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Introduction: Free radical-mediated peroxidation of biological molecules, such as lipids, is implicated in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis and it's animal model experimental allergic encephalomyelitis(EAE). Low concentration of antioxidant vitamin E has been observed in serum of multiple sclerosis. However, it is not known whether vitamin E has protective effect in EAE. Vitamin E may inhibit EAE by effect on the level of uric acid and Nitric Oxide (NO) production. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study some male C57BL/6 mice were placed in two therapeutic groups (n=8 per group) with age and weight-matched as follow: 1)Vitamin E-treated EAE mice (10mg/kg/every two days of vitamin E given i.p from day-3 until day+19 after disease induction, 2) Non-treated EAE mice (EAE control) received vehicle alone with same schedule. In addition, 5 age and weight-matched male C57BL/6 mice served as normal (non-EAE) controls. Clinical score of disease, uric acid and NO levels of the groups were analysed. Results: Results showed that vitamin E-treated mice had significantly less clinical score of EAE (4±0.8) than non-treated EAE induced mice (5.3±0.44), (p<0.01). Also, there was difference at the onset day of the disease between vitamin E-treated and non-treated EAE-induced mice (day 13±1 and day 11±1, respectively), although was not significant. Concentration of uric acid in vitamin E treated mice were significantly lower than EAE control (p<0.001). There was no difference at the level of NO between the groups. Conclusion: Vitamin E had no effect on NO level, but decreased serum uric acid level. It suggests that vitamin E can reduce or delay the onset of EAE by increasing uric acid consumption.

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  Introduction: The increasing use of EMF (electromagnetic field) generating apparatus (refrigerators, computers, TV, etc) caused an increasing interest in investigations of its adverse effects on human health. This study is done to investigate the effects of EFM on Balb/c mice.

  Materials and Methods: This is an experimental study in which at first a circuit generating low frequency electromagnetic field (50 Hz, 15G) was designed. Then adult virgin female mice were placed in coil and exposed to 15 gauss electromagnetic field for 4 day and 6 hour per day. Then their blood was examined to assay the level of hormones (FSH, LH, estradiol, progesterone). Also ovary and uterus sections were studied with light & electronic microscope.

  Results : Results showed that the weight and size of ovary was not significantly affected in females exposed to the low frequency electromagnetic field and their offspring. Our results also showed that the number of ovary follicles were significantly affected in exposed females (p<0.05). Also the study of micrographs showed hetrochromatinated oocytes and follicular cells and increasing polysomes, accumulation of mitochondria and cleft nucleus. Decreasing amount of FSH, LH and 50% decrease in couplation rate was also seen as compared with the control group.

  Conclusion: Results of this study is indicator of EFM effects on gonads^, structure and endocrine system and decreases fertility.

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Introduction: There is little information about essence and combination of ductuli efferentes secretions. Glycoconjugates importance in sperm production and maturation has been confirmed in previous studies therefore this study is done in order to recognitize Glycoconjugates in ductuli efferentes epithelium and determination of their distribution pattern by means of lectin histochemistry. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive study tissue species were obtained from 30 adult male BALB/c mice. After fixation and routine laboratory processes, 5 μm sections were prepared from paraffin blocks. These slides were exposed to different lectins by means of lectin histochemistry. Reaction intensity in different cells was investigated by light microscope and graded according to the previous related studies. Then results were compared with each other by Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn statistical tests. Results: The mean of reaction intensity in ductuli efferentes epithelium in reply to different lectins, showed significant statistical difference (p<0.005). The most intense reaction was seen in response to WGA (Wheat Germ Agglutinin) lectin and after that to SBA (Soybean Agglutinin), VVA (Vicia Villosa Agglutinin) and PNA (Peanut Agglutinin) respectively. But the staining was negative with GSA-I (Griffonia Simplicifolia Agglutinin-I) lectin. Conclusion: Results indicate that the cells of ductuli efferentes epithelium in mouse are involved in synthesis and secretion of sperm maturation related glycoconjugates and produce a variety of these components in various amounts. There is a large amount of components, containing terminal sugars such as Sialic acid,Galactose-N-Acetylgalactosamine and N-Acetylgalactosamine in ductuli efferentes cells. The lack of Galactose in this epithelium shows that, it hasn’t a role in sperm maturation.

