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Background & Objective: Aluminum (Al), the 3rd common element in the earth’s crust has a significant toxin potential for humans. Although the knowledge of Al toxicity has markedly improved in recent years, there is relatively little information regarding the embryotoxic and teratogenic potential of Al. the purpose of this study was to assess the effect of short-term exposure of pregnant mice to Aluminum Chloride on the external organ formation of their fetuses. Materials & Methods: Mature NMRI mice (24-33 g) were used in this study. Day 0 of pregnancy defined as the day in which the vaginal plug was found. Plug-positive mice were randomly divided into size groups. The first, second and 3rd groups of animals were given IP injection of single dose of AlCl3 at 150 mg/kg/day on days 10, 11 and 12 of gestation respectively. Mice in the 3 other groups (Controls) received single injection of 0.3 ml saline on days 10, 11 and 12 respectively. Mice were killed on day 15 of gestation. Live fetuses were weighed and examined for external abnormalities. Results: The fetal body weight was significantly reduced in all Al-treated groups (P<0.05). The proportions of external malformations in 10th, 11th and 12th days treated were 47.0%, 37.0% and 33.1% groups respectively with significantly increase comparing to controls (P<0.05). Conclusion: It is concluded that a single dose of the Al administered to pregnant mice can cause external malformations in their fetuses.

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Background and Objective: The growing development progress of electronic industries and the increasing use of electrical appliances have led to higher rate of exposure of people to electromagnetic field (EMF). Thus, in this study we investigated the effect of EMF on morphometric indices of epididymis and vas deferen in mice. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 30 BALB/c male mice were selected and divided into three control, sham and experimental groups. Experimental group were exposed to 50 Hz, 0.5 mT EMF for 4 hours per days, 6 days per week for 8 weeks while the animal in control and sham groups were not exposed to EMF. After the exposure period, the mice were dissected and left testis was removed and weighted. Samples of epididymis and vas deferen in all groups were taken and were processed for routine light microscopic studies. The diameters of epididymis and vas deferen and the height of epithelial cells in all groups were compared using ANOVA and Tukey tests. Results: The mean diameter of epididymis in EMF group significantly decreased compared to the control group (P<0.05). The mean diameter of vas deferen, the height of epithelial cells in epididymis and vas deferen in EMF groups significantly decreased compared to the control and sham groups (P<0.05). In addition, the weight of testes in EMF group significantly decreased compared to the control and sham groups (P<0.05). Conclusion: This study showed that the EMF exposure for long time could have hazard effect for the male reproductive system by decreasing the diameter of reproductive ducts, the length of epithelial cells and weight of testes.

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Background and Objective: Low electromagnetic fields (LEMF) are produced by instruments which are works with electricity. This study was done to determine the effect of LEMF on fetal death and bone marrow megakaryocytes in NMRI mouse neonates. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study 64 females’ mice with 6-8 old weeks were used. 2 female mice coupled with one male, and positive vaginal plaque was interpreted as the zero day of pregnancy (GD=0). The pregnant mice were randomly categorized into control and experimental groups. The experimental group were exposed to50HZ, 0.5 mT Low electromagnetic fields on 7-11 days of pregnant period (8h/d). The weight of neonate and death fetus were studied after delivery. The live neonates were dissected on 15th day, and 1 ml of bone marrow was extracted from Tibia and vertebral column, by pressing method. The bone marrow cells suspended in 1:1 IMDM in 15cc (FULCON) tubule and cells was counted with neobar lam. The data were tested by t-student test significance was set up at p<0.05. Results: There was significant differences between the mean weight of one day neonate in cases with controls (P<0.05). The mean of dead fetus in experimental group was higher than controls (P<0.05). The mean of megakaryocytes numbers higher than controls, but this differences was not significant. Conclusion: This study showed that the number of megakaryocytes and fetal death were increased by low electromagnetic fields exposure during pregnancy.

