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Introduction: Trimethyltin (TMT) intoxication is associated with damage to the cholinergic system in the hippocampus. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of trans-cinnamic acid on cognitive deficit and cell damage in CA1/CA3 regions of the hippocampus, as well as measure the activity of acetyl choline esterase (AChE) in the hippocampus of a rat model of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Material & Methods: In this experimental study, 40 adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: control, TMT+Saline, TMT+CIN20, and TMT+CIN40. The AD model was induced by intraperitoneal injection of 8 mg/kg TMT body weight, and 72 h after TMT administration, doses of 20 and 40 mg of trans-cinnamic acid were gavaged daily for four weeks. Subsequently, working memory, passive avoidance learning, neuronal density in hippocampal CA1 and CA3 regions, and AChE enzyme activity were measured in this study. (Ethic Code: IR.IAU.SHIRAZ.REC.1400.014) Findings: There was a significant increase in CA1/CA3 neuronal density, percentage of motor frequency, and improved passive avoidance memory in the groups receiving trans-cinnamic acid, compared to the group receiving normal saline. Moreover, AChE enzyme activity in the hippocampus, especially in the TMT+CIN40 group, increased significantly, compared to the TMT+Saline group. Discussion & Conclusion: It seems that trans-cinnamic acid with AChE inhibitory effects improves cognitive decline and hippocampal cell damage in the TMT model of AD.

Introduction: As the world's population increases, the incidence of infertility is increasing, and infertility is now considered to affect 8–12% of couples worldwide. Assisted reproductive technology (ART) such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is revolutionizing the field of reproductive medicine and strives continuously to provide infertile patients with access to appropriate and efficient treatments. However, some causes leading to total/low fertilization rate in ART have been addressed. Phospholipase C zeta (PLCζ) is the main sperm-specific factor responsible for triggering oocyte activation (OA). Therefore, PLCζ abnormalities, including low and absent expression as well as its mutation has been described as one of the fertility rate inducers resulted from the oocyte activation deficiency and sperm parameters abnormalities and failed IVF and ICSI cycles. In this review article we have aimed to focus on the latest information of the PLCζ published data in the Web of Science, Scopus, Science Direct and PubMed databases and resulted in the failed IVF and ICSI and recurrent ICSI and IVF failure. In addition the investigations on PLCζ gene and its coded protein in the animals have been also reported. Conclusion:Studies have shown that the change in PLCζ expression and its mutations can cause a decrease in the fertilization rate due to egg activation defects and abnormalities in sperm parameters and failure in ART.

Introduction: Stem cell-based therapies create new hope for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Since the mesenchymal stem cells have neuroprotective and regeneration effects, this study aimed to investigate the memory, learning, and antioxidant capacity of the hippocampus following human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell (Ad-MSC) transplantation in Trimethyltin (TMT) rat's model of AD. Material & Methods: In total, 24 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups (8 animals per group) of control (without any treatment), TMT+PBS (Trimethyltin+Phosphate buffer saline), and TMT+Ad-MSC (Trimethyltin+Stem cells). For the induction of the AD, TMT was peritoneally injected (8 mg/Kg). After 48 h, the TMT+Ad-MSC group received 1 million stem cells intravenously. One month after transplantation, avoidance and working memories were evaluated. Afterward, hippocampal levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured using ELISA. Findings: The results showed a significant increase in the percentage of correct motor frequency in the Y maze, a decrease in the spent time in the dark room (P

Introduction: Uteroplacental Insufficiency (UPI) produces critical neurodevelopmental problems affecting the Intrauterine Growth Restricted (IUGR) in offspring. This study aimed to investigate the possible neuroprotective roles of Hesperidin (Hes) on the fetal cerebral cortex of the UPI rat model. Methods: In this experimental study, 40 pregnant Wistar rats (age: ~40 days, Mean±SD weight: 180±10 g) were randomly divided into 5 groups (n= 8/group). The study groups included control (normal saline, orally), UPI+NS (uterine vessel ligation+normal saline, orally), UPI+HES25, UPI+HES50, and UPI+HES100 (uterine vessel ligation+25, 50 and 100 mg/kg Hes, orally). After being anesthetized by ketamine and xylazine, UPI was induced by permanent bilateral closure of the uterine vessels on Gestation Day (GD) 18. From GD15, the Hes/NS-treated groups received Hes/normal saline until GD21. On GD21, the uterus, placenta, and fetus were dissected out and weighed. The oxidative stress parameters, including Catalase (CAT) activity, Malondialdehyde (MDA), and Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) were measured in the fetal cerebral cortex. The expression of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) and Tropomyosin Receptor Kinase B (TrkB) was assessed by RT qPCR methods. The obtained data were analyzed by Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Tukey’s post hoc test. Results: The present study findings identified a significant difference in the uterine and fetus weight in Hes-treated mothers (P< 0.05). In the fetus, Hes reduced MDA, and increased CAT activity and TAC (P˂0.001 in the UPI+Hes100 group, compared to the UPI+NS group). UPI reduced BDNF and TrkB mRNA expression, compared to the control group (P

Background & Objectives: Acrylamide (ACR) is a chemical with toxic effects on various body tissues. The present study was conducted to investigate the antioxidant effect of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on the level of testicular apoptosis in acrylamide-treated adult rats. Material & Methods: Thirty-six adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 6 equal groups. The intact control group was without treatment, the positive control group (PC) received 50 mg/kg ACR by oral gavage, the negative control group (NC) received 40 mg/kg NAC intraperitoneally, the animals in experimental groups of 1 (EXP1), 2 (EXP2) and 3 (EXP3) received 10, 20 and 40 mg/kg NAC intraperitoneally, respectively, and then all groups received 50 mg/kg acrylamide by oral gavage. The treatment period in all groups was 28 days. At the end of the study, FAS mRNA expression level was measured by real-time PCR and testicular tissue was evaluated histopathologically. Results: The PC group showed a significant increase in FAS gene expression level (p

Lithium chloride (LiCl) is an essential trace element and the smallest alkali metal with an atomic weight of 6.9 that is found in grains, vegetables and in supplemented drinking water sources that seems to have profound effects on human well-being, susceptibility to several diseases and stem cell growth kinetics. Much remains to be learned and understood about the implications of LiCl in nutrition and stem cell culture. This review is going to consider what is known about the natureof this competition and the knowledge towards understanding of lithium biology and its application in medicine in osteomyopathology, immunity, neuroprotectionm, radio- and chemotherapy, cancer and proliferation of stem cells.