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 Introduction: Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is an animal model of multiple sclerosis distinguished by infiltration of leukocytes into the central nervous system. Changes in composition and levels of unsaturated fatty acids, affect the integrity of blood-brain barrier. In this study, we evaluated the effect of Sesame oil on the leukocyte infiltration into the brain of MOG35-55 induced EAE male C57BL/6 mice. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, male C57BL/6 mice were placed in two therapeutic groups (n=10 per group) with age and weight-matched as follow: 1.Sesame oil-treated EAE mice received 4ml/kg/day of Sesame oil given i.p. from day -3 until day +19 after disease induction, 2.Non-treated EAE mice (EAE control) received Phosphate buffer alone with same schedule. EAE was induced by immunization of mice with MOG35-55 peptide and complete Freund's adjuvant. Leukocytes infiltration into the brain was investigated 20 days after immunization. Data was analyzed using Mann-Whitney U test. Results: The results show that Sesame oil-treated mice had significantly less clinical score of EAE (2.6±0.4) than non-treated EAE induced mice (4.2±0.6), (p<0.001). Also, there was a significant difference at number of the infiltrating cells in brain between Sesame oiltreated (80±20) and non treated EAE-induced mice (150±30), (p<0.01). Conclusion: These results indicate that Sesame oil reduces infiltration of leukocytes into the brain of EAE mice, therefore lessening the histological changes and clinical signs and thus ameliorating the disease.

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Introduction: The increasing users of microwave appliances such as cell phones caused an increasing interest on investigation of its adverse effects on human health and development of animals.This study is done to investigate the effects of simulating cell phone waves on gonads and sex cells of male Balb/C mouse. Materials and Methods: This is an experimental study in which with the use of generating apparatus of simulating cell phone waves, adult male mice were exposed to cell phone waves for 10 days (4 hours per day). Then structure and ultrastructure of testes and number of sex cells were examined by light and transmission electron microscope. Data was analyzed using t and Mann Whitney testes. Results: The results did not show any significant differences in the size and weight of testes in mice exposed to the simulating cell phone waves. Results also showed that the number of spermatogonia cells and primary spermatocytes and spermatids and sperms were significantly increased in exposed mice (p<0.05), but the number of sertoli cells were significantly decreased (p<0.05). The study of micrographs showed changes in ultrastructure of sexual cells, such as cleft and hetrochromatined nucleus and decrease of cell organelles and vacuolization of cytoplasm. Conclusion: Results indicate the effect of simulating cell phone waves on number and ultrastructure of sex cell in male Balb/C mouse.

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Introduction: Previous investigations and available data demonstrate that there are different patterns of diseases distribution in developed and developing countries. While in developed countries the major cause of death are cancers, in developing countries the main cause of death are infectious diseases. Various factors may be responsible for different causes of death in two those groups of countries. There are raising scientific evidences that some infectious and parasitic organisms when enter the body may effect the tumor growth. In order to explore this presumption, in this work the effect of Leishmania major infection on fibrosarcoma tumor growth in mouse model has been investigated. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study a group of inbred mice (n=6) were infected with Leishmania major as case group. After one month both these mice and some more mice as control group (n=6) were challenged with fibrosarcoma cells. The size of growing solid tumors was measured in individual mouse every two days up to two weeks. This measurement was performed 5 times on days 5, 7, 11, 13 and 16. Tumor area was also calculated for every single mouse. T-test was used to analyze data. Results: Results of this work showed that the mean size of tumor in case group was smaller than that of control group only in the first week following challenge with fibrosarcoma cells but the tumor mass was bigger in days 13 and 16 in case group. However the difference between the tumor mass in case and control groups was not statistically significant. Conclusion: Results of this investigation revealed that there was no significant difference between the tumor mass in case and control mice. However to explore more about the hypothesis of this study, it is recommended that the research work be carried out using different tissue parasites and also different cell lines.

