Changes in Tissue Metals After Cadmium Intoxication and Intervention With Chlorpromazine in Male Rats

Cadmium (Cd), one of the most dangerous heavy metals, has a very similar ionic radius to calcium (Ca). The interference of cadmium in calcium homeostasis may play an important role in cadmium toxicity. Recent reports indicate that calmodulin (CaM) inhibitors such as trifluoperazine and chlorpromazine (CPZ) could protect rodents against cadmium toxicity. It was also reported that pretreatment of mice with zinc (Zn) could reduce the adverse effects induced by cadmium. The aim of this study is to determine whether Cd changes the balance of other essential metals such as Zn and copper (Cu) in rat tissues, and whether CPZ can reverse these changes which are induced by cadmium intoxication. Adult male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were injected intraperitoneally (ip) with cadmium chloride (CdCl 2) (0.2, 0.4, 0.8 mg Cd/kg body weight) alone and 0.4mg Cd/kg in association with CPZ (5 mg/kg) daily for a week. The control animals were injected with normal saline only. The results showed that the cadmium content in the liver, kidney and testis increased significantly with a dose response relationship. Cadmium treatment markedly increased the Zn and Ca content in some of the tissues. Hepatic and renal metallothionein (MT) increased significantly after cadmium intoxication. CPZ treatment, however, reduced cadmium content in liver, but not blood and kidney. CPZ seemed to decrease the content of MT in liver and significantly increase the amounts of MT in kidney. These data suggest that the intervention of cadmium with tissue essential metals may play a role in cadmium toxicity in rats, and calmodulin inhibitors to some extent can reduce the adverse effect of cadmium by decreasing the cadmium load in tissues and reversing the unbalance of essential metals.

Evaluation of Antifertility Effect and Recovery of the Seed Oil Constituents of Iranian Species of Melia Azadrach L. in Male Rats

Objective To evaluate the fertility effects of seed extract of Melia azadarach L. treatment effects on fertility indices in male Wistar rats. Methods The seed oil extract had been prepared according to conventional methods. The rats were randomly divided into three study groups. Groups A and B received graded doses of 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg body weight of the extract oil, respectively on daily basis for 60 d. Animals in control group received I ml of maize oil. At the end of 60 d and 3 months treatment period, 6 animals per group were randomly selected and fertility was evaluated with mating test. GSI （gonadosomatic index） sperm motility, sperm viability, ESR （epididymal sperm reserves）, DSP（daily sperm production） and testosterone concentration were also assessed.Results In the first stage, a significant reduction infertility indices especially in higher dose was observed compared with the control. During the next stage, the significant increase in fertility indices are the indication of reasonable recovery and reversibility of extract activity. Conclusion The seed oil of Melia azadarach L. has antifertility activity, but its effects is reversible.

Long Term Administration of Lannea acida Rich. (Anacardiaceae) Reverses the Imidacloprid-Induced Fertility Impairments in Adult Male Rat through Androgenic and Antioxidant Properties

Aim: The harmful effects of pesticides have been largely documented in recent times. But effective therapeutic solutions to pesticide related male infertility are yet to be established. This study investigated the curative effects of Lannea acida on imidacloprid (IMI)-induced hypofertility in male Wistar rats. Methods: Rats of 150 – 200 g were administered IMI (22.5 mg/kg) for two weeks and partitioned into control (distilled water, vitamin E, clomiphene citrate) or test (aqueous (340 mg/kg), methanol (170 mg/kg) extract) groups for eight weeks treatment. Animals were sacrificed at the end of the treatment and samples were collected for sperm, antioxidant and hormonal analysis. Fertility tests were performed from treatment day 47 for fertility indices estimation. Results were expressed as mean ± SEM and one way ANOVA was applied using STATISTICA Software. Results: Exposition to IMI resulted in a significant decrease in sperm count, motility, viability and normality, testosterone and LH, coupled to an increase in oxidative stress markers. Moreover, IMI impaired male fertility evidenced by a significant drop in fertility index and litter size. Similar to clomiphene citrate and vitamin E, plant extracts significantly improved the sperm parameters, sexual hormones and decreased the oxidative stress markers. More importantly, the fertility index and litter size were restored, especially with the aqueous extract. Conclusion: Present results indicate that L. acida possesses curative potentials against IMI-induced hypofertility through its androgenic and antioxidant properties. However, the effects the extract on spermatozoa DNA structure and the fertility of offsprings from exposed parents are yet to be studied to conclude on total recovery from IMI toxicity.