Introduction: Uteroplacental Insufficiency (UPI) is one of the main causes of Intra Uterine Growth Restriction (IUGR) that causes neurodevelopmental disorders in neonates. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Cinnamic Acid (CIN) on cognitive impairments and the levels of peroxidation and antioxidant enzymes in UPI rats. Materials & Methods: In this experimental study, 30 pregnant Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups of control, UPI+NS, UPI+CIN25 mg/kg, UPI+CIN50 mg/kg, and UPI+CIN100 mg/kg. On the 18th day of pregnancy, anterior uterine artery occlusion surgery was performed to induce UPI. From the 12th to the 18th day of pregnancy, the rats received CIN based on the identified doses by gavage. Working memory, avoidance learning, and anxiety-like behaviors were analyzed using the Y-maze, shuttle box, and elevated plus maze when the neonates were 1 month old, respectively. Moreover, the catalase enzyme (CAT) activity, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and serum content of malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured in this study. Ethic code: IR. IAUSHIRAZ.1397.02.28 Findings: There was a significant decrease in avoidance memory, as well as CAT and TAC along with an increase in anxiety levels and MDA in the UPI+NS, group, compared to the control group (P

Background: Hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs) can be differentiated into neurons and glial cells. Different miRNAs regulate the proliferation and differentiation of HFSCs. So, this study aimed to evaluate the exact role of miR-124-3p on the expression of non-neuronal genes (CCND1 (cyclinD1), Tlx) NR2E1) and RCOR2 (CoREST) (and neuronal genes (DLK1, MAP2, and NeuN (Rbfox 3)). Material and Methods: This experimental study was performed on the stem cells isolated from the bulge region of mouse vibrissa hair follicles. The hair follicle stem cells differentiated into neuronal cells. Then, the cells transfected with miR-124-3p mimic and inhibitor. The mRNA levels of non-neuronal and neural genes were detected by real-time PCR (RT-PCR). Results: The results showed that neural induction and miR-124-3p mimic transfection significantly increased mRNA expression levels of neuronal genes MAP2, Rbfox3 and DLK1, but transfection with the miR-124-3p inhibitor increased mRNA level of non-neural genes CCND1 (82.71) and NR2E1 (962.07), respectively. Conclusion: These results show that miR-124-3p may promote neuronal differentiation of HFSCs by inhibiting non-neural genes CCND1 and NR2E1.

Background and Objectives: Studies have shown that fatty acids affect maturation of oocytes, however, studies carried out on the effect of omega-3 on in vitro maturation of oocytes, are limited. The aim of this research was to investigate the effects of omega-3 on in vitro maturation of oocytes of mouse at the stage of germinal vesicle. Methods: In this in vitro experimental study, NMRI mice aged 6 to 8 weeks, were super ovulated and killed 44 hours later, then their ovaries were removed, and immature oocytes were used for in vitro maturation. Immature oocytes were treated with omega-3 at doses of 10 and 100 µM, after 24 hours, the maturation of the oocytes was examined by invert microscope. The data were analyzed using chi square test. Results: Exposure of immature oocytes to 10 and 100 µM of omega-3 resulted in increased rate of mature oocytes compared to the control group (p

Introduction: Uteroplacental insufficiency (UPI) causes neurodevelopmental deficits affecting the intrauterine growth restricted (IUGR) offspring. This study aimed to analyze the effects of Gallic acid (GA) on memory deficit and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) content in entorhinal cortex of UPI rat models. Methods: In this experimental study, 40 pregnant Wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 groups, including: control, UPI, UPI+GA100, UPI+GA200and UPI+GA400. For IUGR induction, anterior uterine artery occlusion surgery was carried out on gestation day (GD) 18. From GD15, GA was administrated orally, in 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg BW doses until the birth of their neonates. Spatial and working memories are analyzed by Morris water maze and Y maze at postnatal day (PND) 30, respectively. Then, BDNF cerebral cortex level was estimated using ELISA technique.The data were analyzed through ANOVA and Tukey Post hoc in SPSS software version 16. Results: A significant decrease was observed in spatial and working memories and BDNF content in entorhinal cortex of UPI group in comparison with the control group (p˂0.05). On the other hand, GA-treated groups showed a significant increase in BDNF content and amelioration of spatial and working memories (p˂0.05). Conclusion: Fetal growth restrictionafter UPI by decreasingBDNFlevel in entorhinal cortex caused memory deficits in rat’s model. Moreover, neuroprotective effects of GA lead to increased BDNF content and ameliorate cognitive deficits in UPI model.

Objective: To study the influence of N-acetylcysteine on the pituitary-gonadal axis hormones and protamine expression level in streptozotocin-induced diabetic male rats. Methods: Forty-two adult male Wistar rats were divided into 6 groups, with 7 rats in each group. The control group left untreated; the streptozotocin group only received 50 mg/kg body weight streptozotocin intraperitoneally for 5 days to induce diabetes; the N-acetylcysteine group only received 200 mg/kg body weight N-acetylcysteine intraperitoneally, and the streptozotocin+N- acetylcysteine groups 1, 2 and 3 received 50 mg/kg streptozotocin intraperitoneally for 5 days to induce diabetes and then received 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight doses of N-acetylcysteine intraperitoneally for 28 days, respectively. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure the serum levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and testosterone, and real-time PCR was applied for measuring protamine expression level. Results: Compared to the control and N-acetylcysteine groups, a significant decrease in the body weight, testicular weight and levels of testosterone and protamine expression was observed in the streptozotocin group and the streptozotocin+N-acetylcysteine groups 1 and 2. On the contrary, the levels of LH and FSH increased significantly. In the streptozotocin+N-acetylcysteine group 3, the body weight, testicular weight and expression level of protamine were significantly higher than those of the streptozotocin group. In the streptozotocin+N-acetylcysteine groups, testosterone and LH levels were significantly higher than and lower than the streptozotocin group, respectively. In the streptozotocin+N- acetylcysteine groups 2 and 3, the level of FSH was significantly lower than that of the streptozotocin group and streptozotocin+N- acetylcysteine group 1. Furthermore, a significant increase in the expression level of protamine was observed in the streptozotocin+N- acetylcysteine groups 2 and 3 when compared to the streptozotocin group and streptozotocin+N-acetylcysteine group 1. Conclusions: N-acetylcysteine in an optimal dose of 400 mg/kg body weight has a protective influence on the pituitary-gonadal axis hormones and also on the expression level of protamine in diabetic male rats.