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Background and Objective: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most common in psychology and Methylphenidate hydrochloride (MPH) is one of the most frequently prescribed pediatric medicine. This study was done to determine the effect of Methylphenidate hydrochloride on ovarian and pituitary gonadotropin hormone in peripubertal mice Materials and Methods: This experimental study was done on 40 preipubertal female mice (BALB/c) with three weeks age and approximate 12-15 gram. The mice were allocated randomly in one control and three experimental groups, designated as I, II and III. Animals in group I, II and III were received by gavage Methylphenidate hydrochloride with 2, 5 and 10 mg/kg body weight for six days, respectively. At the end of experiment body weight, serum estrogen, progesterone and pituitary gonadotropins were measured. Morphometric and histopathological evaluation of ovary were examined. Data were analyzed using SPSS-17, ANOVA and Tukey tests. Results: The body weight and ovary dimensions of animals in experimental groups were reduced significantly in comparison with control (P<0.05). Abnormal cells, structural alternations of granules cells and follicular growth abnormality were observed in experimental groups I and III in compare to control group. A significant reduction of estrogen, in group I, progesterone levels in group I and III were observed in comparison with the controls (P<0.05). Conclusion: This study showed that the Methylphenidate hydrochloride administration induces the reduction of body weight, ovary dimensions and hormones.

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Background and Objective: Estradiol plays an important role in folliculogenesis and its developmental stages of embryo. This study was done to determine the quantitative assessment of mouse embryo development yielded from in vitro fertilization of ovulated mature oocytes after ovarian stimulation using human menopausal gonadotropin (HMG) and Estradiol valerate (E2). Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 40 female NMRI mice were allocated into two groups. Control and treatment groups received HMG alone (10 IU/mouse) and a combination of HMG and E2 (1μg/mouse) in single dose manner, respectively. Following the induction of ovulation by HCG, the oocytes collected and morphologically evaluated. MΙΙ oocytes for in vitro fertilization (IVF) were transferred into medium containing capacitated and incubated sperm derived from male NMRI mice. The yielded embryos subsequently transferred into developmental medium for reaching to the blastocyst stage. Results: The difference between the mean percentage of yielded oocytes and healthy MII oocytes in the control and treatment groups was not significant. The percentages of the fertilized oocytes reached to two-cells was 34.22±21.87 and 36.83±20.68 in control and treatment groups, respectively. The percentages of the blastocys stages of embryos was 49.41±26.5 and 62.02±30.11 in control and treatment groups, respectively. Conclusion: The addition of estradiol to HMG as an ovarian stimulator can not increase the rates of yielded MII oocytes and embryonic development.

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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: 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: With respect to the antioxidant role of melatonin and retinoic acid, it seems to be effective both in the maturation and embryonic development. This study was done to investigate the effect of combination of melatonin and All-Trans retinoic acid (RA) on maturation, fertilization and embryonic development of immature mouse oocytes. Methods: In this experimental study, cumulus - oocyte complex (COCs) were recovered from 4-6 week old female mice NMRI and were divided into 6 maturation medium groups including control, sham, experiment 1(melatonin 100 nM, 1 and 2 µM), experiment 2 (retinoic acid 1, 2, 4, 6 µM), experiment 3 (melatonin 2 µM+RA 4 µM), experiment 4 (Mel 100nM + retinoic acid 4µM). The maturation rate was recorded after 24 hours of culture in a humidified atmosphere of 5% CO2 at 37°C. The matured oocytes were fertilized with sperm. Fertilization and embryonic development rates to the blastocyst stage were recorded. Results: Maturation rate in the control and sham groups were 50.6% and 49.4%, respectively. Maturation rate were 54.3%, 54.8%, 59.9% in melatonin group with concentrations of 100 nM, 1 and 2 µM, respectively. Maturation rate were 51.6%, 51%, 59% and 49.6% in t-RA group with concentrations of 1, 2, 4, 6 μM. Maturation rate were 60.4% and 54.2% in the experiment 3 and 4 groups, respectively. The maturation rates in the melatonin 2 µM, retinoic acid 4 µM and experiment 3 significantly increased in compare to control (P<0.05). The embryonic development rate in the melatonin with 100nM concentration and 4 µM of retinoic acid increased significantly compared to controls (P<0.05). Although, embryonic development rate in experiment 3 was higher than control, but lower in compare to melatonin 100 nM and the retinoic acid 4 µM. The embryonic development rate in experiment 4 significantly increased in compare to control (P<0.05). Conclusion: Combination of melatonin and All-Trans retinoic acid in medium culture increase maturation rate and improved embryonic development in dose dependent manner.