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Introduction: Stirility is a problem throughout the world. Decreasing the growth and developmental rate of embryo and arresting in certain step of development like two cell block, could be the reason of infertility in some couples. Previous study show that arrest and retardation in embryo development can produced by low temperature exposure. We aimed to evaluate the effect of Ethanol on growth and development of mouse two-cell arrested embryo. Material and methods: The 4-6 week old female mice were coupled with male mice following superovulation and positive vaginal plaque mice were killed 48 hour after HCG injection by cervical dislocation method. Two cell embryo were collected in RPMI medium and divided and cultured (in M16 medium) in three groups. The 2nd and 3rd groups were exposed to 4°C for 24 hour in order to delay and arrest for cleavage and developmental rate. The 2nd group (2nd control) were incubated immediately, while the 3rd group (experiment) were exposed to % 0.1 Ethanole for 5 minutes and the 1st group (1st control) without any exposure to low temperature group were incubated . Results: The data analysis by one-way ANOWA show that the developmental rate of embryos exposed to low temperature (4°C) significantly decreased (P=0.001), retardation and arrest being produced. The mean of cleavage rate between groups were not significantly affected, but the mean percent of degenerated embryos between groups have significant differences (P=0.045). On the other hand the mean percent of morulla is significantly different between groups (P=0.005) similarly the mean percent of blastocyst and hatched blastocyst have significant differences between groups (P=0.014) (P=0.001) after 120 hr evaluation. Conclusion: Effect of %0.1 Ethyl-alchol on arrested two cell embryos can significantly increase the mean percent of morulla and development up to blastocyst and hatching blastocyst stage related to control group, without any significant effect on cleavage rate

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Abstract Background: Aloe Vera species have diverse immunomodulatory and antitumor activities. The present study was set out to define the immunomodulatory activity of Aloe Vera extract on tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and development of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) as an animal model of multiple sclerosis (MS). Materials and Methods: In this experimental interventional study, EAE was induced by MOG35-55 peptide and complete Freund's adjuvant in C57BL/6 mice. Mice were placed in two therapeutic groups (n=8 per group) with the same age and weight. Therapy with Aloe Vera extract (120mg/kg/every day given oral) was started on day 5 before the immunization until 25 day after that. EAE control received phosphate buffer alone with same schedule. Signs of disease were recorded daily until the day 25 when mice were bled and sacrificed. Produced TNF-α by cultured spleen mononuclear cells was detected by ELISA. Results: The Aloe Vera treatment significantly reduced the clinical signs of EAE and delayed onset of disease. Mononuclear cells isolated from spleen of treated-mice with Aloe Vera showed a significant decrease in TNF-α in compared with control mice (p=0.012). Conclusion: Aloe Vera ameliorated the EAE and reduced TNF-α level in MS animal model.

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Abstract Background: Spinal cord slices culturing from adult mammals could be considered as a suitable in-vitro model for evaluating cellular viability, spinal cord injury and cell death mechanisms. In present study, determining of cell death in motor neurons of cultured spinal cord slices in adult mouse was done. Materials and Methods: In a experimental- laboratory study, thoracic regions of spinal cords from 4 Balb/c mice were cut into 400-µm slices using tissue chopper and incubated in a Co2 incubator at 37˚C for different periods of time. Freshly prepared slices (0h) and cultured slices were fixed and sectioned using cryostat. To study morphological and biochemical features of cell death, fluorescent staining, TUNEL method and agarose gel electrophoresis were used. Results: In freshly prepared slices of motor neurons showed no apoptotic changes. While, 6, 12 and 24h after culturing, this neurons displayed morphological features of apoptosis including cell shrinkage as well as nuclear and chromatin condensation. Also, 6 and 12h after culturing were TUNEL positive. In addition, extracted DNA from cultured slices for 24h were indicated the nucleosomal DNA fragmentation on agarose gel electrophoresis. Conclusion: Results were showed the occurrence of apoptosis in motor neurons of cultured adult mouse spinal cord slices.