Background: Acrylamide (ACR) has cytotoxic effects on various tissues of the body, including the reproductive system. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the protective effects of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on changes in serum levels of pituitary–gonadal axis hormones and testicular tissue in ACR-treated adult rats. Materials and Methods: Forty-two adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 7 equal groups including control group, sham group received only distilled water intraperitoneally, ACR group received 50 mg/kg ACR orally, NAC group received 40 mg/kg NAC intraperitoneally and ACR+NAC1, ACR+NAC2 and ACR+NAC3 groups received 10, 20 and 40 mg/kg NAC intraperitoneally, respectively, and then received 50 mg/kg ACR orally. After 28 days of treatment, serum levels of LH, FSH and testosterone were measured by ELISA method, and the testicular tissue was evaluated histopathologically. Results: Hormonal and histopathological analysis indicated that compared to the control, sham and NAC groups, the administration of ACR alone decreased FSH and testosterone levels while increased LH level, and also, it decreased spermatogenic and Leydig cells, but it had no effect on Sertoli cells. The administration of NAC alone had no influence on the level of hormones and spermatogenesis. Coadministration of ACR+NAC ameliorated the serum levels of FSH, LH and testosterone and increased the number of spermatogenic and Leydig cells and recovered spermatogenesis disrupts, in a dose-dependent manner compared to the ACR group. Conclusion: As a potent antioxidant, NAC could inhibit ACR-induced toxicity effects in a dose-dependent manner and ameliorate spermatogenesis in rats.

BACKGROUND: Type one diabetes mellitus (DM) is a multisystem disorder whose effects are observed in the reproductive system. Considering the role of curcumin in lowering blood glucose and enhancing antioxidant defense, this research aimed to determine protective effect of curcumin on quality parameters of sperm and testicular tissue alterations in diabetic rats. METHODS: Forty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups, including control (healthy rats), DM (for diabetic model), and also curcumin-treated diabetic model (DM+CUR)50, DM+CUR100 and DM+CUR150. Diabetes was induced using an intraperitoneal injection of 240 mg/ kg alloxan. Following completion of the test period, all rats were sacrificed, and their testes were removed to assess sperm parameters and histological evaluation. The data was analyzed with one-way ANOVA and Tukey post hoc test. The p

Background and aim: Diabetes affects the testicles by oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects of N-acetylcysteine ​​on the number of spermatogenesis cells in diabetic rats. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 42 adult male Wistar rats were divided into 7 groups of 6. This study was carried out in two periods of 5 and 28 days. Thus, in the first period, the positive sham group and experimental groups received 1 ml streptozotocin solution in distilled water at 50 mg / kg for 5 days intraperitoneally. At the end of the sixth day, the blood glucose levels in rats reached 200 mg / dl. In the second period, control group without any injections, sham group received intraperitoneal injection of distilled water, positive control group without injection, negative sham group received 200 mg / kg of n-acetylcysteine ​​intraperitoneally for 28 days. Experimental group 1, 2 and 3, which included diabetic rats receiving 100, 200 and 400 mg / kg doses of N-acetylcysteine ​​intraperitoneally for 28 days, respectively. At the end of the experimental period, rats were under anesthetized anesthesia. The body weight of all animals was measured and the testicles were removed and examined after staining and staining by hematoxylin-eosin method. Results: Mean body weight, spermatogonia, spermatocyte, spermatid and leydig showed a significant decrease in the positive sham group compared to the control group. The mean number of spermatogonium and leydig cells in all experimental groups showed a significant increase compared to the positive sham group. The mean number of spermatid cells in experimental groups 2 and 3 was significantly higher than the positive sham group. The mean number of spermatocyte cells in the experimental groups 3 was significantly higher than the positive sham group (P ≤ 0.05). Diabetes also led to pathological changes in the seminiferous tubes in diabetic rats. This is while different amounts of N-acetylcysteine have improved this in experimental groups. Conclusion: The results showed that N-acetylcysteine protects the testicles against diabetes and improved the spermatogenesis process in streptozotocin induced diabetes.

Introduction: Adiponectin is one of the most important adipose derived hormone that conflicting data are available about serum changes of adiponectin at different ages.The present study was done to determine the age related changes in serum adiponectin and its association with insulin resistance (IR) indices in aging in male rats. Methods: In this study, serum samples were obtained from male rats at different ages, including 2, 5, 10, 18, 52 and 72 weeks age (n=10 in each age group). Oral glucose tolerance and glucose stimulated insulin secretion tests were measured using determination of glucose concentrations at 15, 30, 45 and 60 min after oral ingestion of glucose (1 mg/kg body weight) for each animal. Serum adiponectin and insulin levels were determined using species specific ELISA kits. HOMA-IR was calculated based on glucose and insulin concentrations. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 16 software (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL) also using one way analysis of variance and LSD posthoc tests. Results: Our results showed an age dependent decrease in serum adiponectin concentration, and 72-week old rats had the lowest level of adiponectin compared with those in other ages (p

Introduction Uteroplacental insufficiency (UPI) causes brain damage and neurodevelopmental deficits in intrauterine growth-restricted fetus. This study examined the effect of Gallic acid (GA) on fetus viability and weight of fetus, uterus, and placenta and hippocampal piramidal cell densityof fetus in UPI model. Materials and Methods 25 pregnant Wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: control, UPI+NS (Uteroplacental insufficiency + Normal saline), UPI+GA100 (Uteroplacental insufficiency + Gallic acid 100), UPI+GA200 (Uteroplacental insufficiency + Gallic acid 200) and UPI+GA400 (Uteroplacental insufficiency + Gallic acid 400). UPI induction is carried out by anterior uterine artery occlusion on gestation day (GD) 18. GA or normal saline was administrated by gavage method from GD15 to GD21. Then, on GD21 the fetus were cesarean section and after weighing, anesthetized by hypothermia, their heads were cut and the brains evaluated for histopathological studies. Results A significant increase in uterine weight and a significant decrease in fetal viability and cell density were observed in the hippocampal CA1, CA2 and CA3 subdivision in UPI+NS group compared to the control group (p˂0.05). On the other hand, viability rate, fetus weight and cell density in CA1 and CA3 subdivisions were significantly higher in the GA-treated groups than the UPI+NS group (p˂0.05). Conclusion GA reduced fetal mortality and fetal hippocampal cell damage in UPI model. Therefore, it usable to avoid the neurodevelopmental complications due to intrauterine growth restriction.