The effect of 8-OH-DPAT and dapoxetine on gene expression in the brain of male rats during ejaculation

The 5-HT_(1A) receptor agonist 8-hydroxy-2-[di-n-propylamino] tetralin(8-OH-DPAT) promotes ejaculation of male rats, whereas dapoxetine delays this process. However, the gene expression profile of the brain at ejaculation following administrationof these two compounds has not been fully elucidated. In the present study, a transcriptomic Body Map was generated by conducting mRNA-Seq on brain samples of male Sprague–Dawley rats. The study included four groups: pre-copulatory control(CK) group,ejaculation(EJ) group, 0.5 mg/kg 8-OH-DPAT-ejaculation group(DPAT), and 60 mg/kg dapoxetineejaculation(DAP) group. The resulting analysis generated an average of approximately 47 million sequence reads. Significant differences in the gene expression profiles of the aforementioned groups were observed in the EJ(257 genes), DPAT(349 genes) and the DAP(207 genes) compared with the control rats. The results indicate that the expression of Drd1 and Slc6a3 was significantly different after treatment with 8-OH-DPAT, whereas the expression of Drd4 was significantly different after treatment with dapoxetine. Other genes, such as Wnt9b, Cdkn1 a and Fosb, exhibited significant differences in expression after the two treatments and are related to bladder cancer, renal cell carcinoma and sexual addiction. The present study reveals the basic pattern of gene expression that was activated at ejaculation in the presence of 8-OH-DPAT or dapoxetine, providing preliminary gene expression information during rat ejaculation.

Synergistic Mixture of Cyperus esculentus, Phoenix dactylifera and Cocos nucifera Aqueous Extract: Its Liver and Kidney Benefits in Male Albino Rat Model

Background: The synergistic mixture of Cyperus esculentus, Phoenix dactylifera and Cocos nucifera (STCD) aqueous extract is a common drink in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. It is assumed to have various health benefits. However, the synergistic mixture of the content has not been studied scientifically, hence the need to evaluate its effect on the liver and kidney being part of the body’s metabolic organs. Aim: This study evaluated the synergistic mixture of Cyperus esculentus, Phoenix dactylifera and Cocos nucifera (STCD) aqueous extract in male albino rats. Methods: Acute toxicity LD50 of STCD was carried out, afterwards, fifteen male albino rats were grouped into three groups with 5 rats in each group;Control, 200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg STCD. The rats were administered STCD orally 24 hourly, for 21 days, with feed and water ad libitum. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis of the liver and kidney biomarkers, while the liver and kidney tissues were harvested for histopathological examination using standard laboratory methods. Descriptive statistics were computed and expressed as Mean ± SD. One-way ANOVA and Turkeys test was performed. P value ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Acute toxicity LD50 of STCD was observed to be ≥2404.2 mg/kg body weight. An increase in the percentage body weight difference of 8.39% and 2.86% was observed for 200 and 400 mg/kg STCD groups. Also, the liver weight was observed to increase in 400 mg/kg (3.92 ± 1.42) in comparison to the control group (3.48 ± 1.61), a decrease in the kidney weight was observed in all groups administered STCD in comparison to the control group. Administration of STCD at both 200 and 400 mg/kg revealed a decrease in the concentration of the hepatic biomarkers AST, ALT, ALP, TP, Albumin, Total and conjugated bilirubin. The kidney biomarker Urea was observed to decrease in concentration for 200 mg/kg STCD (4.60 ± 1.83) and 400 mg/kg STCD (4.76 ± 0.74) when compared to the control group (6.32 ± 2.74). A decrease in Creatinine was observed in 200 mg/kg (91.80 ± 34.69) and 400 mg/kg (98.60 ± 15.53) in comparison to the control group (117.60 ± 42.88). The histological examination of the liver of rats administered STCD revealed structural normal central vein, hepatocytes and portal tract. The kidney examination revealed normal glomeruli and normal tubule. Conclusion: The findings of this study opine that STCD improved the health of both the liver and kidney as evidenced via the biomarkers and histological examinations of the liver and kidney. This study therefore recommends the intake of STCD at moderate doses for improved liver and kidney function due to its bioactive compounds and nutritional content.

Hormetic Effects of Yttrium on Male Sprague-Dawley Rats

To evaluate hormesis induced by Yttrium（Y） nitrate in male rats, Y was offered to F0 mother rats and F1 offspring at concentrations of 0, 20, 80, and320 ppm daily from gestational day （GD） 0 through postnatal day 70（PND70）.The F1 offspring were evaluated with respect to motor function,learning and memory, and histopathology.