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Background and Objective: Listeria monocytogenes is a gram-positive facultative intracellular non spore forming bacillus. The epidemiologic studies have shown that Listeria monocytogenes is the cause of abortion and abnormalities in human embryo. This study was done to determine the effect of listeria monocytogenes colonization on maternal and fetal liver and spleen in mice. Methods: In this experimental study, Inbred BALB/c dams allocated into case and control groups. Dams in interventional and control groups were received 200µL of 1.2 LogFCU/ml, Listeria monocytogenes and normal salin intraperitoneally, respectively. Few mice from each group were randomally selected and 5ml of blood collected, placenta, uterus liver and spleen were removed subsequently in 13 and 24 day of gestation and listeria monocytogenes colonization were determined. Liver and spleen of full term offsprings were stained for the histological studies. Results: L.monocytogenes strains were detected in different organs of mice damsup for 30 day of gestation. The higest and lowest of organ contamination were seen in liver and blood samples, respectively. The ratio of weight/volume of organ was higher in case than control groups. Hepatocytes degenration, hepatocyte size alteration, cell cord atrophy and sinusoid dilatation were seen in the liver. Disruption of red pulp, disorganization of lymphoid nodules and necrosis were noticed in the spleen. Conclusion: Contamination of BALB/c dams causes the histological alterations in the liver and spleen of offesprings.

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Background and Objective: Different organizers are involved in spinal cord development and differentiation by sending various messages. Specific glycoconjugates secreted from the cells of lateral wall of spinal cord can also act as neurogenesis and neural differentiation messengers. This study was carried out to determine the distribution of sugar compounds in the lateral walls of spinal cord during mice morphogenesis using lectin histochemistry method. Methods: In this experimental study, sections of BALB/c mice from 10-16 embryonic days were fixed in formalin and then histological sections were prepared. Tissue samples for reaction to the glycoconjugates were incubated with DBA, OFA, GSA1B4 and MPA lectins. Alcian blue with pH equal 2.5 was used for background staining. Results: DBA lectin did not react with the lateral wall of the spinal cord. MPA lectin showed severe reaction but consistent, especially in nerve fibers of the lateral wall of spinal cord. GSA1B4 lectin showed weak reaction in the cells and nerve fibers of the spinal cord, but severe reaction was clearly observed in blood vessels. OFA lectin showed severe reaction with α-L-Fucose terminal sugar in the lateral walls of the spinal cord in early stages of morphogenesis. Conclusion: The most reaction in the lateral walls of the spinal cord was related to OFA, which reflects the importance of fucose terminal sugar by connecting (1→6) to the penultimate sugar N-acetyl-D-glocosamin (Glc-Nac) in the development of spinal cord. Due to severe reaction of GSA1B4 to blood vessels of spinal cord, use of this lectin for vascular studies, is recommended.

