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Background and Objective: Free radical production andsubsqunt oxidative steress can be due to hyperglycemia and its oxidation. This study was done to evaluate the effect of swimming training test and Fenugreek seed extract on plasma glucose and antioxidant activity in heart tissue of streptozotocine – induced diabetic rats. Methods: In this experimental study, 50 male wistar rats were allocated into five groups diabetic (DC, n=10), healthy control (HC, n=10), swimming training (S, n=10), swimming training + Fenugreek seed extract (1.74 g/kg/bw) (SF1, n=10), and swimming training + Fenugreek seed extract (0.87 g/kg/bw) (SF2, n=10). Streptozotocine (60 mg/kg/bw) was used for induction of diabetes in DC, S, SF1 and SF2 groups. Serum glucose and the rat heart tissue antioxidant enzymes activities of superoxide dismutase, Catalase and Glutation peroxidase were determined. Results: Body weight in all groups were significantly reduced in comparsion with healthy control group (P<0.05). Plasma glucose level significantly reduced in SF1 and HC groups compared to diabetic group (P<0.05). Cardiac antioxidant enzymes in swimming training, SF1 and SF2 groups significantly increased in compare to diabetic group (P<0.05). Conclusion: The combination of endurance swimming training and fenugreek seed extract can reduce plasma glucose and increase cardiac antioxidant enzymes in streptozotocine – induced diabetic rats.

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Background and Objective: Bunium percicum is often used in Iranian traditional medicine for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders particularly gastric ulcer.This study was done to evaluate the antiulcerogenic effect of Bunium percicum Boiss.essential oil against indomethacin and ethanol – induced ulcer models in Wistar rats. Methods: This experimental study was carried out on rats weighing 200-220 g in veterinary college of Urmia University, Iran. LD₅₀ was calculated based on Lorke’s method. To evaluate the short term oral toxicity, animals were allocated into four group of six each. In groups 1-3 animals were received orally 250, 125, 80 mg/kg/bw of Bunium percicum Boiss.essential oil, respectively. Controls were received Tween 80 (2%) orally for 14 consecutive days and monitored daily. Bunium percicum Boiss. essential oil was administered orally at doses of 20, 40 and 80 mg/kg/bw and cimetedin (10 mg/kg/bw) and omopirazol (30 mg/kg/bw) in indomethacin and ethanol–induced ulcer models. Results: The LD₅₀ was 375 mg/kg/bw. Daily single oral doses of Bunium percicum Boiss.essential oil tolerated behaviorally after 14 days without any alterations in body and organs weight, food, water consumption and serum total protein, alanine and aspartate aminotransferase activity. The preventive index in doses of 40 and 80 mg/kg/BW of Bunium percicum Boiss.essential oil was 37.98% and 59.21%, respectively in the indomethacin -induced ulcer model (P<0.05). In the model of ethanol -induced ulcer, the preventive index in doses of 40 and 80 mg/kg of Bunium percicum Boiss. essential oil was 12.40% and 22.05%, respectively (P<0.05). Conclusion: The essential oil of Bunium percicum Boiss is completely ‘‘safe’’ and at the doses of 40 and 80mg/kg/bw significantly prevent gastric ulcers in animal model.

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Background and Objective: Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis M.) as a medicinal herb is practiced in wound healing. This study was carried out to assess the effect of Aloe vera gel (mucilage) on TGF-β gene expression in incisional skin wound in BALB/c mice. Method: In this experimental study, 36 BALB/c male mice with weight range 22±2 gr were allocated equally into negative control (no wound), sham-operated (wound treated with physiological serum) and teratment (wound treated with Aloe vera gel). Two equal full-thickness skin wounds of 10±2mm were made on either side of the vertebral column in the sacral region. The animals in the teratment group were received daily, 2 gram of Aloe vera gel (without any bandage) as a thin layer for a period of 16 days. On 8th and 16th post wounding day, TGF-β gene expression in incisional wounds and Malonyldialdehyde (as end-product of lipid peroxidation) in serum samples was measured using RT-PCR and spectrophotometry methods, respectively. Results: TGF-β gene expression in incisional skin wound increased in Aloe vera gel treated group in compared to negative control and sham-operated groups (P<0.05). Malonyldialdehyde concentration was significantly reduced in Aloe vera treated group in comparision with negative control and sham-operated groups. Conclusion: Aloe vera gel can induce growth factor TGF-β gene expression and reducing the lipid peroxidation content can play an important role in incisional skin wound healing process.

