JOURNAL OF ANIMAL BIOLOGY
Year:2013 | Volume:5 | Issue:2|Papers Count:9

Aqueous extract of purslane (Portulaca Oleracea) is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids that has a major role in the evolution of the brain and nervous system and increasing memory. Therefore in this study, effects of aqueous extract of purslane on passive avoidance learning and memory were investigated by measuring the amount of STL (delayed phase) in 40 male Wistar rats weighing 180 to 220 g. The Rats for a week to compromise with the environment (In the heat of the 21±2oC, 12 hours light and 12 hours darkness) were kept in the animal’s room. Purslane purchased from herb shops, and then it was mill after drying and then its aqueous extract was used for examinations on Rats in the shuttle box unit. The One-Way Analysis of Variance to determine the mean and standard error for each group were performed and the Schaffer and Tukey tests for the statistical interpretations were used. Acceptable level for statistical analysis of mean difference, p>0.05 was considered. In this study, doses of 0.25, 0.5, and 1.0 mg/kg were used. The dose of 0.25 mg/kg was selected as the effective dose that would increase the levels of cortisol and the STL.

Obesity is a major health concern worldwide against which development of new strategies is warranted. Animal models are a valuable tool in these studies and could be developed using a simple and cost effective diet in susceptible strains. Adult NMRI mice weighing 25±4 g were fed by a high fat diet for six weeks (E group) in comparison with a control group(C) receiving standard chow. Weekly measurements of body weight were performed. Animals were sacrificed after six weeks, and abdominal fat amount, fat liver accumulation, and LDL-C, HDL-C, cholesterol and triglyceride were measured. Histological studies were done on kidney, liver and testis. Body weight of E group increased up to about 50% (1.25-fold more than C group), their abdominal fat amount showed a two-fold increase compared with the C group(p<0.001), and morphologic differences were observed in liver tissue relative to fat accumulation. Of biochemical factors, only triglyceride levels showed statistically significant increase in the E group (p<0.05). Microscopic assessment of kidney, liver and testis samples, regarding to cells size and number showed no significant differences between C and E groups. This method is proposed as a mean to simulate an early stage of obesity.

The aim of this study was investigation of growth rate, survival and activity of digestive enzymes (a-amylase and alkaline phosphatase) in fish larvae fed Artemia nauplii. The experiment was performed in 115-liter glass tanks containing 7000 pieces of kutum larvae with an average initial weight of 5.1 mg (2 days after hatching). Samples for analysis of digestive enzyme activity were taken randomly at 2, 3, 5, 8, 10, 13, 17, 23, 27, 30. The results displayed that the stocking in high density to decrease growth efficiency but there was not considerable effect on survival rate larvae. In the present study was observed a significant increase in activity of amylase from 23 to 30 days as the highest amylase activity was found at 30 days after hatching. The high content of glycogen and carbohydrates in live food may be to stimulate synthesis and secretion of amylase. An early peak of activity in alkaline phosphatase enzyme activity was observed at day 8 after hatching the indicating the maturation process in the intestines of kutum larvae.

Development and releasing the heavy metals in the water, are resistant to degradation and accumulated in fish as a human food chain. In this study, scaled common carp (Cyprinus carpio) and scaleless sutchi (striped) catfish (Pangasius hypophthalmus) exposed to 0.1 lethal concentrations of cadmium to compare bioaccumulation of metal in liver, skin, gills, muscle and scales of both fishes. After preparation and chemical digestion of samples, tissue cadmium contents were analyzed by atomic absorption unit (Model Thermo). In common carp, the highest level of cadmium was found in the liver followed by the skin, gills and scales (538 , 98.3, 47.72, and 25.09 mg/g.dw, respectively) and lowest was in the muscle (15.9 mg/g.dw). In the catfish, the highest level of cadmium concentrated in the liver and then in the muscle and gill (195.5, 107, and 52.3 mg/g.dw, respectively) and lowest was in skin (5.93 mg/g.dw). The results of this investigation indicate that the carp's scaled armature, compared to the scaleless skin of the catfish, adsorbs metal toxicants leading to much lesser metals content in the muscle rendering this tissue rather safer for comestible consumption.

