scholarly journals Use of Anabolic Steroids to Attenuate the Effects Glucocorticoids on the Rat Diaphragm

2003 ◽  
Vol 83 (1) ◽  
pp. 29-36 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jane M Eason ◽  
Stephen L Dodd ◽  
Scott K Powers

Abstract Background and Purpose. Administration of glucocorticoids results in atrophy and contractile dysfunction in the rat diaphragm. Anabolic steroids may be useful in preventing atrophy and contractile dysfunction. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of simultaneous administration of testosterone and glucocorticoids on morphological and contractile properties of the rat diaphragm. Subjects. Eighty-eight adult female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 1 of 4 groups: a control group that was given sham injections for 13 days (CONT group, n=23), a group that was given prednisolone injections (0.5 mg/100 g) for 10 days (PRED group, n=23), a group that was given testosterone injections (0.5 mg/100 g) for 13 days (TEST group, n=18), and a group that was given a combination of prednisolone and testosterone injections (0.5 mg/100 g) for 10 and 13 days, respectively (COMBO group, n=23). Methods. The animals were weighed daily, and drug doses were adjusted to changes in body mass. Twenty-four hours following the final injection, animals were weighed and sacrificed and the diaphragm was removed and weighed. A small strip of diaphragm was attached to a force transducer to determine normalized maximal isometric tetanic tension (PO). Results. Body weights in the PRED group were decreased by 26% as compared with body weights in the CONT group, and body weights in the COMBO group were decreased by 11% as compared with body weights in the CONT group. Diaphragm weights in the PRED and COMBO groups were decreased by 22% and 12%, respectively, as compared with diaphragm weights in the CONT group. Normalized maximal isometric tetanic tension was decreased by 11% in the PRED group as compared with PO in both the CONT and TEST groups and was decreased by 13% as compared with PO in the COMBO group. There was no difference in PO among the CONT, TEST, and COMBO groups. Discussion and Conclusion. The results support the hypothesis that simultaneous administration of testosterone with glucocorticoids would prevent a decrease in PO. The results indicate that simultaneous administration of testosterone with glucocorticoids prevented the loss in body weight and partially attenuated the loss in diaphragm weight that is commonly observed when glucocorticoids are given alone. These data support the notion that testosterone may be useful in the prevention of glucocorticoid-induced atrophy.

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 107-116
Author(s):  
Haibo Li ◽  
Jianjian Yin ◽  
Yongjing Huang ◽  
Nanwei Xu ◽  
Liang Chen ◽  
...  

This study aimed to observe dynamically the changes of x-ray, histomorphology appearance and serum inflammatory cytokines of cervical degenerative disease in rat models and to discuss the mechanism of cervical degeneration. Sixty Sprague Dawley rats were randomised into test ( n = 45) and control ( n = 15) groups, which were randomly subdivided into three groups corresponding to 1, 3 and 6 mo post operation. At the corresponding postoperative stage, cervical x-ray films were acquired, and intervertebral disc space and intervertebral foramen size were measured. Some serum inflammatory cytokines from all rats were quantitatively determined. Then, the morphological change in cervical intervertebral disc specimens stained with hematoxylin and eosin was observed. The results were analysed and compared among groups. Compared to the control group, the cervical x-ray and histomorphology appearance of rats in the test group showed varying degrees of degeneration. Furthermore, the serum IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-10 in the test group increased significantly at the corresponding postoperative stage ( P < 0.05, P < 0.01 and P < 0.001, respectively) compared to the control group. This model of cervical disc degeneration can accelerate imaging and histological degeneration, but it may be accompanied by changes in serum inflammatory cytokines levels.


Author(s):  
Vidya Pradeep Kumar ◽  
Ramya G. Rao ◽  
A. Dhali ◽  
Vandana Thammiaha ◽  
Manpal Sridhar

Background: Fungal laccases have widespread application in a number of biotechnological processes including the biodegradation of lignin. Their low yield in the native state limits their practical use in the deconstruction of lignocellulosic biomass for feeding ruminants. Enzymes in bulk quantities are required to treat biomass which has got greater product consistency and less lot to lot variations. The present study was an attempt to evaluate the effect of feeding finger millet straw treated with exogenous laccases in heifers.Methods: The effect of feeding exogenous laccases obtained from immobilized Schizophyllum commune (MTCC 11893) on body weight gain, dry matter intake and nutrient digestibility in heifers was evaluated in three groups of heifers (4-each) with body weights ranging between 275 ± 47.12 to 276.75 ± 64.48kg. The control group received ad lib. finger millet straw treated with only production media (GI). Test group 1 (GII) received ad lib. straw treated with laccase rich media in a 3:5 (w/v) ratio, while test group 2 (GIII) received ad lib. straw treated in a 4:5 (w/v) ratio. Result: After 14- days of feeding, gain in body weights for GI, GII and GIII were 277.9 ± 68.47; 277.50 ± 46.43 and 278.85 ± 37.22 respectively with an overall increase of 1.15, 4.25 and 3.60 kgs. No significant variation (P greater than 0.05) was observed with regard to DMD (%) between the groups which was 46 ± 5.8 for the control animals and 41±13.0 and 41± 3.4 in G2 and G3 groups. Though significant variations were observed digestibility studies proved inconclusive. Though preliminary results indicate that applying lignin degrading enzymes as feed supplements could enhance digestibility of crop residues in ruminants.