Background & Objective: In Autism Spectrum Disorder, the role of functional deficit like hypo-functionality in Frontal lobe, Hippocampus, Amygdala with top-down control hypothesis or reduced functional connectivity has been considered by theories like theory of mind or executive function theory. But new findings in the fields of neurobiology and neuroscience have challenged these theories and these lead to a new theory that was introduced by Hennry Markram in 2007. This theory is presented as "Intense World Theory". Markram believes that hyper-functionality, hyper-reactivity and Hyper-plasticity in brain's microcircuits with a down-up pathway is the basis of Autism. Conclusion: In this study various aspects of intense world theory, empirical evidence, and challenges and criticisms of this theory are discussed. In addition to creating a new research scope and paying attention to the underlying mechanisms of the brain, this review may lead to early diagnosis of disorder and effective therapeutic procedure in the medical, psychological and other fields.

Background and Objectives: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease and the most common cause of dementia. The characteristics of this disease are amnesia, cognitive and verbal disorders, memory deficit, paranoia, depression, and anxiety. In this study, the alterations of cognitive-behavioral and nuclear factor kappa (NF-κ) factor, were investigated following the xenogenic transplantation of human dental pulp of stem cells on the AD animal model. Methods: In this experimental study, 18 male Wistar rats (weighing 200±20g), were used. The animals were randomly divided into three groups of 6 each: control (without any treatment), sham (TMT+PBS), and experimental (TMT+DPSCs). The experimental and sham groups received trimethyltin (TMT) intraperitoneally (dose, 8mg/kg bw). Then, the anxiety level, working and spatial memory, were assessed with Elevated Plus and Y Maze tests. Also, the level of NF-κ was assessed using ELISA method. Results: Intraperitoneal administration of TMT caused a significant increase (p

Introduction: Prenatal seizures cause serious damage in fetal nervous system leading to cognitive and behavioral deficits in newborns. This study examined the effect of trans-Cinnamic acid on cognitive impairment and hippocampal cell damage in rat model of Penthylentetrazole (PTZ)- induced prenatal seizure. Material & Methods: 30 Pregnant Wistar rats were randomly divided in 5 groups: control, PTZ+NS, PTZ+SIN25, PTZ+SIN50 and PTZ+SIN100. Rats were treated by repeated injections of PTZ (40 mg/kg; i.p) on embryonic day (ED) 13 for 7 consecutive days. 2 hours before PTZ injection, pregnant rats were gavaged with normal saline (PTZ+NS) or Cinnamic acid (PTZ+SIN groups with 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg doses). The working memory, avoidance learning and anxiety like behaviors were evaluated in one month old male offspring. Then, brains were histopathologically analyzed for hippocampal cell damages. Results: In comparison to controls, PTZ+NS group showed a significant decrease in alteration behavior (working memory), latency time to the dark room (avoidance memory) and increase level of anxiety with decrease of cell density in different areas of hippocampus (p˂ 0.05(. However, Cinnamic acid- treated groups showed a significant increase of working, avoidance memories and hippocampal cell density in comparison with PTZ+NS groups (p˂ 0.05(. Conclusion: The Cinnamic acid with reduction of hippocampal cell damage was ameliorating cognitive deficits in rat model of prenatal seizures.

Background: Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) lead to abnormalities in fetal central nervous system, till hippocampal and cortical cells became apoptotic. The goal of this research is investigating the effects of Gallic acid on improvement of cognitive impairments and nuclear factor kappa B (NFƙB) in animal model of IUGR. Material and Methods: In this experimental study, 32 female rats from wistar race with weighing approximately 180±25g were divided into 4 groups of 7 .Control group: that did not receive any treatment . IUGR group: To induce IUGR of pregnant rats were under 50 % restricted diet from the 14th day of pregnancy to childbirth. Experimental groups 1 and 2: pregnant rats subjected to a 50 % dietary restriction for induction IUGR from 14th day of pregnancy to childbirth and from 12th day of pregnancy to the birth of newborns, received 200 and 400 mg/kg gallic acid doses daily by gavage method. After the birth of pups, morphological evaluations were checked. Then, in 30 postnatal days working and passive avoidance tests and anxiety test were assessed. The serum level of NFƙB was analyzed by ELISA. Results: The working memory and fear-based memory of IUGR rats was reduced significantly compared to the controls. In addition restricted diet leads to increase in NFƙB and anxiety levels. Gallic acid was ameliorated working and fear-based memories and reduced serum level of NFƙB and anxiety in treated rats. Conclusion: The findings suggest that restricted diet during pregnancy can cause behavioral cognitive disorders in rats. This is likely due to increased levels of pro-apoptic cytokine such as NFƙB. The results also suggest that the neuroprotective effect of Gallic acid is likely to improve memory disorders in IUGR rat model.

Background: Insecticides may have negative effects on reproductive organs. Given the interaction between leptin and the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, we sought to investigate the changes in leptin and the HPG axis in adult male rats poisoned with Proteus and Biscaya insecticides. Methods: Our experimental subjects were 110 adult male Wistar rats (80–90 days of age; average weight=200–210 g). They were randomly split into 11 groups of 10 rats: control, sham, and 9 experimental groups namely treatment with 2.75, 5.5, and 11 mg/kg/BW of Proteus, treatment with 1.5, 3, and 6 mg/kg/BW of Biscaya, treatment with 2.75 mg/kg/BW of Proteus+1.5 mg/kg/BW of Biscaya, treatment with 5.5 mg/kg/BW of Proteus+3 mg/kg/BW of Biscaya, and treatment with 11 mg/kg/BW of Proteus+6 mg/kg/BW of Biscaya. Intraperitoneal injections were performed over a 14-day period. For bloodletting at the end of the experiment, blood samples were withdrawn from the rats in order to investigate the serum concentration of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), gonadotropin- releasing hormone (GnRH), testosterone, and leptin. The data were analyzed using SPSS, version 16, via ANOVA and the Duncan test. A P value equal to or less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: Our comparisons between the experimental groups (average and maximum compound concentrations of Proteus and Biscaya) and the control group showed a significant decrease in the mean serum levels of FSH (P=0.001), LH (P=0.001), GnRH (P=0.001), testosterone (P=0.005), and leptin (P=0.001) in all the experimental groups in a dose-dependent manner.Conclusion: Proteus and Biscaya decreased GnRH, LH, FSH, and testosterone by reducing the serum level of leptin in the hypothalamus in a dose-dependent manner.