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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: Probiotics are beneficial organisms therapeutic within microbial flora. Shigella, Escherichia coli and Salmonella are the most common cause of intestinal infectious diseases that lead to morbidity and mortality in infant and children worldwide. The aim of this study was to evaluate anti-microbial activity of Lactobacillus acidophillus and Lactobacillus ruteri against entero-pathoges by in vitro and in vivo methods. Methods: In this experimental study, the therapeutic effect of the lactobacillus acidophilus ATCC 4356 and ruteri ATCC 23272 against Shigella sonnei ATCC 9290, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Salmonella enterica BAA-708 were evaluated by in vitro (spot agar) and in vivo (BALB/c mice) methods. Weight improvment and survival rate in mice were recorded. Results: Lactobacillus acidophillus and ruteri had protective and therapeutic effect against diarrhea caused by pathogenic bacteria. Probiotics reduced the weight, colonization of pathogens and increased the survival rate of animals (P<0.05). Conclusion: Lactobacillus acidophillus and ruteri has anti-microbial activity and their consumption can be effective in the prevention and also the treatment of intestinal disease.

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Background and Objective: Due to an increase in spontaneous abortions finding a safe and secure method is inevitable. Some medicinal herbs have abortifacient properties. This study was done to determine the effect of abortifacient effect of mulberry white root in mice. Methods: In this experimental study, 50 mice dams were randomly allocated into five groups including control, sham and experimental group 1, 2 and 3. Animals in control group did not receive any substance. Animals in sham group were received normal saline, intraperitoneally. Animals in experimental group 1, 2 and 3 were received doses of 50, 70 and 90 mg/kg/bw of the alcoholic extract of root of mulberry white during the 7th to 12th days of pregnancies, intraperitoneally, respectively. At the 16th day of the pregnancy the uterine tubes of mice were removed and the absorbed fetuses were recorded. Results: The mean of absorb fetuses was 7.4, 7.6, 1.8 and 3.1 in the experimental group 1, 2, 3 and sham, respectively. There was a significant relation between the mean number of aborted fetuses and concentration of strawberry root (P<0.05). The apparent anomaly in fetus was not recorded. Conclusion: Root of mulberry white has abortifacient effect with dose-dependent manner.

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Background and Objective: Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder. Plantago major (P.major) is used in traditional medicine due to flovonoids and vitamic C and antioxidant properties. This study was done to evaluate the hydro alcoholic extract of Plantago major L. on pentilentetrazol-induced seizures in male mice.

Methods: In this experimental study, 50 NMRI male mice randomly allocated into control and four experimental groups. Seizures in animals induced by 60 mg/kg/bw of pentilentetrazol (PTZ), interperitoneally. Animals in experimental groups were received 5, 10, 25 and 50 mg/kg/bw of hydro alcoholic extract of Plantago major L. 30 min before each PTZ injection. The animals in control group were received saline, interperitoneally. After treatment, the behavior of animals during 20 minutes and mortality rate were recorded.

Results: Seizure threshold of animals significantly increased in experimental groups which were received 50, 25, 10 mg/kg/bw of P.major extract in comparision with controls (P<0.05). Mortality rate of animals significantly reduced in experimental groups which were received 50, 25, 10 mg/kg/bw of P.major extract in comparision with controls (P<0.05).

Conclusion: The hydro-alcoholic extract of Plantago major L. reduces seizure threshold in pentilentetrazol-induced seizures mice.

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Background and Objective: Acetaminophen is a commonly used analgesic and antipyretic agent which, in high doses, causes liver and kidney necrosis in man and animals. Carthamus tinctorius L. (Safflower) is a colorful and cheap plant that used often instead of saffron. In this study, protective effects of Carthamus tinctorius L. aqueous extract on acetaminophen induced nephrotoxicity in mice were investigated.

Methods: In this experimental study, forty adult NMRI male mice were randomly divided into five groups. Group 1 (control group) received normal salin for 15 days. Group 2 received 300 mg/kg Carthamus tinctorius L. extract for 15 days. Group 3 received normal salin for 15 days and 500 mg/kg acetaminophen was given in 15^th day. Groups 4 and 5 received daily 150 and 300 mg/kg Carthamus tinctorius L. extract for 15 days, respectively, and acetaminophen was also given in 15^th day. In 16^th day, blood samples were taken for BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen), Cr (Creatinine) and Uric acid tests, and the mice kidneys were removed for histopathology assessments.