2003 ◽  
Vol 83 (4) ◽  
pp. 703-712 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. T. Korhonen ◽  
L. Jauhiainen ◽  
T. Rekilä

A study on the behavioural and welfare effects of in-cage sandboxes was carried out on juvenile farm-bred blue foxes (Alopex lagopus) with special reference to digging behaviours and time spent on sand substrate. Twelve juvenile male blue foxes were used in each of two experimental groups: (1) a test group and (2) a control group. Animals were raised singly in cages measuring 120 cm long × 105 cm wide × 70 cm high, from weaning in July to pelting in December. All experimental animals were housed conventionally but cages of the test group contained in-cage sandboxes (80 cm long × 40 cm wide × 14 cm high). Various physiological, behavioural, health and production related variables were measured during the study. Final body weights of test animals were significantly (P = 0.05) lower than controls. Occurrence of endoparasites (Toxascaris leonina, Isospora sp.) did not substantially differ between groups. Open field activity was greater (P = 0.02) and latency to touch novel objects shorter (P = 0.02) in the test group compared with the control. Cortisol-creatinine ratio, incidence of stereotypes, size of adrenals or other organs, blood screen and fur quality parameters were not significantly different. Sandbox hygiene deteriorated rapidly during the experimental period. Fur coats of test animals were dirtier than those of controls at pelting. Claw length of test animals was significantly shorter (front foot; P < 0.005, back foot, P < 0.001) than in controls only in October. Altogether nine different sandbox behaviours were observed in the test foxes. Digging was the fifth most common behavior, comprising 5.8% of total sandbox use. Amount of time spent in the sandbox peaked in July, averaging 117 min/24 h, and declined towards winter. The most common sandbox behaviours observed were walking (24.3% of total time), sitting (22.0%) and resting (17.5%). Results indicated low motivation to use in-cage sandboxes as a digging substrate. On the other hand, the presence of in-cage sandboxes may provide opportunities for foxes to engage in other species-specific activities and/or seek sensory comfort through contact with the sand. The effects of in-cage sandboxes on animal welfare need further study. Key words: Alopex lagopus, sand floor, digging, motivation, welfare, fur farming


2000 ◽  
Vol 80 (2) ◽  
pp. 160-167 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jane M Eason ◽  
Stephen L Dodd ◽  
Scott K Powers ◽  
A Daniel Martin

Abstract Background and Purpose. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of short-term, high doses of glucocorticoids on both body and diaphragm weights as well as contractile characteristics of the rat diaphragm. Subjects. Adult, female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 2 groups: a control group (n=16) and a prednisolone group (n=16). Methods. The prednisolone group received prednisolone at a dosage of 5 mg/kg, and the control group received sham saline injections for 5 days. Animals were weighed prior to and after completion of the drug injection period. At the completion of the drug injection period, the animals were sacrificed, and the diaphragm, soleus, and extensor digitorum longus muscles were removed and weighed. A small strip of the costal diaphragm was connected to a force transducer, and the following contractile characteristics were measured: maximal specific isometric tetanic tension, peak isometric twitch specific tension, one-half relaxation time, and time to peak tension. Results. Both body and diaphragm weights decreased by 15% in the prednisolone group as compared with the control group. Maximal specific isometric tetanic tension was reduced 13% in the prednisolone group as compared with the control group. There was no difference in any twitch contractile characteristics between the 2 groups. Conclusion and Discussion. These data support the hypothesis that glucocorticoid treatment over a 5-day period results in a decrease in specific tension as well as diaphragm and body weight. These results may have implications for the treatment of patients receiving high doses of glucocorticoids for acute medical conditions.


1993 ◽  
Vol 2 (6) ◽  
pp. 453-460 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin Fremond ◽  
Christine Malandain ◽  
Claire Guyomard ◽  
Christophe Chesne ◽  
André Guillouzo ◽  
...  