Exposure to a 2.5 GHz Non-ionizing Electromagnetic Field Alters Hematological Profiles, Biochemical Parameters, and Induces Oxidative Stress in Male Albino Rats

Modern technology has witnessed milestone achievements in the telecommunication industry.However,the widespread application of telecommunication technology is believed to heighten electromagnetic field(EMF)‘pollution’in our environment[1]and subject living organisms to various sources of electromagnetic emissions.These emissions include;microwaves.

Antihyperuricemic Effect of Ethanol Extract of Snake Fruit （Salacca edulis Reinw.） var. Bongkok on Wistar Male Rat

The aim of the study was to investigate antihyperuricemic effect of snake fruit （Salacca edulis Reinw.） var. Bongkok Wistar male rates. Antihyperuricemic investigation on Wistar male rats showed that administration of ethanol extract at doses of 200 mg/kg bw decreased serum uric acid level significantly compared to control group at hour 6 and 7 （P 〈 0.05） after inducing with potassium oxonate intraperitoneally simultaneously with uric acid orally. Whereas, administration of ethanol extract at doses of 100 mg/kg bw did not decrease serum uric acid level significantly different compared to control group at hour 6 and 7 （P 〈 0.05）. Determination of uric acid level in urine, administration of ethanol extract at a dose of 200 mg/kg bw, or probenecid as a standard drug, at a dose of 45 mg/kg bw increased excretion of urine uric acid level significantly different compared to control group in day of 7 （P 〈 0.05） after inducing with potassium oxonate intraperitoneally simultaneously with uric acid orally. However, increase of uric acid excretion by ethanol extract was lower compared to that of probenecid at a dose of 45 mg/kg bw. Mechanism of action of the ethanol extract as an antihyperuricemia has been proposed by inhibition of xanthine oxidase and finally decreased the synthesis of uric acid and increased the excretion of urine uric acid level.

Male reproductive system and simulated high-altitude environment:preliminary results in rats

This study assessed the effects of a simulated high-altitude environment on the reproductive system of prepubertal male rats and the reversibility of these effects upon return to a normal environment.Three-week-old male Wistar rats were randomly allocated to 4 groups that were exposed to different conditions:a normal environment for 6 weeks and 12 weeks,respectively,hypobaric hypoxia for 6 weeks,and hypobaric hypoxia for 6 weeks followed by a normal environment for 6 weeks.Multiple pathophysiological parameters were evaluated at the histological,endocrine,and molecular levels.Hypobaric hypoxia exposure for 6 weeks during the prepubertal phase significantly altered physiological parameters,body functions,blood indices,and reproductive potential.Six weeks after returning to a normal environment,the damaged reproductive functions partially recovered due to compensatory mechanisms.However,several changes were not reversed after returning to a normal environment for 6 weeks,including disorders of body development and metabolism,increased red blood cells,increased fasting blood glucose,abnormal blood lipid metabolism,decreased testicular and epididymis weights,abnormal reproductive hormone levels,excessive apoptosis of reproductive cells,and decreased sperm concentration.In summary,a hypobaric hypoxic environment significantly impaired the reproductive function of prepubertal male rats,and a return to normal conditions during the postpubertal phase did not fully recover these impairments.

Testosterone Levels and Development of the Penile Spines and Testicular Tissue during the Postnatal Growth in Wistar Rats

Aim of Study: Gonadal hormones exert a profound influence on the development, structure and function of the sexual organs. The testosterone is one of the androgens that plays an essential role in the development of sexual organs in male mammals. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to evaluate the testosterone levels and developmental pattern of the penile spines and seminiferous tubules during early postnatal life of Wistar rats. Methods and Materials: At 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, 49, 56, 63 and 70 days after birth, penile and testicular tissues of male rats were dissected out and fixed for histological study and plasma testosterone levels were determined using high resolution chromatography. Results: An increase in the number of penile follicles, primarily in the distal region of the penis, was observed from postnatal days 14 to 42, followed by a gradual decrease. Penile spines were absent from birth until the first growth peak, which was observed at 42 postnatal days. Both testicular weight and the area of seminiferous tubules showed gradual increases before achieving their highest values at 42 postnatal days. Similarly, a gradual increase in testosterone levels was detected from day 28, with a peak at 42 postnatal days. Conclusions: These data show a temporal association between the development of the penile spines and testicular tissue with gradual increases in testosterone levels. These results may contribute to a better understanding of the behavioral, hormonal and morphological changes underlying sexual maturation in male rats.