Results: Acute renal necrosis and BUN, Cr and Uric acid levels were significantly increased in acetaminophen treated mice (P<0.05). BUN, Cr and Uric acid levels were significantly reduced in the Carthamus tinctorius L. treated groups in comparison to acetaminophen group (P<0.05) and this reduction was greater in group 5. Carthamus tinctorius L. extract also reduced tubular necrosis-induced by acetaminophen.

Conclusion: Carthamus tinctorius L. extract have protective effects on acute renal injury induced by acetaminophen.

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Background and Objective: Resveratrol is a phenolic herbal compound which has been proposed as antioxidant in combinational therapy of diabetes, cancer and some neurodegenerative diseases. This study was done to evaluate additive effect of trans-resveratrol and imipramine to reduce depressive symptoms in the forced swimming test in mice.

Methods: In this experimental study, 56 Swiss Webster male mice were randomly allocated into 6 groups including negative control group (normal saline), positive control (imipramine (10 mg/kg/bw), experimental groups; trans resveratrol (10 mg/kg/bw), Imipiramine (10 mg/kg/bw) and mixtures (with ratio of 1:1 of resveratrol with imipramine (2.5 mg/kg/bw, 5 and 10 mg/kg/bw), intraperitoneally. The forced swimming test has been done for all groups. Through swimming of animals in water, the immobilization times of animals as depressive symptom were recorded.

Results: The immobilization times significantly reduced in animals which were received imipramine
10 mg/kg/bw in compare to control group (P<0.05). The immobilization times of animals were received resveratrol injection 10 mg/kg/bw with imipramine 10 mg/kg/bw was determined which it was significantly effective than imipramine10 mg/kg/bw, alone (P<0.05). The antidepressant effectiveness of resveratrol injection 5 mg/kg/bw is similar to resveratrol (2.5 mg/kg/bw) with imipramine (2.5mg/kg/bw). is similar to resveratrol (2.5 mg/kg) with imipramine (2.5 mg/kg/bw) (P<0.05). Also, antidepressant effect of intraperitoneal administration of resveratrol 10 mg/kg was significantly more than imipramine
10 mg/kg/bw (P<0.05).

Conclusion: According to additive effect of imipramine with resveratrol we can suggest resveratrol in combinations with other antidepressants to lower their doses and related side effects of chemical drugs.

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Background and Objective: Hydroalcholic extract of Peppermint is traditionally used for gastrointestinal disorders. This study was done to evaluate the effect of Peppermint extract on the mice colon motor activity following immobilization stress.

Methods: In this experimental study, 30 male Albino mice were randomly allocated into the three groups; including control, stress and stress + Peppermint oil groups (n=10). The second group as a stress group exposed to immobilization stress for four hours during three days. Third group as stress plus Peppermint oil group was exposed to stress in addition to administration of 27 mg/kg/bw Peppermint oil intraperitoneally prior to stress. After three days, intestinal and peristaltic activity was recorded using pressure transducer from in vitro segments of colon (4-5 cm in length. Also, fecal weight, food intake and body weight was measured for each mouse for in vivo condition.

Results: The mean±SD of fecal weight after three times stress immobilization was 1.36±0.71, 1.06±0.6 and 0.47±0.39 gr in control, stress and Stress + Peppermint oil groups, respectively (P<0.05). The mean±SD of internal luminal pressure after three times stress immobilization was 4.47±1.15, 3.48±1.25 and 0.77±0.37 mm/hg in control, Stress and stress + Peppermint oil groups, respectively (P<0.05).

Conclusion: Peppermint oil is a strong inhibitor for colon motor activity following immobilization stress.

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Background and Objective: Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine disruptor chemical and as an environmental pollutant is able to generate free radicals causing tissue damage. This study was done to investigate the effect of Nigella sativa oil against BPA induced toxicity on the tissue of male NMRI mice kidney by stereological method.

