional medicine for its antiseptic, palliative and anti-inflammatory effects. Traditionally, FVE is utilized for treating female infertility. The present study aims to investigate the effects of FVE extract on folliculogenesis in female albino mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this experimental study, a total of 20 female albino mice were divided into four groups. Groups 1 and 2 (experimental) received FVE alcoholic extract at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight (BW)/day for five days. Group 3 (negative control) received ethanol and group 4 (positive control) was administered normal saline, in the same doses as the experimental groups. Animals in all groups were sacrificed on the sixth day of the study; their ovaries were dissected out and prepared for histological examinations. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stained microscopic slides were evaluated and the numbers of ovarian follicles were compared between groups. Data were analyzed by one way ANOVA.

RESULTS

The total follicle numbers were 26.5 ± 5.24 for group 1 (100 mg/kg FVE), 27.2 ± 4.1 for group 2 (200 mg/kg FVE), 10.1 ± 2.53 for group 3 (ethanol control) and 17.2 ± 3.9 for the saline control group (group 4). The numbers of graffian, antral and multilaminar follicles increased significantly in both experimental groups when compared with the control groups (p<0.05), however there were no significant differences in follicle numbers among the experimental groups. The number of unilaminar primary follicles did not significantly change between all groups. GCMS analysis of FVE extract identified the presence of diosgenin, an estrogenic compound.

CONCLUSION

FVE induced folliculogenesis in female mice ovary and increased the number of growing ovarian follicles. The estrogenic component of FVE, diosgenin, may exert this effect.

Developmental toxicity of orally administered sildenafil citrate (Viagra) in SWR/J mice

Normal adult inbred SWR/J mice were used to investigate the teratogenic and other possible toxic effects of various dose levels of sildenafil citrate (Viagra) on fetuses. Multiple dose levels of 6.5, 13.0, 19.5, 26.0, 32.5 or 40.0 mg of sildenafil citrate/kg body weight (which correspond to the multiples of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 of human 50 mg Viagra, respectively) were orally administered into pregnant mice on days 7-9, 10-12 or 13-15 of gestation. On day 17 of pregnancy, all fetuses were removed and examined for toxic phenomena (embryo-fetal toxicity) and for external, internal and skeletal malformations. A total of 285 pregnant mice were used in the present study. None of the dams treated with sildenafil citrate at any of the oral dose levels used in the present study died during the experimental period and all dams treated with the drug failed to reveal overt signs of maternal toxicity. Moreover, the results of the present study clearly demonstrate that none of the multiple oral dose levels of the drug at any time interval used has induced any external, internal or skeletal malformations in the fetuses obtained from treated females. However, the dose level of 40 mg/kg body weight of sildenafil citrate has a growth suppressing effect on alive fetuses when it was administered at all the time intervals used in the present study. Furthermore, the dose levels 26.0, 32.5 and 40 mg/kg of the drug have embryo-fetal toxicity when the drug is applied on days 13-15 of gestation. The possible mechanisms involved in the embryo-fetal toxicity and fetal growth suppressing effects of sildenafil citrate were discussed. The results of this study have important implications for the widespread use of this drug.

Cytogenetic effects of sildenafil citrate (Viagra) on SWR/J mouse bone marrow cells

The present study was conducted to investigate the cytogenetic effects of sildenafil citrate in SWR/J mouse bone marrow cells. Thirty-six males and 36 females were used and divided into four groups. Each group contained 18 animals (9 males and 9 females), weighing 30–35 g. These animals were orally administered with a single dose of 13, 26 or 40 mg/kg sildenafil citrate solution. A control group received normal saline in an identical condition. The animals were sacrificed at 12, 24 or 48 h, after the treatment. Chromosome aberrations were investigated in 50 metaphases per animal.

No significant differences in the percentages of mitotic indices or in the frequencies of chromosome aberrations were observed between treated male and female mice at any doses or at any time intervals used, therefore, data from the two sexes were pooled when analyzed statistically.

