The neurotransmission of the chemoreflex in the nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS), particularly of the sympatho-excitatory component, is not completely understood. There is evidence that substance P may play a role in the neurotransmission of the chemoreflex in the NTS. Microinjection of substance P (50 pmol/50 nl, N = 12, and 5 nmol/50 nl, N = 8) into the commissural NTS of unanesthetized rats p...

The presence of cytochrome P-450 and associated mono-oxygenase activities was examined in brain microsomes from male and female mice. Although the cytochrome P-450 level in male mouse brain was very low as compared with mouse liver, the aminopyrine N-demethylase and morphine N-demethylase specific activities in male mouse brain were much higher than those observed in mouse liver. Ethoxycoumarin...

Introduction: Stroke causes high rate of mortality in different societies. The medicinal uses of saffron (Crocus sativus) have a long history. Some metabolites derived from saffron stigmas exert numerous therapeutic effects due to hypolipidemic, antitussive, antioxidant, antidiabetic activities and many others. Materials and Methods:  Experiment performed with 120 ...

Background: Cryopreservation of oocytes is an effective technology in assisted reproductive technology. Although successful vitrification of gametes has been reported in several mammalian species, the survival is generally low. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) on preantral follicle development after vitrifi...

Background: Cigarette smoking is associated with impairment of testicular function. Nicotine is a major component of cigarette smoke.In the present study we aimed to study the effect of administration of nicotine-melatonin on sperm parameters in adult mouse. Materials and Methods: Male NMRI mice were divided into 4 groups: 1) control(normal saline) group 2) nicotine treated group 3) melatonin t...

Background: Strenuous exercise and temperature outside the optimum are associated with hypothalamic dysfunction and therefore disruption of fertility in females. The aim of this study was to evaluate serum Estradiol level and follicogenesis in adult mice exposed to forced swimming in different temperature waters. Materials and Methods: Adult female mice were randomly divided into four groups as...

Background: The concepts of reproductive biology were changed by stating the ovarian reserve in postnatal mammalian females is replenished. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of OCT4 in the mice ovarian tissue during different stages of mouse estrous cycle. Materials and Methods: The mice were considered as pro-estrous, estrous, met-estrous and di-estrous based on the cell ...

Background: Natural products of plant origin are still a major part of traditional medicinal systems in many countries. Carthamus tinctorius L. (CT), also named safflower, is one of the popular herbs traditionally consumed raw amongst people in Iran. The main objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of aqueous extract of CT on the mouse testis. Materials and Methods: Experi...

Background: Formaldehyde (FA) is a member of aldehyde family with a simplest organic molecule, used in various industries. Since there is simultaneous exposure of formaldehyde and noise for workers in most of the workplaces and that noise can reinforce the harmful effects of some chemical pollutants. This study aimed to investigate the effects of simultaneous formaldehyde and noise exposure on ...

Background: Nicotine exposure causes impaired fertility , ovarian and uterus dysfunction. The pineal hormone melatonin is known as an antioxidant agent. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible protective role of exogen melatonin on altered ovary and endometrium with nicotine. Materials and Methods: Female adult NMRI mice were divided into four groups. The control group received ve...