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is characterized by hormonal-metabolic disorders, obesity, oxidative stress and ovulatory dysfunction. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of four weeks of swimming training and Gallic acid (GA) administration on the serum level of sex hormones in rats with a polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) under the standard and high-fat diet. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 72 virgin female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into the nine groups: Control, PCOS, PCOS+HF (high fat diet), PCOS+EX (swimming training), PCOS+EX+HF (swimming training and high fat dietary), PCOS+GA (GA treatment), PCOS+GA+HF (GA treatment with high fat diet), PCOS+EX+GA (GA treatment and swimming training), PCOS+EX+GA+HF (GA treatment and swimming training with a high-fat diet). PCOS was induced with 1mg/kg letrozole and GA (100mg/kg, 4weeks) was administrated orally for 28 days. Then, the serum levels of LH, FSH, β-estradiol, progesterone and testosterone were measured using the ELISA method. Results: In the PCOS group, the progesterone level decreased and LH, FSH, β-estradiol and testosterone levels significantly increased compared to the control group (P

Background and Aim: Neuropathy is the most common abnormality in diabetes mellitus which characterized with cerebral damages especially in hippocampus. This study evaluates the effect of Cinnamomum Zeylanicum extract (CZE) on memory, hippocampal neuron damage and antioxidant enzymes levels in animal model of diabetes. Materials and Methods: 50 adult Sprague dawley rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: Control, STZ (Streptozotocin, 50 mg/kg; i.p.), and STZ + CZE100, STZ + CZE200 and STZ + CZE400 which were treated with CZE in 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg, respectively. CZE was administered in 14 days, orally. After evaluation of working and spatial memory, activity of catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) enzymes was assessed by ELISA. Then, histopathological assessment of hippocampus was done. Findings: In comparison with the controls, STZ group showed an increase in latency time and distance to the hidden platform in MWM, a decrease in alteration behaviors, cell density and activity of CAT and GPx enzymes in hippocampus (p˂0.05). In addition, treatment with CZE decreased latency time and distance in MWM and increased alteration behavior, hippocampal cell density and activity of antioxidant enzymes in comparison with the STZ group (p˂0.05). Conclusion: Diabetes with reduction of neuronal density and activity of antioxidant enzymes in the hippocampus causes deficits in spatial and working memory. However, Administration of CZE ameliorates these neuropathologic disorders.

Background & Objective: Prenatal seizures cause neuronal damage in the limbic area of fetal brain leading to learning deficits and cognitive impairment in newborns. This study examined the effect of prenatal tonic-clonic seizure and lithium chloride (LiCl) therapy on the learning and memory of rat’s pups. Materials & Methods: Pregnant Wistar rats were kindled by (i.p) injections of 40 mg/kg/BW of Penthylentetrazole (PTZ) on embryonic day (ED) 13 for 7 consecutive days. LiCl treated rats in PTZ+Li0.04, and PTZ+Li0.08 groups received 0.04% and 0.08% of LiCl in tap water from ED10 to postnatal day (PND) 24, respectively. The spatial performance learning was evaluated at PND 30 using Morris water maze (MWM). After behavioral study, the hippocampal level of BDNF was measured using ELISA. Results: In comparison to controls, PTZ group showed a significant increase in latency time and distance to hidden platform in MWM test and decrease level of hippocampal BDNF. LiCl-treated rats showed a significant lower latency time and distance to hidden platform in MWM and higher level of BDNF than PTZ group. Conclusion: The LiCl with elevated of BDNF in hippocampus can ameliorate spatial memory in prenatal seizure model.

Background and Aim: Cerebellar degeneration is characterized by disturbance in complex motor functions, balance, muscular strength and motor learning. This study investigated the effect of systemic transplantation of human adipose stem cells (hMSCs) primed with valproic acid (VPA) on amelioration of motor disorders in animal model of cerebellar degeneration. Material and Methods: After inducing unilateral lesion in rat cerebellum (Folia VI) by quinolinic acid, CM-DiI labeled hMSCs isolated from adipose tissue by liposuction, were primed with VPA for 48h and transplanted by way of the jugular vein, systemically. Then, we used cylinder, rotarod, hanging wire and beam balance test to assess motor functions in a period of 6 weeks after transplantation. Results: Six weeks after transplantation surviving hMSCs were detectable in the lesion site. The hMSC transplanted group showed markedly improved functional performance in motor learning, locomotor asymmetry, dysmetria, and neuromuscular strength and balance, in the first 6 weeks after transplantation compared to the control group. On the other hand, transplantation of VPA primed hMSCs led to a better amelioration in motor functions compared to non-primed hMSCs transplantation in the rats. Conclusion: According to the results of this study, cell therapy by means of VPA primed hMSCs can result in improved migration and homing capacity which can be regarded as a promising treatment for neurodegenerative disorders such as cerebellar diseases.

Background: Hippocampal neurodegeneration caused the incidence of cognitive deficits, along with a possible decrease of neurotrophins. Valproic acid (VPA) is a histone deacetylase inhibitor, which could protect the nervous system from neuronal degeneration through neurotrophic modifications. This study aimed to investigate the effect of different doses of VPA on a hippocampal brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) level, CA1 area of hippocampal histopathology, and spatial memory assessment in animal models of hippocampal degeneration. Materials and Methods: To induce hippocampal degeneration, rats were injected intraperitoneally with trimethyltin (TMT). Three test groups (TMT+VPA) received 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg of VPA, respectively, and the TMT+Saline group received normal saline for 14 days after TMT intoxication. To investigate the spatial memory, the Morris water maze was used. Then, the BDNF hippocampal level was evaluated using the ELISA technique and histopathological evaluation of hippocampus was also done. Results: Valproic acid decreased the distance and latency time to arrive the hidden platform in learning blocks and increased the spent time in the target quadrant in a probe test following TMT intoxication. Also, the BDNF hippocampal level and amelioration of cell damage in the CA1 area of the hippocampus significantly increased in VPA-treated groups compared with the TMT+Saline group. Conclusion: Valproic acid has neuroprotective effects, which can decrease cognitive deficits due to TMT intoxication in rats.