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Background and Objective: Anxiety and depression are experienced following addicted patients durg withdrawal. This study was done to determine the effect of methadone and valproate combination on morphine withdrawal-induced anxiety and depression in male mice. Methods: In this experimental study, ninety-eight male mice were allocated into acute and chronic categories. Animals in acute chronic categories allocated into seven groups including: saline, morphine, methadone (10 mg/kg/bw), valproate (150 mg/kg/bw), three groups of valproate+methadone, in of ratio 1:1, 2:1 and 1:2. Animals were received escalating dose of morphine for 8 consecutive days except saline group. In chronic group, drugs were injected for 30 minutes before morphine administration, while in acute group the drugs were used only at day 8. Anxiety and depression due to naloxone injection (5 mg/kg/bw) was investigated by elevated plus-maze, tail-suspension and open field tests. Results: In the chronic group, valproate + methadone (2:1) combination therapy showed a significant increase in the percentage of open arm entries (53.86±1.9) and percentage of time spent in the open arm (58.58±4.15) compared to the morphine group, with a percentage of entering (28.12±2.03) and percentage of time (17.88±1.77) (P<0.05). In open field test, the ratio of the number to the duration of time spent in the central square, in the combination therapy groups of methadone+valproate (27±2), valproate+methadone (1:2) and valproate+methadone (2:1) were significantly increased in compare to the morphine group (P<0.05). In tail-suspension test, duration of immobility as an indicator of depression, in the treatment group of valproate+methadone (2:1) was significantly reduced (P<0.05). Conclusion: Valproate and methadone combination therapy particularly in ratio of 2:1 can reduce morphine withdrawal-induced anxiety and depression in animal model.

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Background and Objective: Diabetes mellitus is common endocrine disease cause learning and memory impairment. This study was done to evaluate the effect of quercetin on learning and memory in STZ-induced diabetic rats was investigated. Methods: In this experimental study, 40 male Wistar rats were randomly allocated into five groups: control, quercetin - treated control, diabetic and quercetin - treated diabetic (10 and 20 mg/kg/bw, intraperitoneally) for 14 days. Induction of diabetes was performed using 60 mg/kg/bw of streptozotosin, interapritonally. Passive avoidance and Y-maze tests were used for the evaluation of learning and memory. Results: In passive avoidance learning, there was no significant difference in initial latency between diabetic and treated - diabetic groups. The mean of step latency in control group (383.57±19.26) significantly reduced to 128.86±10.38 in diabetic group (P<0.05). The mean of step latency in the treated diabetic group significantly increased in compare to the diabetic group (P<0.05). Step latency in quercetin - treated diabetic (10 mg/kg/bw) and (20 mg/kg/bw) groups increased to 316.67±23.76 and 397.50±31.21, respectively. The alternative percentage in diabetic group was significantly lower than control group (P<0.05), but in quercetin -treated diabetic groups it was higher than the diabetic group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Administration of quercetin for 14 days enhances the capability of the memory storage, recall and improves short-term spatial memory in STZ-induced diabetic rats.

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Background and Objective: Anxiety is a common psychological disorder. This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of hydro-alcholic extract of Pimpinella anisum seed on anxiety in male rat. Method: In this experimental study, 42 male Wistar rats, randomly allocated into six groups including: negative control group (no injection), positive control (saline) and experimental groups (receiving doses 100, 200, 250, 300 mg/kg/bw of hydro-alcholic extract of Pimpinella anisum seed, intraperitoneally). Indices of anxiety including time spent in open arms and number of open arm entries were evaluated using elevated plus maze, 30 minutes after injection. Results: At doses of 250 and 300 mg/kg/bw of hydro-alcholic extract of Pimpinella anisum seed, the time spent in open arms of maze were significantly increased and the time spent in maze close arms were decreased in compared to controls (P<0.05). At dose of 300 mg/kg/bw of Pimpinella anisum seed extract, number of open arm entries increased in compared to control group (P<0.05). None of the doses showed any significant effect on locomotor activites. Conclusion: Hydro-alcholic extract of Pimpinella anisum seed with dosage of 250 and 300 mg/kg/bw reduces anxiety in male rats.