The scleractinian corals have largest diversity in the marine ecosystem. The corallites of corals often used to identify the Scleractinian corals. This survey was conducted in spring 2012, aimed to determine species diversity of Scleractinia corals off Hengam Island located in northeast of the Persian Gulf, Iran. The distribution patterns and health statuses were determined using Manta tow method. Thereafter, the collected coral specimens were identified to the species level. The best living hard coral cover was found at the depths between 3 to 6 meters and Faviidae corals were the dominant hard corals around the island. There are at least 33 of Scleractinian corals belonging to 21 genus and 8 Families. Fishes especially of ornamental species were frequent in the waters surrounding this island.

In order to recognize and introduce qanat fish species and study the fish dispersion situation in Shahrud, samples were gathered from winter (2010) to summer (2010) in four regions: Central, Mayamey, Bastam, Forumad and Biarjomand selecting 12 qanat stations of these regions having fish and they were studied according to the natural resources, environment and agricultural Jihad information. Sampling using sachuck net (having 2 mm holes) and other possible tools was conducted according to the condition of the environment. The samples were fixed in %10 formalin and after transferring to the laboratory, they were recognized using reliable recognition keys based on the required standards. 10 fish species of Alburnoides, Capoeta and Carassius genus were recognized from 516 samples taken.

Hormonal contraceptives are currently available in oral, injectable, transdermal patch and transvaginal-ring forms. Combination oral contraceptives (COCs) are the most frequently used method of hormonal contraception and an almost bewildering variety that are available. A once–a-month injectable contraception was briefly available. Monthly withdrawal bleeding is similar to a normal menses, leading to high continuation rates despite the need for a monthly injection. This present study is a clinical trial due to aim. Overall; women in need of contraception were recruited after signing an informed consent form in Shiraz health clinics. Women who were with the same partner throughout the study period were randomized to one of 2 treatment groups. We were collected data by questionnaire through personal interview, observation and measurements with 97 women for 4 months. Statistical analyses were performed on both groups. Data were collected and analyzed descriptive, independent T test and chi square by SPSS software. Our findings revealed that both drugs had the capacity to decrease length of menstrual bleeding, where as there is no significant difference between two groups. Both drugs had the capacity to decrease amount of bleeding, whereas there is no significant difference between two groups. Both drugs had the capacity to decrease dysmenorhea, where as there is no significant difference between two groups. There is no finding significant increase in spotting or breakthrough bleeding and amenorrhea in both groups. In conclusion, the present study showed that cyclofem is a valid contraceptive method to ensure optimal cycle control with low hormonal doses monthly administration and good cycle control make this contraceptive an alternative to combined oral contraceptives, avoiding the necessity of taking medication on daily basis.

Vitex agnus castus and Foeniculum volgare are phytoestrogeic herbs native to the Middle East and southern Europe. They have clinical usage in so many countries. In this research, the effects of Vitex agnus castus fruit extract and Foeniculum volgare seed extract were investigated on spermatogenesis and Testosterone, LH and FSH Hormon of male NMRI mice. This is an experimental study in which adult male mice were chosen and divided into 3 groups: control, vehicle, and experimental. Animals were daily injected (i.p.) with 100, 200 mg/kg of Foeniculum volgare seed extract and 200, 300 mg/kg of Vitex agnus castus and synthetic dos of Vitex agnus castus (300)+Foeniculum volgare (200) for 15 consecutive days. Then the animals were weighed and eventually killed. 2 weeks after the last injection. Testosterone and LH, FSH serum hormone of animal was assayed .The caudal part of the epididymis was used for sperm counting. After macroscopic investigation (weight, diameter and volume of Testes and weight of epididymis) tissues were fixed in Buin's fixative. Tissues were cut at 5 mm, stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E).Collected data was analyzed by the SPSS software by using one-way ANOVA. No significant differences in volume, weight and diameter of testes and weight of epididymis was seen. Significant reduction in LH, FSH and Testosterone hormon in all of experimental group was seen. Light microscopic studies showed a significant reductionin in number of germinal cells and several holes that were found scattered in the tubules and Testis also showed a general disarrangement in various germinal elements of seminiferous tubules in doses of 200, 300 vitex agnus castus and synthetic dose. Result of sperms count indicated a significant decreasing of spermatozoa in all of experimental groups. Vitex agnus castus and Foeniculum volgare contains essential oils, iridoid, glycosides, flavonoids diterpenes, and essential fatty acids. The results suggest that its contraceptive effects is related to its flavonoids and essential fatty acids but further studies is needed to focus on the pharmacokinetics of this plants.