No significant (p < 0.05) differences in the percentages of mitotic indices or in the frequencies of chromosome aberrations were observed between sildenafil citrate-treated groups and the control group at any doses or at any time intervals used. However, the percentages of centromeric adhesions increased significantly (p < 0.01) in treated groups as compared with the control group at all doses and at all time intervals used.

In conclusion, the results of the present study suggest that sildenafil citrate does not have cytogenetic effects on mouse bone marrow cells, but the centromeric adhesions induced by this drug need further studies to confirm them and to investigate the possible mechanism(s) responsible for such effect.

The Effect of Vitamin D3 Alone and Mixed With IFN-γ on Tachyzoites of Toxoplasma gondii (RH Strain) Proliferation and Nitric Oxide (NO) Production in Infected Macrophages of BALB/C Mice

INTRODUCTION

Toxoplasma gondii is an obligatory interacelullar parasite that infects nucleated cells in its intermediate hosts. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of vitamin D3 on the multiplication of T. gondii in peritoneal macrophage of Balb/c mice and nitric oxide production by macrophages.

METHODS

According to usage of vitamin D3 (one dose or seven doses) and INFγ in vitro and in vivo, this study was divided into four experiments. In all experiments, the macrophages were collected from peritoneum and cultured in RPMI-1640. Then the supernatants were collected after 24 h and their nitric oxide was measure. After 96 h, the macrophages were collected and stained and the number of tachyzoites was measured.

RESULTS

The first experiment (the mice were infected with tachyzoites and after 2 h, got one dose vitamin D3 intraperitonealy) showed the best results. The mean of tachyzoites per macrophages was 2.37, and mean±SD of nitric oxide was 187.8±9.

DISCUSSION

High-level production of nitric oxide may be related to the only one injection of vitamin D3. The injection in long time might suppress the immune system.

A Study of Micronucleus Induction with Methyl Formate and 2-Methylbutane in Bone Marrow Cells of Male ICR Mice

Objectives

We investigated the genotoxicity of two chemicals, methyl formate and 2-methylbutane, using male ICR mice bone marrow cells for the screening of micronucleus induction. Although these two chemicals have already been tested numerous times, a micronucleus test has not been conducted and the amounts used have recently been increased.

Methods

7 week male ICR mice were tested at dosages of 250, 500, and 1,000 mg/kg for methyl formate and 500, 1,000, and 2,000 mg/kg for 2-methlybutane, respectively. After 24 hours of oral administration with the two chemicals, the mice were sacrificed and their bone marrow cells were prepared for smearing slides.

Results

As a result of counting the micronucleated polychromatic erythrocyte (MNPCE) of 2,000 polychromatic erythrocytes, all treated groups expressed no statistically significant increase of MNPCE compared to the negative control group. There were no clinical signs related with the oral exposure of these two chemicals.

Conclusion

It was concluded that the two chemicals did not induce micronucleus in the bone marrow cells of ICR mice, and there was no direct proportion with dosage. These results indicate that the two chemicals have no mutagenic potential under each study condition.

Protective effect of l-carnitine against acrylamide-induced DNA damage in somatic and germ cells of mice

Recent findings of acrylamide (AA) in many common foods have sparked renewed interest in assessing human health hazards. AA was evaluated by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as probably carcinogenic to humans. For this reason, the aim of this study is to evaluate the potential genotoxic effect of AA using chromosomal aberration analysis and micronucleus (MN) test in mouse bone-marrow cells and morphological sperm abnormalities. The result of the present work indicated that treatment with a single dose of 10, 20, or 30 mg/kg b.wt. of AA for 24 h and the repeated dose of 10 mg/kg b.wt. for 1and 2 weeks induced a statistically significant increase in the percentage of chromosomal aberrations and micronuclei in bone- marrow cells. These percentages reduced significantly in all groups treated with AA and the protective agent l-carnitine. Also the results indicated that the dose 10, 20 and 30 mg/kg b.wt. of AA induced a statistically significant percentage of morphological sperm abnormalities compared with the control group. Such effect reached its maximum (7.24 ± 0.61) with the highest tested dose which reduced to (4.02 ± 0.58) in the group treated with the same dose of AA and l-carnitine. In conclusion, the results confirm the protective role of LC against the mutagenicity of AA.