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Background and Objective: Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) is released from pituitary gland in response to stimulation of plasma osmolalrity. ADH affects on the kidney and regulates the water and electrolytes. This study was done to evaluate the effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of red grape seed on antidiuretic hormone secretion in male rats. Methods: In this experimental study, 30 adult male Wister rats were allocated into 5 groups. Animals in control group were received 1 mL of water, orally. Animals in positive control group were received 12mg/kg/bw of Furosemide, intraperitonally. In experimental groups, one hour after injection of 12mg/kg/bw of Furosemide, animals were received the red grape seed hydro-alcoholic extract, orally, in doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg/bw for 4 days, respectively. Serum level of ADH was measeared using ELISA method. Results: Serum level of ADH in groups of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg/bw doses of grape seed extract were (21±2.5, 19±1.24 and 14±2 pmol/L, respectively) which was significantly less than control group (40.5±3 pmol/L) (P<0.05). Conclusion: The oral consumption of hydro-alcoholoc extract of red grape seed reduces the antidiuretic hormone secretion in male rats.

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Background and Objective: Lead exposure induced toxic effects on reproductive system. This study was done to evaluate the effect of Grape seed oil (Vitis vinifera) on serum gonadotropins and testosterone level in toxicited adult male rats by lead acetate. Methods: In this experimental study, 56 adult male Wistar rats were randomly allocated equally into 7 groups. Animals in control group did not receive any matter. Animals in the sham, experimental 1 and experimental 2 groups were received orally distilled water, 8ml/kg Grape seed oil (GSO) and 0.1 mmol/lit lead acetate for 21 days, respectively. Animals in the experimental group 3, 4 and 5 were received 0.1 mmol/lit lead acetate for 21 days and then 2 ml/kg/bw, 4 ml/kg/bw and 8ml/kg/bw GSO from day 22 up to day 42, recpectively. Blood samples were taken from control, sham and experimental groups 1 and 2 at the end of day 21. At the end of day 42, blood samples were taken from experimental groups 3, 4 and 5. Serum level of LH, FSH and testosterone were measured by Radioimmunoassay. Results: Serum level of LH, FSH and testosterone were significantly reduced in the experimental group 2 in compared to control group. Serum level of LH, FSH and testosterone were significantly increased in experimental group 4 and 5 in comparision with the experimental group 2. Conclusion: Grape seed oil extract at doses of 4 and 8ml/kg/bw increased serum level of LH, FSH and testosterone in lead acetate exposed male rats.

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Background and Objective: Ginger as a medicinal herb is used as a food flavoring and thraphy of many diseases including infertility and male sexual disabilities. This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of alcoholic extract of Ginger during fetal life and breastfeeding on serum level of testosterone, LH, FSH and spermatogenic cell lines in male mature offspring rats. Methods: In this experimental study, 72 female adult mice were randomly allocated into the 9 groups, including: control group (no treatment), sham groups including neonatal and perinatal groups which were received normal salin (0.5 ml daily) and 6 interventional groups. Animals in interventional groups were received doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg/bw of alcoholic extract of Ginger, during neonatal and perinatal period, orally. After puberty eight male rats from each group were sacrified. Serum level of testosterone, LH, FSH were measeared and then by isolating testes, the cell numbers of leydig, sertoli, spermatogonia, spermatocyte and spermatid were counted. Results: The extract of Ginger dose-dependently significantly increased the level of testosterone (P<0.05) and the number of spermatogenic cells in compared to controls (P<0.05). The dosage of 100 and 200 mg/kg/bw of alcoholic extract of Ginger significantly reduced the FSH and LH in compared to controls (P<0.05) Conclusion: The oral consumption of Ginger during pregnancy and lactation dose-dependently increase the level of testosterone and the number of spermatogenic cells.