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Background: In traditional medicine, Olive oil (Olea europaea L.) from Oleaceae family is known as a remedy for alleviating pain. This study investigates the antinociceptive effects of olive oil on male adult NMRI mice. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, using the acetic acid-induced writhing and formalin tests, the anticipative effects of olive oil were evaluated. Olive oil (1, 5, and 10 ml/kg bodyweight), morphine (10 mg/kg bodyweight), and indomethacin (10 mg/kg bodyweight), as standard drugs, were injected intraperitoneally. The control group did not receive any treatment. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey test. Results: Olive oil significantly decreased acetic acid-induced abdominal writhes (P<0.001). Olive oil could only decrease the induced pain in the second phase of the formalin test (P<0.001). Conclusion: Olive oil decreases inflammatory pain (the second phase of the formalin test and acetic acid-induced writhing tests), but it has no significant effects on neurogenic pain (the first phase of the formalin test). Further studies are required to elucidate the antinociceptive effects of olive oil.

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Background: Morphine is one of the derivations of opium alkaloids. Contradictory reports exist on hyperglycemic and hypoglycemic effects of morphine. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of opioid receptors involved in blood glucose changes in morphine-treated Balb/c mice. Materials and Methods: This experimental study was carried out on 8 groups of male Balb/c mice (n=6), including group1(morphine), group 2 (naloxone (morphine antagonist) + morphine), group 3 (naltrindole ( receptor antagonist) + morphine), group 4 (norbinaltorphimine ( receptor antagonist) + morphine), group 5 (CTOP ( receptor antagonist) + morphine), group 6 (saline), group 7 (saline + saline), and group 8 (saline + morphine). Blood samples were obtained from retro-orbital sinus at 0, 1, 2, and 3 hours after injection. Blood glucose level was measured by enzymatic technique. Data were analyzed by SPSS software. Results: The application of morphine resulted in significant hypoglycemia in comparison with the control group which was significantly compensated by naloxone compared to the morphine group. The application of naltrindole could significantly inhibit hypoglycemia induced by morphine compared to the control group, whereas norbinaltorphimine and CTOP failed to do so. Conclusion: Since naltrindole could compensate for hypoglycemia due to morphine, hypoglycemia caused by morphine is likely to be mediated by opioid receptors

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Background: Retinoic acid (RA) is a vitamin A derivative and one of the most important inducing signals in vertebrates that is involved in differentiation, morphogenesis, apoptosis, and reproduction. This study was done to evaluate the role of RA in in vitro neural patterning of mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs).

Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, upon formation, embryoid bodies (EBs) from mESCs, Royan B1, were induced by 1 µM RA for four days and then plated for eight days. Untreated EBs were considered as the control group. Finally, in both groups, neural induction and patterning of EB-derived neural cells were evaluated by using immunostaining, flowcytometry, and RT-PCR methods.

Results: RA induced neurogenesis in ES cells, from which 35% showed to express MAP2. RT-PCR analysis also indicated that RA-treated neural cells derived from ES cells could at the same time express Mash1, Pax6/7, and Dbx1/2 as dorso-ventral (DV) pattering markers and Hoxb4, Hoxc5, and Hoxc8 as the rostro-caudal (RC) axis markers.

