|
The Effects of
Cadmium Pollution on Female Rat Reproductive System
Journal of
Infertility and reproductive Biology, 2013, Volume 1, Issue 1,
Pages 1-6,
Full Text in PDF (392 KB)
Maliheazaman Monsefi1,
Bentolhoda Fereydouni2
1-
Department of Biology, College of Sciences, Shiraz University,
Shiraz, Iran.
2-
Department of Biology, College of Sciences, Shiraz University,
Shiraz, Iran.
Abstract
Cadmium is one of
the most toxic heavy metals and an environmental and
occupational pollutant that endangers human and animal health.
In this research we studied the effects of cadmium chloride on
adult Wistar rat’s female reproductive system. The rats were
divided into 5 groups. The experimental groups were fed with 11,
23, 35 and 50 mg/kg of
cadmium chloride daily for 10 days (two estrous cycles). Estrous
cycle was examined daily by vaginal smear and animals in estrus
phase were selected. At the end of the experiment, blood samples
were taken from dorsal aorta to assess the blood estradiol and
progesterone concentrations. Estradiol was measured by
Enzyme-linked immuno sorbent assay (ELISA) and progesterone by
radioimmunoassay technique. Then, uteruses and ovaries were
removed and after weighting were prepared histologically.
Results showed that the length of estrous cycle in animals that
were treated with 11 mg/kg of cadmium increased significantly.
The serum level of progesterone in groups that were treated with
11 and 23 mg/kg of cadmium increased significantly but only the
35 and 50 mg/kg treated groups showed significant decrease
compared with the control group. Histological studies did not
reveal any pathological changes, however; there were some
atretic follicles in 35 and 50 mg/kg treated groups. Cadmium is
a common contaminant of natural environment. It can enter to
food chain indirectly and affects the female reproductive system
as we showed in rats as an experimental model.
Keywords:
Ovary;
Uterus; Cadmium; Estradiol; Estrous cycle; Progesterone
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
|
|
A Study of the Glycoconjugates
Distribution of Umbilical Cord; a Lectin Histochemical Study
Journal of
Infertility and reproductive Biology, 2013, Volume 1, Issue 1,
Pages 7-11,
Full Text in PDF
(2200 KB)
Tahereh Talaei-Khozani , Zahra Vojdani, Elham Aliabadi*
Laboratory for stem cell research, Anatomy Department, Shiraz
University of Medical Sciences
Abstract
Umbilical cord
can be considered as a source of stem cells with a wide
differentiates capacity. It also supplies the embryos with blood
contains oxygen and vital nutritional elements and may change by
some abnormalities during embryo development. The study of
different aspects of umbilical cord biology is critical for
understanding of pathology and the way of its application in a
stem cell therapy protocol. The objective of this study was to
find the glycoconjugates distribution pattern in various regions
of the umbilical cord. To do this, umbilical cords from normal
pregnancy were fixed, sectioned and stained with WGA, PNA,
Concanavalin A, PHy, DBA, SBA and UEA lectins. The lectins were
FITC-conjugated. The slides were counterstained with DAPI and
observed by fluorescence microscopy. The data showed amnioblasts
were reacted with BSA, ConA, UEA, DBA and WGA and endothelial
cells with BSA and UEA. Smooth muscle also took up BSA, UEA and
WGA. Mesenchymal cells at the interarterial zone were stained
with BSA, ConA and UEA. In conclusion, the staining pattern with
lectins was different in various zones of umbilical cord. Any
modification of this glycoconjugates distribution may be exerted
effects on the proper umbilical cord function or structure.
Keywords:
Umbilical cord, Lectin, Glycoconjugates
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