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Background and Objective: Nicotine is an addictive substance and Ritalin is a medicine which has been prescribed for treatment of hyperactivity / attention deficit disorder (ADHD). This study was done to evaluate the effect of Ritalin and nicotine and combination of Ritalin and nicotine on daily sperm production and epididymal sperm reserve in mice. Methods: In this experimental study, 120 adult male BALB/c mice were randomly allocated into one control group and 11 experimental (treatment) groups. Animals, in the first, second and third treated groups were received nicotine at the doses of 100, 200 and 400 microgr/kg/bw, respectively. Mice in fourth and fifth treated groups were received Ritalin at doses of 2 and 10 mg/kg/bw, respectively. Animals in sixth and seventh treatment groups were received nicotine in 400 microgr/kg/bw and Ritalin in 2 and 10 mg/kg/bw and in eighth and ninth groups, nicotine at dose of 200 microgr/kg/bw and Ritalin at doses of 2 and 10 mg/kg/bw, respectively. Animals in tenth and eleventh treated groups were received nicotine as dose of 100 microgr/kg/bw and Ritalin at doses of 2 and 10 mg/kg/bw, respectively. Ritalin and nicotine were administrated orally for 40 days. At the end of study, daily sperm production and epididymal sperm reserve were measeared. Results: The daily sperm production was significantly reduced in the groups with high consumption doses of nicotine and different doses of Ritalin and the majority of groups which used the combination of Ritalin and nicotine (P<0.05). The epididiymal sperm reserve was significantly increased in experimental groups of 8, 9, 10 and 11 which were received the combination of Ritalin and nicotine in different doses (P<0.05). Conclusion: The combination of Ritalin and nicotine reduces daily sperm production and it incereases epididiymal sperm reserve in adult BALB/c mice.

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Background and Objective: Hyperlipidemia and dyslipidemia are the prevalent risk factors associated with diabetes and their attenuation in diabetic patients with medicinal plants has great significance. This study was done to evaluate the effect of Salvia officinalis (SO) administration on serum glucose, lipids and tissue level of malondialdehyde (MDA) in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. Methods: In this experimental study, 32 adult male Wistar rats were allocated into four groups including: control, SO-treated control, diabetic, and SO-treated diabetic groups. For induction of diabetes, a single dose of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg, i.p.) was used. SO powder was mixed with standard rat chow. Serum glucose and triglyceride, total cholesterol, LDL and HDL levels were determined on the first day and at 3rd and 6th weeks after the intervention. Finally, liver level of MDA and protein were determined in liver homogenate. Results: At 6th week, serum glucose level was significantly higher in diabetic and SO-treated diabetic groups (P<0.001) in compare to controls. Oral consumption of SO did not significantly reduce serum glucose level. Serum triglyceride level significantly reduced in SO-treated diabetic group in compare to diabetic group (P<0.05). There was not significant difference between SO-treated diabetic and diabetic groups. Serum level of cholesterol, HDL, LDL and tissue MDA level in SO-treated diabetic group in compare to diabetic group. Conclusion: Chronic administration of Salvia officinalis reduces serum triglyceride level in diabetic rats, with no significant effect on glucose level and Malondialdehyde.

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Background and Objective: Exposure to a stressor generates a wide variety of adaptive responses and alters the pharmacological effects of opioids. Common neural pathways are activated by morphine and stress. This study was done to determine the effect of chronic restraint stress and acute water immersion stress on the severity of naloxone precipitated morphine withdrawal manifestation in morphine-dependent rats. Methods: In this experimental study, 32 adult male Wistar rats were allocated into four groups equally including: morphine-dependent - no chronic restraint stress (D/NS) (Control), morphine-dependent with chronic restraint stress (D/R), morphine-dependent with acute water immersion stress (D/WI) and morphine-dependent with chronic restraint stress under acute water immersion stress (D/R+WI). Rats were injected with bi-daily doses (10 mg/kg/bw, sc, at 12h intervals) of morphine over a period of 10 days in the presence or absence of restraint stress (1 h/day). On day 11, immediately after naloxone hydrochloride injection (2mg/kg/bw, ip), withdrawal manifestation were recorded. Water immersion stress was performed prior to naloxone injection in D/WI and D/R+WI groups. Results: The overall score of morphine withdrawal was significantly lower in D/RS and D/RS+WI rats in compared to controls (P<0.05). Among the graded signs, the mean number of abdominal contractions and jumps was reduced in D/RS+WI and D/RS rats in compared to control groups (P<0.05). Among the checked signs, the number of rats per group with erection and genital grooming were reduced in restraint rats by 25% than control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Chronic restraint stress with or no acute water immersion stress diminished severity of dependency on morphine. Thus, restraint stress may be applied as a method to ameliorate some of the withdrawal behavioural consequences of morphine.

