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Healthy Rats (healthy + rat)
Selected AbstractsEffect of experimentally induced Escherichia coli epididymo-orchitis and ciprofloxacin treatment on rat spermatogenesisINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF UROLOGY, Issue 3 2007Aslan Demir Abstract: We investigated the effects of epididymo-orchitis and ciprofloxacin on rat testicular histology and spermatogenesis. The control group underwent left orchiectomy. The second group received oral ciprofloxacin (150 mg/kg/day) for 10 days. Escherichia coli (106 cfu/mL, 0.1 mL) was injected into the proximal right ductus deferens in the third group. The fourth group received ciprofloxacin treatment 48 h after E. coli inoculation. In groups 3 and 4, bilateral orchiectomy was performed 14 days after the challenge. In healthy rats, ciprofloxacin caused recognizable histological damage associated with a mild decrease in testicular volume and sperm concentration. Infected testicles in groups 3 and 4 revealed severe histological damage associated with severe testicular atrophy and impaired spermatogenesis that were more significant in infected rats which received ciprofloxacin treatment. Contralateral testicles in these animals showed similar histopathological changes to a lesser extent. The results of our study suggest a gonadotoxic potential for ciprofloxacin and this potential in humans should be addressed with further studies. [source] DOSE-DEPENDENT EFFECT OF LUMINAL BUTYRATE ON EPITHELIAL PROLIFERATION IN THE DISTAL COLON OF RATSJOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY, Issue 2001S Sengupta Butyrate, a major product of bacterial fermentation of dietary fibre, is trophic to the colonic epithelium, when deprived of dietary fibre or faecal stream. However, the dose,response relationship of butyrate to this trophic effect is not known. The mechanism of this effect is still debated and how it relates to the antitumorigenic action of butyrate is unclear. Aim, To characterise the dose,response relationship of the effect of butyrate delivered topically to the distal colon on fibre-deprived atrophic colonic epithelium in rats. Methods, Sixty-four male Sprague,Dawley rats were maintained on a fibre-free AIN 93G diet for 3 weeks to induce mucosal atrophy in the colon. The rats then underwent laparotomy for colonic intubation, in which a polyethylene tube was positioned at the proximal end of the distal colon via a caecotomy. After recovering from surgery, they were randomly divided into five groups, which were given for 4 days twice daily infusions of 0.5 mL butyrate at doses of 0, 10, 20, 40 or 80 mm (at which complete reversal of atrophy has been previously observed). Prior to sacrifice, the rats were injected intraperitoneally with vincristine to induce mitotic arrest. Crypt column heights and mitotic arrests were quantified by light microscopy. Results, All treatment groups were healthy and stress-free. The mucosa of vehicle-infused rats was atrophic (mean 38 cells/crypt). Effects of twice daily infusions of butyrate were first observed on cell proliferation (number of mitotic arrests per crypt column) at 10 mm, and increased linearly to 80 mm. Crypt column height increased linearly from 20 mm to 80 mm, at which a mean of 45 cells/crypt were observed (the number usually observed in chow-fed healthy rats). The mitotic index (number of mitotic arrests per 100 crypt cells) also increased linearly from 10 mm. Conclusions, Butyrate's trophic effect showed a linear dose,dependent relationship. Although a maximal effect was not convincingly demonstrated, the results indicate that very small amounts of butyrate are required to affect epithelial proliferation. Since much higher luminal delivery is required to suppress tumorigenesis in this model, the mechanism by which butyrate exerts its trophic and antitumorigenic effects are likely to be different. [source] Evaluation of the pharmacokinetics of All- Trans -Retinoic Acid (ATRA) in wistar rats after intravenous administration of ATRA loaded into tributyrin submicron emulsion and its cellular activity on caco-2 and HepG2 cell linesJOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES, Issue 7 2008Jie Su Abstract The pharmacokinetics of all- trans -retinoic acid (ATRA), an anti-cancer drug was highly variable due to its poor aqueous solubility. In this study, we investigated the pharmacokinetics of ATRA in male Wistar rats following intravenous administration of the ATRA loaded tributyrin emulsion. In vitro, the ATRA emulsion was proved binding to apolipoprotein(s). In vivo, the clearance of ATRA was significantly reduced by formulating into the tributyrin emulsion, leading to higher AUCs. Co-administration with 17,-ethynylestradiol, a compound known to upregulate the activity of low-density lipoprotein receptors in tissues, significantly increased the Ke, V, and CL of ATRA. The variation of plasma AUCs after administering the ATRA emulsion to the healthy rats was two times less than that after the ATRA solution. The IC50 in ATRA of the ATRA emulsion for the Caco-2 carcinoma cells was 3.8 µg/mL lower than 6 µg/mL of the ATRA solution. The IC50 of the emulsion for the HepG2 carcinoma cells was 2.8 µg/mL, while IC50 was not achieved with the ATRA solution over the test concentration range. The finding indicated that the tributyrin emulsion could be used as a carrier for ATRA and enhances the drug effect by reducing the clearance and increasing the in vitro activity. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association J Pharm Sci 97:2844,2853, 2008 [source] Bacopa monniera protects rat heart against ischaemia,reperfusion injury: role of key apoptotic regulatory proteins and enzymesJOURNAL OF PHARMACY AND PHARMACOLOGY: AN INTERNATI ONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCE, Issue 9 2010Ipseeta Ray Mohanty Abstract Objectives, Rat isolated hearts were perfused in a Langendorff model to study the cardioprotective effects of Bacopa monniera, a medicinal herb used in the Indian system of medicine, on cardiomyocyte apoptosis and antioxidant status following ischaemia,reperfusion (I-R) injury. Methods, Forty-eight rats were randomly divided into four groups (12 in each group): sham group (no ischaemia,reperfusion injury), B. monniera control group (orally fed B. monniera at a dose of 75 mg/kg, for three weeks); ischaemia,reperfusion control group(subjected to ischaemia,reperfusion-induced myocardial injury) and B. monniera -treated group (same protocol as ischaemia,reperfusion control group except that rats also fed B. monniera). Key findings, Post-ischaemic reperfusion injury resulted in significant cardiac necrosis, apoptosis, depression of heart rate, decline in antioxidant status and elevation in lipid peroxidation. Oral administration of B. monniera per se for three weeks to healthy rats caused augmentation of myocardial antioxidants, superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione, along with induction of heat shock protein 72 (HSP72). Ischaemia,reperfusion-induced biochemical and histopathological perturbations were significantly prevented by B. monniera (75 mg/kg) pre-treatment. Interestingly, B. monniera also restored the antioxidant network of the myocardium and reduced myocardial apoptosis, caspase 3 and Bax protein expression. Conclusions, Histopathological studies and myocardial creatine phosphokinase content further confirmed the cardioprotective effects of B. monniera (75 mg/kg) in the experimental model of ischaemia,reperfusion injury. The study provides scientific basis for the putative therapeutic effect of B. monniera in ischaemic heart disease. [source] The role of erythropoietin in the protection of gastric mucosa from indometacin-induced gastric injury and its relationship with oxidant and antioxidant parameters in ratsJOURNAL OF PHARMACY AND PHARMACOLOGY: AN INTERNATI ONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCE, Issue 1 2010Fatih Albayrak Abstract Objectives Erythropoietin has anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activity. We wanted to evaluate its activity in preventing damage to the gastric mucosa. Methods We examined the protective effect of erythropoietin on indometacin-induced gastric mucosa damage in the rat stomach and compared its potency with that of famotidine. We also measured effects on oxidant and antioxidant parameters in the rat stomach. Key findings Famotidine and erythropoietin 2500 and 5000 IU/kg reduced the ulcer area by 98%, 31% and 58%, respectively, compared with the indometacin group. Superoxide dismutase activity and glutathione level were decreased and myeloperoxidase activity increased in the indometacin group compared with healthy rats. Famotidine and erythropoietin at all doses increased superoxide dismutase and glutathione levels significantly compared with the indometacin group. Myeloperoxidase activity was decreased by erythropoietin and famotidine. Conclusions These results support the view that erythropoietin counteracts the effects of indometacin in inducing gastric ulcer and could be used as a an antiulcer compound. Its antiulcer effect is less potent than that of famotidine. The antiulcerogenic effects of erythropoietin may be related to its intrinsic ability to sustain the activities of free-radical scavenging enzymes and the bioavailability of glutathione. [source] Induced leukemia and antineoplastic agent carmustine cause permanent changes in craniofacial growth of immature ratsORTHODONTICS & CRANIOFACIAL RESEARCH, Issue 3 2002S Karsila-Tenovuo Structured Abstract Authors , Karsila-Tenovuo S, Jahnukainen K, Peltomäki T, Salmi TT, Rönning O Objectives , The purpose of the present study was to investigate the possible effects of untreated terminal leukemia on craniofacial growth (Study I), and also the effects of the antineoplastic agent carmustine on craniofacial growth in both leukemic and healthy rats (Study II). Material , A total of 367 inbred Piebald variegated rats was used. Method , Transmission of leukemic cells was carried out intraperitoneally at 30 days of age, and without treatment (Study I), the rats reached the terminal phase within 17 ± 1 days. Rats with induced leukemia was cured with 10 mg/kg carmustine (BCNU) given on days 6 and 13 following cell transmission (Study II), the rats remaining in remission until they were killed at 100 days of age. Final weight was recorded and 12 craniofacial dimensions and tibial length were measured with a digital sliding caliper. Results , The results showed that the effect of untreated terminal rat leukemia (Study I) on craniofacial growth differed between the genders. Male rats showed clearly reduced dimensions of facial structures and also retarded general body growth, whereas females showed differences mainly in general body growth. The effect of cured leukemia (Study II) as such was minor, while BCNU had a strong and permanent reducing effect on both craniofacial and general body growth in both genders. Conclusion , We suggest that the results in Study I came both from a direct effect of leukemia and an indirect effect of untreated terminal leukemia through malnutrition. The alkylating agent BCNU seemed to be the main cause of permanent craniofacial and general growth retardation in Study II. [source] Ursolic acid and luteolin-7-glucoside improve lipid profiles and increase liver glycogen content through glycogen synthase kinase-3PHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH, Issue S2 2010Marisa F. Azevedo Abstract In the present study, two phytochemicals , ursolic acid (UA) and luteolin-7-glucoside (L7G) , were assessed in vivo in healthy rats regarding effects on plasma glucose and lipid profile (total cholesterol, HDL and LDL), as well as liver glycogen content, in view of their importance in the aetiology of diabetes and associated complications. Both UA and L7G significantly decreased plasma glucose concentration. UA also significantly increased liver glycogen levels accompanied by phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK3). The increase in glycogen deposition induced by UA (mediated by GSK3) could have contributed to the lower plasma glucose levels observed. Both compounds significantly lowered total plasma cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein levels, and, in addition, UA increased plasma high-density lipoprotein levels. Our results show that UA particularly may be useful in preventable strategies for people at risk of developing diabetes and associated cardiovascular complications by improving plasma glucose levels and lipid profile, as well as by promoting liver glycogen deposition. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Pycnogenol® accelerates wound healing and reduces scar formationPHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH, Issue 7 2004G. Blazsó Abstract Pycnogenol® was applied topically to experimental wounds in,icted on healthy rats by means of a branding iron. The wound-healing time was taken as the number of days required for 50% of the scabs to separate spontaneously from the animals. Application of a gel formulation containing 1% Pycnogenol® signi,cantly shortened the wound healing time, by 1.6 days compared with the group treated with gel only (15.4 days). The application of 2% Pycnogenol® decreased the healing time by almost 3 days, while 5% Pycnogenol® further accelerated the wound-healing process. In parallel, Pycnogenol® gels reduced the diameter of the scars remaining following complete scab loss in a concentration-dependent manner. In conclusion, Pycnogenol® is a potent active ingredient for the treatment of minor injuries. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Cardioprotective Effects of Nigella sativa Oil on Cyclosporine A-Induced Cardiotoxicity in RatsBASIC AND CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY & TOXICOLOGY, Issue 6 2008Uz Ebru However, it has been demonstrated that this drug produces side-effects in several organs, particularly in the kidney and in the heart. Nigella sativa oil has long been used in folk medicine for a wide range of illnesses. One of the potential properties of N. sativa oil is the ability of one or more of its constituents to reduce toxicity due to its antioxidant activities. The antioxidant effects of N. sativa oil have been examined using different hepatic and kidney toxicity in in vivo murine models. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of N. sativa oil in the antioxidant enzyme status and myocardium of cyclosporine-A-treated rats. This study included 24 male Wistar albino young healthy rats (8,12 weeks) weighing 150,200 g. The control group received sunflower oil (21 days, 2 ml/kg/day, orally) without any treatment. The second group received only N. sativa oil (21 days, 2 ml/kg, orally) (N. sativa oil group). The animals in the third group received only cyclosporine A (21 days, 25 mg/kg, orally) (cyclosporine A group). The animals in the fourth group were treated with cyclosporine A (21 days, 25 mg/kg, orally) and starting one day before cyclosporine A administration were treated with N. sativa oil (21 days, 2 ml/kg, orally) (cyclosporine A +N. sativa oil group). Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities in the heart tissues were significantly reduced in the cyclosporine A group compared to control values. Nigella sativa oil treatment caused an increase in the activities of SOD, CAT and GSH-Px compared to the control group. Malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide and protein carbonyl (PC) levels were increased in the cyclosporine A-treated group in comparison with the control and N. sativa groups. Co-administration of N. sativa oil and cyclosporine A abrogated the cyclosporine A-induced MDA, N. sativa oil and PC increase compared to the cyclosporine A group. The results of our study show that pre-treatment with N. sativa oil reduced the subsequent cyclosporine A injury in rat heart, demonstrated by normalized cardiac histopathology, decrease in lipid peroxidation, improvement in antioxidant enzyme status and cellular protein oxidation. [source] Identification of key metabolites of tectorigenin in rat urine by HPLC-MSnBIOMEDICAL CHROMATOGRAPHY, Issue 2 2009Wei-Dong Zhang Abstract This is a report about the identification of key metabolites of tectorigenin in rat urine using high-performance liquid chromatography,electrospray ionization ion trap tandem mass spectrometric method (HPLC-ESI-MSn). Six healthy rats were administered a single dose (80 mg/kg) of tectorigenin by oral gavage. Urine was sampled for 0,24 h and centrifuged at 12,000 rpm for 10 min to obtain the supernatants, then the supernatants were purified by solid-phase extraction with a C18 cartridge. The chromatographic separation was carried out on a reversed-phase C18 column with a gradient elution program whereas acetonitrile,0.1% formic acid water was used as mobile phase. Mass spectra were acquired in negative ionization mode and a data-dependant scan was used for the identification of the key metabolites of tectorigenin in the urine samples. As a result, four phase II metabolites and the parent drug tectorigenin were found and identified in rat urine for the first time. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Apoptosis in the erectile tissues of diabetic and healthy ratsBJU INTERNATIONAL, Issue 4 2000Specialist Registrar J. Cartledge [source] |