Air pollution is the result of the emission of chemicals, particulate matter, and biologic material into the atmosphere, which caused adverse effects on the environment and health. Major air pollutants that threaten human health are carbon monoxide, Nitrogen oxide, ozone, Sulfur dioxide, chemical vapors, and particulate matter. Air pollution is an important risk factor for cardiovascular health, therefore in this review article; we discuss air-polluting particles and the adverse effects of them on cardiovascular disease.

Introduction: Maternal stress during pregnancy leads to neuroinflammation of the fetus and cognitive disorders in children. On the other side, Trichostatin A (TSA) as a histone deacetylase inhibitor has anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects. The aim of the present study was an evaluation of TSA effect on amelioration of spatial memory deficit and modification of pro-inflammatory cytokines in rat’s hippocampus of prenatal footshock stress model. Methods: In the present study, 24 pregnant Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups including control, PFS+Saline, PFS+TSA5, and PFS+TSA10. In order to induce prenatal footshock stress (PFS), the pregnant rats were subjected to electrical shock at 1 mA, 50 Hz for 2 seconds with 5 repetitions at 3-minute intervals from 12 to 18 days of pregnancy. Two hours before applying the shock intraperitoneal administration of TSA was performed daily. When the offsprings were one-month old, their spatial memory was assessed by the Morris water maze. Finally, the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) were measured by ELISA method. Results: a reduction in spatial memory and an increase in the level of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 were observed in PFS+Saline group compared to the control. Besides, spatial learning showed a significant increase in TSA-treated groups compared to PFS+Saline. Conclusion: TSA with anti-inflammatory effects led to the reduction of hippocampal inflammatory cytokines and amelioration of spatial memory in offsprings who were exposed to stress in the prenatal period.

Abstract Background: Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a widely-used flavor enhancer and stabilizer in ready-made or packaged foods. The excessive use of MSG has been shown to increase oxidative stress in different regions of the brain. In this study, the neuroprotective effect of L-carnitine was investigated against MSG intoxication in granular cell of cerebellum in rats. Materials and Methods: 48 adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 6 groups: the control, sham (normal saline treated), MSG (3%), L-Carnitine200, MSG+L-Carnitine100 and MSG+L-Carnitine200. After 30 days of treatment, through transcardialy perfusion, the rats were sacrificed and histopathological analyses were conducted on cerebellum. Results: The results indicated that the density of granular cells in cerebellar folium IV, V and VI of rats in the MSG group had significantly decreased in comparison to that of the control and sham groups. Furthermore, the MSG+L-Carnitine200 group showed the higher density of granular cells compared with the MSG group in the three folia. Conclusion: Treatment with L-Carnitine could protect the granular cells in cerebellum against MSG intoxication in rats.

Introduction: Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR) causes disruption for the central nervous system of fetus and is followed by cerebral cortex damage of neonates. This study aims to analyze the effects of erythropoietin (EPO) on spatial memory and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in entorhinal cortex of IUGR rat models. Methods: For IUGR induction, anterior uterine artery occlusion surgery is carried out on rats in embryonic day (ED) 14. From ED12, EPO are injected subcutaneously in 500, 1000 and 2000 IU/kg doses until the birth of their neonates. Spatial memory is analyzed by Morris water maze at postnatal day (PND) 30. Then, BDNF cerebral cortex level is estimated using ELISA. Differences between groups is analyzed with ANOVA and considered statistically significant at p ≤ 0.05. Results: A significant decrease is observed in spatial memory and BDNF cortex of untreated IUGR group in comparison with the control group (p ≤ 0.05). On the other hand, treatment of EPO improves spatial memory by increasing BDNF level in entorhinal cortex (p ≤0.05). Conclusion: The present study indicates that fetal growth restriction causes cognitive disorder in rat model. Consequently, expression of neurotrophic factors, such as cerebral cortical BDNF, will be decreased. Moreover, neuroprotective effects of EPO could ameliorate cognitive deficits in IUGR model.

Introduction: Prenatal Food Restriction (PFR) causes some disorders in prenatal development and neuro-developmental abnormalities. On the other hand, the studies indicated that erythropoietin can act as a neuro-protector. Therefore, the aim of this study is to analyze the effects of erythropoietin on working memory, passive avoidance learning, and anxiety level in rat PFR model. Methods: In this experimental study, 50 neonatal rats are exposed to PFR. Reduction of standard food portion up to 50% has been started on the embryonic day (ED) 14 in rats until postnatal period. Then, different doses of 500, 1000, and 2000 IU/kg weight erythropoietin were injected to experimental groups, subcutaneously. At post natal day (PND) 30; Y-maze, shuttle box and elevated plus maze (EPM) are used for evaluation of working memory, passive avoidance learning, and anxiety level, respectively. Differences between groups were analyzed by one way ANOVA with Tukey’s post hoc (p ˂ 0.05). Results: The results indicate that working memory and avoidance learning have reduced significantly in the control group (p ˂ 0.05). Moreover, anxiety level has increased in PFR group in comparison with the control group (p ˂ 0.001). On the other hand, working and avoidance memories have increased in those groups which received EPO in comparison with PFR groups and anxiety level have decreased significantly (p ˂ 0.05). Conclusion: Our results indicate that prenatal treatment of erythropoietin can ameliorate behavioral abnormalities in PFR model.

Objective(s): End-stage hepatic failure is a potentially life-threatening condition for which orthotopic liver transplantation is the only effective treatment. However, a shortage of available donor organs for transplantation each year results in the death of many patients waiting for liver transplantation. Xenotransplantation, or the transplantation of cells, tissues, or organs between different species, was proposed as a possible solution to the worldwide shortage of human organs and tissues for transplantation. The purpose of this preliminary study was to reconstruct human liver tissue by xenotransplantation of human Wharton jelly mesenchymal stem cells (hWJ-MSCs) into fetal rabbit. Materials and Methods: Isolation and confirmation of hWJ-MSCs from human umbilical cord was performed. Eight rabbits at gestational day 14 were anesthetized. All rabbits carried pregnancies to term yielding 40 rabbit fetuses. Intrauterine injection of hWJ-MSCs was performed in 24 fetuses. Twenty-seven fetuses were born alive. Ten liver samples from injected fetuses were sampled, eight rabbits 3 days after birth and two rabbits 21 days after birth. The non-injected fetuses served as positive control. Fetuses of non-injected rabbits were negative controls. Using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), mRNA expression of albumin (ALB), α-fetoprotein (AFP), hepatic nuclear factor 4 (HNF4), and CYP2B6 (CYP) were detected in liver samples. Results: The human ALB, AFP, HNF4, and CYP mRNAs were expressed in the injected sampled fetuses by hWJ-MSCs into fetuses of rabbits in utero. Conclusion: Developing xenotransplantation of hWJ-MSCs into rabbit uterus can introduce an applied approach for producing human liver tissue in rabbits.