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Background and Objective: Thyroid hormones have a key role in regulation of metabolism and function of the tissues. This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of alcoholic extract of Portulaca Oleracea on serum level of thyroid hormones in hypercholestrolemic rats. Methods: In this experimental study, 60 adult male Wistar rats were randomly allocated into six groups including: control group with normal diet, fat diet group with high fat diet and interventional groups were received high fat diet and alcoholic extract of Portulaca Oleracea with maximum dose (800 mg/kg/bw), moderate dose (400 mg/kg/bw), minimum dose (200 mg/kg/bw) intraperitoneally for 21 days and finally, animals in atorvastatin group were received high fat diet with atorvastatin (10 mg/kg/bw, intraperitoneally) for 21 days. After the end of this period, T3, T4, TSH and total cholesterol measured for each animal. Results:Serum level of T3 and T4 in the experimental groups which were received Portulaca Oleracea extract and atorvastatin group significantly increased in compared to controls (P<0.05). Serum level of TSH level significantly reduced in the experimental groups which were received Portulaca Oleracea extract and atorvastatin group in compared to controls (P<0.05). The serum total cholesterol level significantly reduced in the experimental groups which were received Portulaca Oleracea extract and atorvastatin group in compared to fat diet group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Portulaca Oleracea extract with increasing of secretion of thyroid hormone reduced the total cholesterol and TSH animals with hypercholesterolemia.

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Background and Objective: Several studies reported the immunological activity of Lycium barbarum. This study carried out to determine the effect of aqueous extract of fruits of Lycium ruthenicum L. on morphometric and histomorphometric indices in mice lymphatic organs. Methods: In this experimental study, 36 adult mice were randomly allocated into six experimental and control groups. The experimental groups were received Lycium ruthenicum L. fruit aqueous extract in the doses of 50, 100, 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg/bw, daily by feeding tube for 21 days. In the control group animals were recived 100 mg/kg/bw of saline using feeding tube. After the treatment, the relative increase in the body weight, morphometric, histomorphometric and histopathologic indices in thymus, lymph node and spleen were measured. Results: The administration of extract in doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg/bw did not effect on body weight of mice but in the doses of 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg/bw significantly reduced the body weight (P<0.05).Thymus index in 800 mg/kg/bw of extract significantly reduced in comparison with controls (P<0.05). Thickness of thymus medulla in low doses significantly increased while it was not visible in higher doses (P<0.05). Thickness of capsule in lymph node and spleen in dose of 800 mg/kg/bw significantly increased in comparison with control group (P<0.05). Low doses of the Lycium barbarum extract increased stimulation and infiltration of the immune cells and hematopoiesis in the lymphoid organs while in doses of 400 and 800 mg/kg/bw caused pathological changes including fibrosis in capsule, degeneration in follicles and stromal cell apoptosis. Conclusion: Aqueous extract of fruits of Lycium ruthenicum L. in doses of 400 and 800 mg/kg/bw causes histopathological alterations in the lymphoid organs.