A new extracorporeal bioartificial liver using alginate-entrapped hepatocytes was developed and evaluated for its ability to correct the lack of bilirubin conjugation in the Gunn rat. Hepatocytes were harvested from Sprague-Dawley rats by the two-step collagenase perfusion method and then immobilized in Ca++-alginate beads. The ability of immobilized hepatocytes to conjugate bilirubin was investigated in vitro by comparison with hepatocyte monolayer cultures. The bioartificial liver consisted of a cylindric bioreactor containing either alginate beads with hepatocytes (test group) or alginate beads alone (control group). Gunn rats were connected to this bioreactor via an extracorporeal circulation and bile fractions were collected at hourly intervals. Both bilirubin monoconjugales and bilirubin diconjugates were measured in the bile by high pressure liquid chromatography. Hepatocyte viability in alginate beads was determined prior to and at the end of each experiment and found to be unchanged (75%). In the test group, the concentration of bilirubin conjugates increased rapidly, attaining median values of 72.26 pM and 92.59 pM for mono and diconjugated bilirubin respectively, during a 3 h period of extracorporeal circulation. In the control group, the levels of either conjugate did not exceed 0.87 μM throughout the experiments. Statistical analysis showed a significant difference between the two groups (p < 0.0023). These results suggest that the bioartificial liver used in this study represents an effective method for the temporary correction of the Gunn rat's genetic defect. Such a system might be of therapeutic interest in acute liver failure.


1992 ◽  
Vol 126 (2) ◽  
pp. 173-178 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bernard H Grokett ◽  
Nazir Ahmad ◽  
Dwight W Warren

Oxandrolone is a 5α-reduced anabolic steroid that is administered for the treatment of short stature disease in children. It is a commonly used substance beginning as early as prepuberty by some individuals who are seeking to enhance athletic performance or personal appearance. Because of the lack of data on the effects of anabolic steroids on the reproductive system, we have examined the effects of oxandrolone treatment on reproductive development in male rats with treatment beginning two days after weaning. Male, Sprague-Dawley rats (N=12) received a daily subcutaneous injection of oxandrolone (32.7 μmol·kg−1·day−1) and the control group (N= 12) received vehicle only (dimethyl sulfoxide). Treatment began at age 23 days and continued to 60 days of age. The weights of the testes, prostate glands, and seminal vesicles in the treatment group were 69%, 50% and 29% below control levels, respectively and were all significantly decreased (p<0.01). Testicular testosterone production in a 3-h incubation was inhibited in the treated animals to 1.3% of control values (p<0.001). Serum FSH (11.7% of control) and LH (undetectable) in the treated animals were both significantly less than controls. Histological findings indicated an arrest of advanced spermatids and a severe depletion of Leydig cells in the interstitial compartment. It was concluded that treatment of immature male rats with oxandrolone results in effects on the adult male reproductive system which are profound and occur at several levels. The most likely affected sites are the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and the Leydig cells.


2021 ◽  
Vol 06 (01) ◽  
pp. e1-e10
Author(s):  
Steven L. Peterson ◽  
Harm de Vries ◽  
Kami Collins ◽  
Hilde Geraedts ◽  
Michael J. Wheatley

Abstract Introduction Symptomatic neuroma with neuropathic pain can develop following peripheral nerve injury. Current interventions for symptomatic neuroma have unpredictable results. NEUROCAP (Polyganics, Groningen, The Netherlands) is a bioresorbable nerve capping device intended to protect a peripheral nerve end and separate the nerve from the surrounding environment, to prevent the recurrence of a symptomatic neuroma. Materials and Methods This study aims to assess the implantation effects of the NEUROCAP device in a rat sciatic nerve model during 12 months (±2 days). Forty-one adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were used in this study. They were randomly divided into a capping or test group, or a noncapping or control group for different time points of survival (12 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months). The objective of this study was evaluated regarding procedural data, adverse events, clinical observations, and histopathology. Results The overall general health of the animals was adequate throughout the study, with the exception of autotomy during the first 4 months of survival. Eight animals were euthanized early due to autotomy, excluded from the study and seven of them have been replaced. Autotomy was an expected outcome and a known limitation of the animal model, particularly as this was a full sciatic nerve transection model. Neuroma formation was observed in the control group while there was no neuroma formation present in the test group. The control group showed increased nerve outgrowth and more chaotic fascicles in comparison with the test group. The test group also had a higher percentage of myelinated fibers compared to the control group. These results indicate a preventive mode of action of the NEUROCAP with regard to neuroma formation after nerve transection in a rat sciatic nerve model. Conclusion The results indicate that NEUROCAP is safe and effective in preventing the recurrence of neuroma formation and inhibiting nerve outgrowth.