BACKGROUND: The prelimbic area (PL) of the prefrontal cortex is susceptible to abnormal developmental stimuli that raises the risk of addiction. Glutamate receptors play a key role in opiate reinforcement and reward functions in this area. Therefore, we examined the effect of the DL-2-amino-5-phosphonopentanoic acid (AP5), as N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist into the PL on the phases of conditioned place preference (CPP) induced by morphine. METHODS: Male Wistar rats were divided into 12 groups (3 surgical groups for each dose of morphine in any phase of CPP) and anaesthetized with chloral hydrate. Cannula was implanted into the PL and the AP5 was injected into this area and morphine-induced CPP was investigated. Data were processed with the commercially available SPSS 22 software using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's test. p

Background & Objective: Diabetes causes reproductive disorders by endocrine glands dysfunction. Also curcumin has antioxidant and hypoglycemic properties. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of curcumin on pituitary-gonadal axis, DNA oxidative damage and antioxidant enzymes activity of testicular tissue in male type one diabetic rats. Material & Methods: In this experimental study 40 male Wistar rats were allocated into 5 equal groups (n=8). Control group, non-treated diabetic group (30 days, intraperitoneal injection of dimethyl sulfoxide) and treated diabetic groups with doses 50, 100 and 150 mg/kg of curcumin (30 days, intraperitoneal injection of curcumin dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide). Diabetes was induced using an intraperitoneal injection of 240 mg/kg alloxan. At the end of treatments, serum levels of LH, FSH, estrogen, testosterone, dihydrotestosterone and levels of SOD, CAT, GPX, HOdG-8 and MDA in testicle tissue were measured by ELISA. The statistical analysis was carried out using one-way ANOVA and post-hoc Tukey tests (p

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a drastic disability that leads to spinal cord impairment. This study sought to determine the effects of bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) on caspase-3 levels after acute SCI in mice. Forty-two mice were randomly divided into 3 groups: control (2 subcategories), subjected to no intervention; sham (3 subcategories), subjected to acute SCI; and experimental (2 subcategories), subjected to SCI and cell transplantation. In the experimental group, 2×105 BMSCs were injected intravenously 1 day after SCI. The mesenchymal property of the cells was assessed. The animals in the 3 groups were sacrificed 1, 21, and 35 days after the induction of injury and caspase-3 levels were evaluated using a caspase-3 assay kit. The obtained values were analyzed with ANOVA and Tukey tests using GraphPad and SPSS. Based on the assessments, the transplanted cells were spindle-shaped and were negative for the hematopoietic markers of CD34 and CD45 and positive for the expression of the mesenchymal marker of CD90 and osteogenic induction. The caspase-3 levels showed a significant increase in the sham and experimental groups in comparison to the control group. One day after SCI, the caspase-3 level was significantly higher in the sham group (1.157±0.117) than in the other groups (P

Background: The repetitive seizure attacks lead to widespread neuronal damage and cognitive deficit, e.g. memory and learning impairment. The single or repeated administration of pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) can induce seizure in rat. This study evaluates the neuroprotective effect of lithium chloride (LiCl) on PTZ-induced working and spatial memory deficit. Materials and Methods: To induce the PTZ-kindling model, repeated doses of PTZ (40mg/kg/BW/ip) were injected for 5 consecutive days. After observing five stages of seizure, the PTZ+Li20, PTZ+Li40 and PTZ+Li80 groups received 20, 40 and 80 mg/kg/BW of LiCl, respectively and the PTZ+Saline group, received Saline for 14 days. The Morris water maze (MWM) and Y maze tests were conducted in order to investigate the spatial and working memory. Results: Compared to Control group, the PTZ+Saline group showed a decrease in alteration behavior in Y maze and an increase in latency time and distance to hidden platform in MWM. LiCl-treated rats, especially in the lowest dose, showed a significant higher alteration behavior in Y maze and the lower latency time and distance to hidden platform in MWM than the PTZ+Saline group. Conclusion: The neuroprotective effects of LiCl can ameliorate the spatial and working memory impairment in a PTZ-kindling model.

Introduction: Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disease that is characterized by recurrent, spontaneous brain seizures. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of ellagic acid (EA) on hippocampal cell damage in penthylentetrazole (PTZ) induced kindling model. Methods: In this experimental study, 50 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 groups (n= 10): control, PTZ (40 mg/kg, ip), PTZ+EA12,PTZ+EA25 and PTZ+EA51 (which received 12.5, 25 & 50 mg/kg, respectively) groups. After investigation of seizure delay in five consecutive days, the brains of rat’s skulls were removed and histopathological evaluation were performed. Comparison between different groups was assessed by one way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s post hoc test (p< 0.05). Results: Intraperitoneally injection of PTZ induced kindling seizure in animal model (p< 0.001). The data showed the seizure delay following the administration of EA increased (p< 0.001). In addition, after administration of EA the density of hippocampal cells increased in experimental groups (p< 0.001). Conclusion: The results of this study showed that EA decreases the severity of seizure in kindling seizures. Also, EA increased the neuronal density following the administration of PTZ. Therefore, EA possesses neuroprotective effects that enhance the hippocampal damages in animals and also perhaps in patients suffering from seizure.