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Background and Objective: Several studies have shown that inhalation of Lavandula angustifolia L. (Lavender) reduces hypertension, while systemic effects and mechanism of action of lavender oil on blood pressure is not clear. This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of intravenous and ntraperitoneal injection of Lavandula angustifolia L. oil on normal blood pressure in male rats. Methods: In this experimental study, 70 male Wistar rats were randomly allocated into 10 groups (n=7). Following anesthetizing the animals with sodium thiopental, femoral artery and vein were cannulated respectively for recording blood pressure and injection of Lavandula angustifolia L. oil. Lavender oil or its vehicle (Propylene glycol) was injected by intravenous (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg/bw) or intraperitoneal injection (500mg/kg/bw). For the evaluation of the mechanism of Lavender oil, L-NAME (4mg/kg/bw), atropine (1mg/kg/bw), indomethacin (5 mg/kg/bw) or saline was injected intraperitoneally before intravenous administration of Lavender angustifolia L. oil. Results: Intravenous injection of Lavender oil of 25 and 50 mg/kg/bw reduced arterial blood pressure in compare to control group (P<0.05) and dose of 50 mg/kg/bw was more effective than dose of 25 mg/kg/bw (P<0.05). 100 mg/kg/bw of Lavender angustifolia L. oil caused serious fall of blood pressure and resulted in animal death. Intraperitoneally injection of Lavender angustifolia L. oil at dose of 500 mg/kg reduced arterial blood pressure that this reduction was longer than intravenously administration of Lavender oil (P<0.05). Intraperitoneal injection of L-NAME, atropine or indomethacin had no significant effect on baseline of blood pressure and hypotensive effect of Lavender angustifolia L. oil. Conclusion: Intravenous injection of Lavandula angustifolia L. oil in doses of 25 and 50 mg/kg/bw reduced arterial blood pressure in rat, but intraperitoneally injection of Lavender oil at dose of 500 mg/kg/bw prolonged the reduction of blood pressure in animals.

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Background and Objective: Cyclooxygenase 1 and 2 activities on arachidonic fatty acids of cell membrane produces prostaglandins which involved in inflammatory processes. This study was done to evaluate the effect of hexanic and hydroalcoholic extract of Cannabis sativa flowers on inflammatory paw edema in rats. Methods: In this experimental study, 56 male Wistar rats were allocated into the control, sham, sodium salicylate (300mg/kg/bw) and hydroalcoholic extract of heated flowers in 1, 10 and 50 mg/kg/bw, hydroalcoholic extract of unheated flowers in 50mg/kg/bw and hexanic extract of heated flower in 50mg/kg/bw, intraperitonally. 30 minutes after injection, inflammatory edema volume due to sub plantar injection of formalin (0.05 ml, 2.5%) measeared using plethysmometric method. Results: Intraperitonally injection of 50mg/kg/bw, of hydroalcoholic and hexanic extracts of heated flowers significantly reduced in inflammatory paw edema induced by formalin (P<0.05). Also, 50mg/kg/bw, hydroalcoholic extract of unheated flowers reduced the inflammatory paw edema in comparison with heated extracts (P<0.05). Conclusion: Hydroalcoholic extract of heated flowers decreased inflammation-induced paw edema in dose-dependent manner. The extract of unheated flowers, leads to more reduction of the inflammatory paw edema in comparison to heated flower extract, it can be due to carboxylated cannabinoid present in the hydroalcoholic extract of unheated flowers.

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Background and Objective: Diabetes meltius is a metabolic disorder which characterized with disorder in carbohytdrate and lipid metabolism. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of aqueous extract of turnip root (Brassica rapa) on glucose and lipid Profile in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Methods: In this experimental study 40 male wistar rats randomly allocated into 5 equal groups including diabetic control, Metformine 50mg/kg, 200mg/kg and 400 mg/kg/bw of aqueus extract of turnip root and normal control groups. Alloxan monohydrate 150 mg/kg/bw was used to induce diabetes mellitus and two weeks after Alloxan injection rats with fasting blood sugar (FBS) more than 350mg/dl considered as diabetic rats. All administrations were done orally and daily in a same volume for 28 consecutive days. The FBS concentrations were determined on the first, 14th and 29th days. On 29th day, blood was collected from overnight fasted rats. Plasma concentrations of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), aspartate amino transfarase (AST) and alanine amino transferase (ALT) activities were measured. Results: The statistical data indicated (P<0.05) in the levels of FBS (4.5 times), TC, TG, AST and ALT (about 2.5 times) and LDL-c (2 times) significantly increased in diabetic rats compare to healthy normal control group. Administration of 200mg/kg and 400 mg/kg/bw of turnip root extract did not exhibit hypoglycemic activity. Turnip root extract significantly inhibited the increasing of TC, TG, LDL-c and ALT in diabetic rats (P<0.05), but had no effect on AST sera level. Conclusion: Although, the aqueous extract of turnip root had not any hypoglycemic activity but it was effective in reduction of TC, TG, LDL-c and ALT in diabetic rats.