Methods: In this experimental study 24 adult male NMRI mice (32±3 g) were randomly allocated into control, BPA (200 mg/kg/day), BPA (200 mg/kg/day) plus Nigella sativa oil (5 ml/kg/day) and Nigella sativa oil (5 ml/kg/day) groups and treated for 5 weeks, orally. At the end, animals were sacrificed, their left kidneys were removed, fixed, sectioned, processed and stained with Heidenhain' azan staining method. Then, the kidney tissue sections were evaluated using stereological method and serum malondialdehyde (MDA) level was also measured.

Results: The total weight and volume of kidney, volume of cortex, volume of proximal and distal tubules and volume of their lumen, volume of interstitial tissue, volume of glomeruli, tuft, as well as serum MDA level significantly increased in BPA treated group compared to the controls (P<0.05). These parameters were significantly reduced in BPA plus Nigella sativa oil group compared to BPA ones (P<0.05).

Conclusion: This study revealed that Nigella sativa oil can reduce the oxidative stress toxicity induced by BPA in the mice renal tissue.

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Background and Objective: Granulocyte colony-stimulating factors (G-CSF) and its receptor express in developing follicles, fetal and reproductive tissues. The serum G-CSF concentration significantly increases during the ovulatory phase in comparison with other phases, so G-CSF may have an important role in ovulation and the early cross-talk between mother and conceptus in both human and animal models. This study was done to evaluate the Effect of exogenous G-CSF on ovulation and pregnancy rate in NMRI mice.

Methods: In this experimental study, 40 mature female and 10 male NMRI mice were randomly allocated into the control and treatment groups. All Ovaries were stimulated with intraperitoneal injections (IP) of 10 IU PMSG and after 48 hour by 10 IU hCG per mouse. The treatment group were recieved G-CSF (50mg/kg i.p.), at the time of PMSG administration, while the control group had the same volume of normal saline instead of G-CSF at the same time. 16-18 hours post-hCG administration, twenty female mice of both groups were sacrificed by cervical dislocation and ovulated oocytes were assessed. On day 16 post coitus, the rest of female mice of both groups were scarificed for withdrawing their fetuses to determine the effect of G-CSF on pregnancy rates.

Results: The ovulation rate in the treatment group (18.5±1.25) were significantly more than that of control (12.1±1.32) (P<0.05). The number of fetuses had no significant difference between control and treatment groups.

Conclusion: This study demonstrated that exogenous G-CSF may affect on folliculogenesis and ovulation but the following pregnancy outcome was not impressed.

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Background and Objective: Paraquat is a common agricultural herbicide that is a strong stimulus in superoxide anions foundation. Due to the adverse effects of the free radicals, the anti oxidant compounds such as Saffron seem necessary as antioxidants and removing the free radicals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the regeneration effect of Saffron on the liver damaged with paraquat in male mice.
Methods: In this experimental study, 36 male mice were randomly allocated into 6 groups. Animals in group one were received normal food, water and corn oil. Secound and third groups of mice were treated at a dose of 20, 40 mg/kg/bw paraquat, respectively. Animals in the fourth group were received Saffron at a dose of 80 mg/kg/bw. Animals in fifth and sixth two groups were treated with paraquat treated at a dose of 20, 40 mg/kg/bw and Saffron (80 mg/kg/bw), orally, per day. At the end of 30 days the mice were anesthesia and blood samples were prepared for measurement of AST and ALT in sera and livers were removed for measurment of MDA, FRAP, katalaze concentration and half of liver was transfer to formaline for histopathological study.
Results: Cell necrosis and inflammation was found in the liver of mice treated with paraquat, also the level of AST, ALT and MDA was significantly increased in compared to controls (P<0.05). Also the level of AST, ALT and MDA and histopathological alterations of liver in animals treated with paraquat at a dose of 20, 40 mg/kg/bw and Saffron (80mg/kg/bw) were significantly reduced in compared to paraquat group.
Conclusion: Saffron (80 mg/kg/bw, orally) improves liver dysfunction in mice exposed with paraquat.