Introduction: The polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) carried along with hormonal– metabolic disorders, oxidative stress and ovulation dysregulation. Several studies have shown the role of Gallic acid (GA) as a potent antioxidant in oxidative stress induced disorders. Considering the antioxidant properties of GA, we investigate the effect of GA on the serum level of pituitary-ovary axis hormones and activity of ovary tissue antioxidant enzymes of PCOS model was studied. Methods: 32 Wistar female rats were divided into four groups: Control, PCOS+Saline, PCOS+GA50, PCOS+GA100. PCOS was induced by single muscular injection of Estradiol valerate (4 mg/kg/BW).Then, GA was prescribed with doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg for 21 days, orally. At the end of treatment period, serum levels of LH, FSH, Estradiol, testosterone and progesterone as well as the tissue level of dismutase superoxide enzymes (SOD), catalase (CAT) and Malondialdehyde (MDA) in the ovaries were measured by ELISA technique. Differences between data were analyzed by one way ANOVA and the p ˂ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Levels of LH, Estradiol and testosterone as well the MDA in treatment group with GA were increased significantly compared to the PCOS group (p ˂ 0.05), while the serum level of FSH and progesterone and tissue level of SOD and CAT enzymes were increased significantly in GA-treated groups than the PCOS group (p ˂ 0.05). Conclusion: GA modifies the level of sex hormones in PCOS model by increase of antioxidant enzymes activity.

مقدمه: اعتیاد، اختلال مغزی همراه با تغییرات نوروبیولوژیک است. کورتکس پره‌فرونتال در حافظه، یادگیری، پاداش و اعتیاد نقش دارد. این مطالعه، با هدف بررسی اثر تزریق 2-Amino-5-phosphopentanoic acid (AP5)، آنتاگونیست گیرنده‌ی گلوتامات، در ناحیه‌ی پره‌فرونتال بر تمایل به مورفین انجام شد. روش‌ها: در مجموع، از 27 گروه موش صحرایی نر نژاد ویستار (6 = n) استفاده شد. بدین منظور، از 7 گروه آزمایشی جهت تعیین دزهای مؤثر و غیر مؤثر مورفین و از 20 گروه آزمایشی جهت مطالعه‌ی اثر دزهای مختلف AP5 بر تمایل به دزهای متفاوت مورفین در مراحل اکتساب و بیان آزمون رفتاری ترجیح مکانی شرطی شده (CPP یا Conditioned place preference) استفاده گردید. در نهایت، شاخص CPP مورد ارزیابی قرار گرفت. یافته‌ها: شاخص CPP گروه‌هایی که دزهای 5/2 (050/0 > P)، 5 (001/0 > P)، 5/7 (010/0 > P) و 10 (001/0 > P) میلی‌گرم/کیلوگرم مورفین را دریافت کردند، به طور معنی‌داری نسبت به گروه شاهد (سالین) افزایش نشان داد؛ در حالی که شاخص CPP در دزهای 5/0 و 0/1 میلی‌گرم/کیلوگرم معنی‌دار نبود. تزریق دزهای مختلف AP5 همراه با دز مؤثر مورفین، کاهش معنی‌داری را در مراحل اکتساب و بیان CPP درگروه‌های آزمایش نسبت به گروه سالین و مورفین نشان داد، اما همراه با دز غیر مؤثر مورفین، کاهش معنی‌دار فقط در مرحله‌ی بیان CPP گروه آزمایش در مقایسه با گروه سالین و مورفین مشاهده شد (001/0 > P). نتیجه‌گیری: به نظر می‌رسد تزریق AP5 در کورتکس پره‌فرونتال، باعث افت CPP شود و در نتیجه، تمایل به مورفین را کاهش دهد. احتمال می‌رود این اثر به دلیل تضعیف یادگیری و اختلال حافظه‌ی ناشی از ناکارآمدی سیستم پاداش در پاسخ به مورفین باشد.

Nigella sativa (NS) has been suggested to have neuroprotective and anti-seizures properties. The aim of current study was to investigate the effects of NS hydro-alcoholic extract on neural damage after pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) – induced repeated seizures. The rats were divided into five groups: (1) control (saline), (2) PTZ (50 mg/kg, i.p.), (3–5) PTZ-NS 100, PTZ-NS 200 and PTZ-NS 400 (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg of NS extract respectively, 30 min prior to each PTZ injection on 5 consecutive days). The passive avoidance (PA) test was done and the brains were then removed for histological measurements. The PTZ-NS 100, PTZ-NS 200 and PTZ-NS 400 groups had lower seizure scores than PTZ group (P

Objective: The present study investigated the effects of gallic acid (GA) administration on trimethyltin chloride (TMT) induced anxiety, depression, and hippocampal neurodegeneration in rats. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, the rats received intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections of TMT (8 mg/kg). The animals received either GA (50, 100 and 150 mg/kg) or saline as the vehicle for 14 consecutive days. We measured depression and anxiety levels of the rats by conducting the behavioral tail suspension (TST), elevatedplusmaze (EPM), and novelty suppressed feeding (NSF) tests. Histological analyses were then used to determine the cell densities of different hippocampal subdivisions. The data were analyzed with ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc test. Results: GA administration ameliorated anxiety and depression in the behavioral tests. The cell densities in the CA1, CA2, CA3 and DG hippocampal subdivisionsfrom GA-treated rats were higher than saline treated rats. Conclusion: GA treatment against TMT-induced hippocampal degeneration altered cellular loss in the hippocampus and ameliorated the depression-anxiety state in rats.

cognition, learning and memory functions. This study presents a permanent model of a toxin produced cerebellar lesion characterized according to contemporary motor and cognitive abnormalities. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, slow administration of quinolinic acid (QA, 5 μl of 200 μmol, 1 μl/minute) in the right cerebellar hemisphere (lobule VI) caused noticeable motor and cognitive disturbances along with cellular degeneration in all treated animals. We assessed behavioral and histopathological studies over ten weeks after QA treatment. The data were analyzed with ANOVA and the student’s t test. Results: The QA treated group showed marked motor learning deficits on the rotating rod test (p≤0.0001), locomotor asymmetry on the cylinder test (p≤0.0001), dysmetria on the beam balance test (p≤0.0001), abnormalities in neuromuscular strength on the hang wire test (p≤0.0001), spatial memory deficits in the Morris water maze (MWM, p≤0.001) and fear conditioned memory on the passive avoidance test (p≤0.01) over a ten-week period compared with the control animals. Histopathological analysis showed loss of Purkinje cells (p≤0.001) and granular cell density (p≤0.0001) in the lesioned hemisphere of the cerebellum. Conclusion: Results of the present study show that QA can remove numerous cells which respond to this toxin in hemispheric lobule VI and thus provide a potential model for functional and cell-based studies.