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Background and Objective: Diazinon is an organophosphate insecticide. , which inhibits the enzyme acetylcholinesterase. This study was done to evaluate the effect of Diazinon on pituitary-gonadal axis and histological alteration of seminferous tubules in adult rat testis. Methods: In this experimental study, 40 adult male Wistar rats were randomly allocated into five groups including control, sham and experimental 1, 2 and 3. Animals in experimental group 1, 2 and 3 were received 50, 100 and 150 mg/kg/bw of diazinon for 28 days, orally, respectively. Animals in control group did not receive any substance. Animals in sham group were received an equivalent amount of normal saline. The animals were euthanized after 28 days and a blood sample was collected via heart puncture and testes were removed for histological studies. Results: Diazinon significantly reduced serum testosterone concentration, sertoli cell, leydig cell count, primary spermatocyte and spermatid (P<0.05). Diazinon had no significant effect on the body and testis weight in the experimental groups compared to controls. Conclusion: Diazinon reduces the concentration of testosterone and cells in seminferous tubule in adult rat.

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Background and Objective: Sodium Arsenite is an environmental pollutant which can generate free radicals causing tissue damage. This study was done to evaluate the effect of Green Tea (GTE), as a strong antioxidant, on kidney tissue in mice treated with Sodium Arsenite. Methods: In this experimental study 24 adult male NMRI mice were randomly allocated into four groups including: control, GTE (100mg/kg/day), Sodium Arsenite (5mg/kg/day) and Sodium Arsenite + GTE, for 34 days, orally. Animals were scarified and left kidney was taken out, fixed, sectioned, processed and stained using Heidenhain'azan method. Using stereological technique the total volume of kidney, volume of cortex, medulla, proximal and distal tubule, renal corpuscle, gelomerelus, tuft and capillary, membrane and space of Bowman's capsule and length of proximal and distal tubule were determined. Creatinine, BUN and MDA serum samples were measured. Results: The mean of total volume of cortex, proximal tubule, distal tubule, renal corpuscle and gelomerolus, taft, Bowman's capsule space, size of epithelium and lumen of proximal and distal tubule were significantly reduced in Sodium Arsenite group compared to control (P<0.05). These parameters were significantly increased in the Sodium Arsenite + GTE group in comparison with Sodium Arsenite group (P<0.05). The creatinine, Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and MDA were significantly increased in the Sodium Arsenite group in compared to the control group (P<0.05). These parameters were significantly reduced in the Sodium Arsenite + GTE group in comparison with Sodium Arsenite group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Green tea has a protective role in Sodium Arsenite induced nephrotoxicity.

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Background and Objective: The spathe of phoenix dactylifera contains protein, fatty, fiber, sugar, moisture, furfural, coumarin, organic compounds of camphor family, phytosterols, 1, 2-Di methoxil 1, 4-Di methyl benzene. This study was done to evaluate the effect of alcoholic extract of phoenix dactylifera spathe on seminiferous tubules and spermatogenesis in adult male rats. Methods: In this experimental study, 50 adult male rats were randomly allocated into five groups including: control, sham and expermintal groups 1, 2 and 3. Animals in control group did not receive any treatment. Animals in sham group were received 0.2 ml normal saline intraperitoneally. Animals in experimental group 1, 2 and 3 were received 0.05, 0.1 and 0.2 g/kg/bw of alcoholic extract of phoenix dactylifera spathe intraperitoneally, respectively. After 14 days of study, the testis was removed and the sections of tissue were prepared. Testosterone hormone measured by Gamma counter method. Results: Serum levels of testosterone and the spermatozoa count were significantly reduced in the experimental groups in compared to control and sham groups (P<0.05). The count spermatogonia, primary spermatocyte, spermatid, sertoli and leydig cells and seminiferous tubules structures did not reduce in the experimental groups in compared to control and sham groups. Conclusion: Phoenix dactylifera Spathe alcoholic extract at doses of minimum and medium in adult male rats reduces sera level of testosterone and spermatozoa number.