PEDIATRICS ◽  
1988 ◽  
Vol 81 (2) ◽  
pp. 237-246
Author(s):  
Adamadia Deforest ◽  
Sarah S. Long ◽  
Harold W. Lischner ◽  
Joseph A. C. Girone ◽  
Janet L. Clark ◽  
...  

The safety and efficacy of simultaneous administration of measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP), and trivalent oral poliovirus (OPV) vaccines in a test group of 405 children were compared with the safety and efficacy of sequential administration of the same vaccines in a control group of 410 children given MMR followed by booster doses of DTP and OPV 2 months later. The study was double blind and placebo controlled with respect to DTP and OPV. Seroconversion rates to measles, mumps, and rubella exceeded 96% in both groups. Geometric mean titers to measles (P = .05) and rubella (P = .004) were higher in the test group, and titers of antibodies to the other seven antigens were similar in both groups. Clinical reaction data were analyzed in 248 of 405 test children and 249 of 410 control children. The rates of serious vaccine-associated reactions were low and similar in the two groups. Some minor side effects were reported more frequently in the test group, but these differences were judged to be related to study design rather than to differences in the safety of the two vaccine schedules. The results indicate that the safety and serologic efficacy of administering MMR simultaneously with reinforcing doses of DTP and OPV in the second year of life is equivalent to the safety and efficacy observed after administering these antigens separately.


1987 ◽  
Vol 110 ◽  
Author(s):  
Haned A. Benghuzzi ◽  
Praphulla K. Bajpai

AbstractSprague-Dawley albino male rats (25) were divided into five groups consisting of five rats each. Polymer (polylactic acid) impregnated ALCAP capsules filled with 40 mg DFMO were implanted subcutaneously (SC) or intraperitoneally (IP) in Group I and II rats respectively. Rats in Group III were implanted with empty polymer impregnated ALCAP capsules (ALCAP control). Group IV rats were administered orally 3% DFMO in drinking water. Rats in Group V served as controls. Blood samples were collected every week for nine weeks via the tail artery. The concentration of DFNO in the plasma was determined. Data obtained showed that the levels of DFMO in the serum of rats in groups I, I, and IV were 64.71 ±4.08. 219.18 ± 14.48, 16.71 ± 5.21 ug ml−1, respectively at the end of nine weeks. Body weights of the controls and DFMO treated rats were not significantly different (p<0.05). The diarrhea often noted in rats treated orally with DFHO was not observed in rats implanted with ALCAP or ALCAP capsules filled with DFMO. The results of this study suggest that: (1) polymer impregnated ALCAP ceramic implants can be used to deliver DFMO in vivo in a sustained manner for long durations of time, and (2) a ceramic system can be designed to deliver DFNO and drugs such as DFMO in a sustained manner over long durations of time in humans.


2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 039-046
Author(s):  
Omoirri Moses Aziakpono ◽  
Uyovwiesevwa Ataihire Johnson ◽  
Orji Uchechukwu Harrison ◽  
Chukwuemeka Charles Ofili ◽  
Nwosu Gloria Chizoba ◽  
...  

Alcohol, Blood Sugar, and Grip muscle strengths (GMS) may play key role in injury prevention and rehabilitation. In many cases, strengthening of the grip has been a prescription for rehabilitation from injuries such as golf and tennis elbow. In this study, the effects of alcohol and glucose consumption on grip muscle strength in early adult male subject was investigated. A total of thirty (200) human subjects of about18+ years old were recruited for the study. The subjects were administered varying doses of alcohol and glucose D, then allowed to rest for a period of 5 and 10 minutes before assessing their grip muscle strength, fasting blood sugar (FBS) and body weights. Obtained records were then compared with those of control (normal) subject who neither received alcohol nor glucose D. Differences in mean was obtained between groups using the student t-test. From the result, study found a statistically significant decrease (p < 0.05) in GMS for different times (5 min and 10 min) of alcohol administration as compared with control subjects. A notable significant decrease (p > 0.05) was also observed for FBS with increasing administration times as compared with control. This decrease was however insignificant for 10 min duration compared with 5 minutes. This decrease was however significant (p < 0.05) for alcohol 5 min intake as compared with control group. All test group (experimental) showed a statistically significant decrease in GMS after alcohol administration as compared with control. Lastly, a statistically significant decrease (p < 0.05) was observed in GMS for 10 min of Glucose D intake. Whereas, subject who took glucose D in 5 min showed an insignificant decrease as compared with control. It is recommended that more studies be conducted to corroborate the result of this study.


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