Sustained expression of TDP-43 and FUS in motor neurons in rodent's lifetime

TAR DNA-binding protein (TDP-43) and fused in sarcoma (FUS) are two highly conserved ribonucleoproteins. Pathogenic mutations of the TDP-43 or the FUS gene are all linked to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) that is characterized by progressive degeneration of motor neurons. To better understand the correlation of ALS disease genes with the selectivity of chronic motor neuron degeneration, we examined the longitudinal expression of the TDP-43 and the FUS genes in C57BL6 mice and in Sprague-Dawley rats. TDP-43 and FUS were robustly and ubiquitously expressed in the postnatal mice and rats, but were markedly decreased in the adult rodents. In adulthood, TDP-43 and FUS proteins were even undetectable in peripheral organs including skeletal muscles, liver, and kidney, but were constantly expressed at substantial levels in the central nervous system. Motor neurons expressed the TDP-43 and the FUS genes at robust levels throughout rodent's lifetime. Moreover, TDP-43 and FUS were accumulated in the cytoplasm of motor neurons in aged animals. Our findings suggest that TDP-43 and FUS play an important role in development and that constant and robust expression of the genes in motor neurons may render the neurons vulnerable to pathogenic mutation of the TDP-43 or the FUS gene. To faithfully model the pathology of TDP-43- or FUS gene mutations in rodents, we must replicate the expression patterns of the TDP-43 and the FUS gene in animals.

Loss of hsp70.1 Decreases Functional Motor Recovery after Spinal Cord Injury in Mice

Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are specifically induced by various forms of stress. Hsp70.1, a member of the hsp70 family is known to play an important role in cytoprotection from stressful insults. However, the functional role of Hsp70 in motor function after spinal cord injury (SCI) is still unclear. To study the role of hsp70.1 in motor recovery following SCI, we assessed locomotor function in hsp70.1 knockout (KO) mice and their wild-type (WT) mice via the Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan (BBB) locomotor rating scale, before and after spinal hemisection at T13 level. We also examined lesion size in the spinal cord using Luxol fast blue/cresyl violet staining. One day after injury, KO and WT mice showed no significant difference in the motor function due to complete paralysis following spinal hemisection. However, when it compared to WT mice, KO mice had significantly delayed and decreased functional outcomes from 4 days up to 21 days after SCI. KO mice also showed significantly greater lesion size in the spinal cord than WT mice showed at 21 days after spinal hemisection. These results suggest that Hsp70 has a protective effect against traumatic SCI and the manipulation of the hsp70.1 gene may help improve the recovery of motor function, thereby enhancing neuroprotection after SCI.

Influences of crude extract of tea leaves, Camellia sinensis, on streptozotocin diabetic male albino mice

Natural remedies from medicinal plants are considered to be effective and safe alternative treatment for diabetes mellitus. The aim of the present study was to investigate the hypoglycemic activity of the crude tea leaves extract on streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice. The average body weight of animals with diabetes and their percentage changes of body weight gain after 15 and 30 days were significantly lower than that of the normal control mice. In diabetic mice, supplementation with tea leaves extract decreased the loss of body weight. After 15 and 30 days, significant increases in the levels of serum glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, creatinine, urea, uric acid, glutamic pyruvic acid transaminase (GPT) and glutamic oxaloacetic acid transaminase (GOT) were noted in STZ-diabetic mice fed with normal diet. Also, the values of total protein in this group were statistically declined after 15 and 30 days. The levels of serum glucose and GPT were significantly elevated after 15 and 30 days in diabetic mice supplemented with tea leaves extract. Moreover, the level of serum GOT was notably increased after 30 days. Insignificant alterations were observed in the levels of serum triglycerides, cholesterol, total protein, creatinine, urea and uric acid in diabetic mice supplemented with tea leaves extract. Thus, the present results have shown that tea leaves extract has the antihyperglycemic, antihyperlipidemic, and antihyperproteinemic effects and consequently may alleviate liver and kidney damage associated with STZ-induced diabetes in mice.