Conclusion: RA induces in vitro neural induction along with neural patterning of ES-derived neural cells in DV and RC axes. Keywords: Mouse embryonic stem cells, neural patterning, retinoic acid

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Background: Arsenic as an environmental contaminant induces male infertility. Curcumin with potent antioxidant property is able to restrict oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of curcumin on testis tissue and sperm count in adult mice treated with sodium arsenite.

Materials and Methods: In an experimental study, animals were divided into four groups: control, sodium arsenite (5 mg/kg), curcumin (100 mg/kg) and curcumin+sodium arsenite. Treatments were performed by intraperitoneal injection for five weeks. After treatment period, body weight was recorded. Left testis was dissected, weighed and used for the histopathological study of seminiferous tubules. Left cauda epididymis was also used to count sperm number.

Results: Mice treated with sodium arsenite showed a significant decrease in the sperm count, the diameter of seminiferous tubules and a significant increase in the lumen diameter of tubules compared to control group. In curcumin+sodium arsenite group, curcumin significantly reversed the adverse effects of sodium arsenite on testis and sperm count. Whereas, the treated mice showed no significant difference in body and testis weight as well as morphology and nuclear diameter of spermatogonia between four groups.

Conclusion: Curcumin is able to compensate the toxic effect of sodium arsenite on sperm count and testis in adult mouse.

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Background: One of the side effects of chemotherapy drugs is oxidative stress that can damage the sperm and decrease fertility potential. Antioxidant agents in Imedeen like Lycophence GS and Biomarine complex play important role in preventing the direct and indirect effects of free radicals. So, in this study, the inhibitory effects of Imedeen on the damage caused by cyclophosphamide were investigated.

Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 60 mature male mice were divided into six groups. The control group received physiological serum, the second group received CP with 12mg/kg/day dosage, the third group received Imedeen with 111µg/kg/day dosage, the fourth group received Imedeen with 222 µg/kg/day dosage, the fifth group received CP and Imedeen with one dosage and the last group received CP and Imedeen with double dosage. Sampling and studies on sperm quality were performed after 35 days.

Results: The results obtained from the caudal epididymal sperm analysis revealed that treated with CP caused significant decrease in sperm count, motility, and viability, while abnormal sperms increased as compared to control gruop. These changes were associated with significant increase in DNA damage and chromatin abnormality in the caudal epididymal spermatozoa as evidenced by Acridine Orange and Aniline Blue staining respectively. Notably administration of Imedeen caused a considerable recovery in above-mentioned parameters.

Conclusion: The results suggest that Imedeen as an antioxidant could diminish the side effects of cyclophosphamide in the reproductive system of male mice.

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  Background: Failure to pass the blood-brain barrier is a serious challenge to the use of magnesium in the treatment of neurologic disorders. But , recently, applying magnesium oxide nanoparticles that is capable of crossing biological barriers has created new hopes. According to the reinforcing effects of magnesium oxide nanoparticles on memory and ambiguity in the best time of application and duration of its effects, the aim of the present study was to compare effects of pre-and post-training administration of different doses of magnesium oxide nanoparticles on long-term memory.

  Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, fifty- six adult male NMRI mice in the control group and receiving magnesium oxide nanoparticles group at doses of 1, 2.5 and 5 mg/kg (I.P) before and after training were used. Long-term memory of mice in a week on days 1,3and7 days after training (shock) by using step-down device and passive avoidance learning method was assessed. Time latency in coming down the secure platform was considered as the memory assessment scale.

  Results: The results showed that injection of nano-magnesium oxide in both the 2.5 and 5 mg/kg improved memory through increasing the latency in coming down the secure platform during a week (p< 0.001), without any changes in locomotor activity, whereas, it had no effect at 1 mg dose. Pre-training injection of magnesium oxide nanoparticles increased memory relatively, it wasn't statistically significant compared to the control group.

  Conclusion: According to the above results, magnesium oxide nanoprticles improves long term memory, and it is possible when the training and the acquisition has occurred, otherwise it will not make a significant impact .

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