Background & Objective: Several studies have shown that Soya oil has analgesic effects when it administered orally or injected. Oral administration of Soya oil has antinociceptive effect on bone dysplasia induced pain. Based on previous reports concerning analgesic effect of peripheral administration of Soya oil and the usage of the oil as a solvent or the oil part of emulsions to prepare water-insoluble drugs, we investigated the analgesic effect of intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of Soya oil.
Materials & Methods: The antinociceptive effects of i.c.v. administration of Soya oil using formalin test have been studied in stereotaxed mice after one week of surgery and insertion of a stainless steel canulla in the right cerebroventricle.
Results: Administration of pure Soya oil induced an antinociceptive effect in mice but the oil did not show any analgesic effects in 10 percent concentration.
Conclusion: The results of this study are in agreement with previous data on analgesic effect of peripheral administration of Soya oil. Therefore, we suggest that minimum concentrations should be used to prepare emulsions with Soya oil for water insoluble drugs in antinociception studies.

Background and Objectives: Apoptosis (programmed cell death) is an important regulatory event in spermatogenesis. Abnormally accelerated apoptosis in germ cells, may lead to an imbalance between cell proliferation and death, resulting in impairment in spermatogenic. Some studies have  shown that glucocorticoids affect testialar homeostasis by decreasing of testosterone level. In the present study, the influence of dexametasone (Dex), a widely used glucocorticoid agent, on expression of FasL (Fas-Ligand) protein (a proapoptotic protein) in mouse testicular germ cells is investigated.
Materials and Methods: Twenty-four adult male (6- 8 weeks) mice were randomly divided into 3 groups. The first and second test groups received 2 and 7 mg/kg Dex per day, respectively, for 7 days. The control group received only saline daily for 7 days. One day after the final injection, the mice were sacrificed and the test groups were placed in formalin solution for immunohistochemistry studies. Positive immunoreactivity was calculated by H-score method.
Results: The results revealed that expression of FasL in seminiferous epithelium is spermatogenic stage dependent, and the stage VII was the most susceptible to Dex. FasL expression was observed only at stages VII-VIII of spermatogenic cycle in 2 mg/kg Dex treated group (P<0.05). H-score was significantly increased in all stages of 7 mg/kg Dex treated group (P<0.05). The number of spermatocytes decreased significanhy in this group.
Conclusions: It appears that glucocorticoid agents such as Dex, induces apoptosis by affecting proapoptotic proteins.

Background and Objective: Saffron is widely used as a food flavor and has well known medicinal effects. Recent studies have revealed that main components of saffron including carotenoids: crocin, crocetin, picrocrocin and safranal have a large number of physiological effects on different biological systems. We decided to assess the possible effect of saffron extract on concentratians of LH, FSH and testosterone in mice. Materials and Methods: Four groups each including eight adult male Balb/C mice weighing 30 5g were chosen. Normal saline was administered as placebo to control group and saffron extract in doses of 25 , 50 and 100 was injected intraperitoneally for 20 days to test groups. Serum FSH, LH and testosterone, were measured using ELISA. Results: The level of FSH, LH and testosterone significantly increased in 100 saffron treated group, as compared with with placebo group. No significant differences were observed between other test groups and placebo. Conclusion: The study indicates efficacy of saffron extract in dose of 100 mg/kg/ 48h on pituitary-testis axis in mice. However further studies are needed to determine the effect of saffron on human reproductivity.

Background and Objective: Effects of electeromagnetic exposure on different parts of neruous system and memory of humans and animals has been established. In spite of important human studies, animal studies have been more precise and comprehensive. Extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF, <300Hz), have been reported to induce a variaty of behavioral and physiological function changes in animals. The object of present study was to determine the delay and durartion time of convulsions induced by co- exposure of ELF and strychnine. Materials and Methods: The effects of ELF on convulsions induced by strychnine (1mg/Kg) were investigated in 60 albino mice. Animals were devided into 6 groups (n=10), including control (I), 100Hz and 20Volt (II), 25Hz and 20Volt (III), 25Hz and 260Volt (IV), 100Hz and 260Volt (V), and 100Hz and 260Volt (VI). Delay time (Det) and duration time (Dut) of convulsions were measured respectively. Increase and decrease in Det and Dut were determined and were compared in control and five ELF exposed groups. Results: There was no significant difference in Det and Dut parameters between control (I) and III, IV and VI groups. In all these groups the convulsions terminated in animal death after a low Dut. In contrast there was a significant difference (P<0.001) in Det parameters between control (I) and the other groups (II and V). No deaths happened in groups (II and V). Conclusion: Co-exposure of higher ELF frequency and strychnine may decrease the epileptic effects of the drug.

Background and Objective: JWH133 is known to have cannabinoid-2 (CB2) receptor agonist properties. Celecoxib, a selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor, is also known to have antinociceptive properties. Endocannabinoids produce analgesia possibly through cyclooxygenase (COX) pathway. The aim of the present work was: to study the effect of celecoxib on JWH133 induced antinociception and to compare the effects of two different dose ranges of celecoxib (mg/kg and nano g/kg) on the JWH133 antiniciceptive effect. Materials and Methods: We have studied the possible interaction of administration of mg/kg (50-200 mg/kg) and Ultra-Low Dose (ULD) (25 and 50 ng/kg) of celecoxib on the antinociceptive effect of intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of JWH133 using formalin test in mice. Results: JWH133 (0.01, 0.1 and 1 mg/kg) induced antinociceptive effect just in phase I of the formalin test. Celecoxib (50-200 mg/kg) and its ULD (25 and 50 ng/kg) attenuated and potentiated, JWH133 induced antinociception, respectively. Conclusions: It is concluded that JWH-133 induced antinociception is modulated by celecoxib and mg/kg doses of celecoxib showed opposite effects compare to its ultra-low doses.

Background and Objective: Cannabinoids are a class of psychoactive compounds that produce a wide array of effects in a large number of species. In the present study, the effects of bilateral intra-CA1 injections of L-arginine on WIN55, 212-2 induced state-dependent memory of passive avoidance task was examined in mice. Materials and Methods: One-trial step-down paradigm was used for the assessment of memory retention in adult male NMRI mice. Results: Post-training intra-CA1 administration of cannabinoid receptor agonist, WIN55, 212-2 (0.5 and 1 µg/mouse), decreased the memory retrieval. The memory impairment induced by post-training administration of WIN55, 212-2 (1µg/mouse) was restored by pre-test administration of the same dose of the drug, showing the state-dependent memory of WIN55, 212-2. Single intra-CA1 administration of L-arginine (0.3, 1 and 3 µg/mouse) 5 min pre-test could not alter the memory retrieval. On the other hand, in the animals in which retrieval was impaired due to post-training administration of WIN55, 212-2 (1µg/mouse), pre-test intra-CA1 administration of L-arginine (1 and 3 µg/mouse), 24 hr after training restored memory retrieval. Furthermore, in the animals under influence of post-training administration of WIN55, 212-2 (1µg/mouse), pre-test co-administration of non-effective doses of WIN55, 212-2 and L-arginine, increased the restoration of memory by the pre-test WIN55, 212-2. Conclusion: The findings of the present study suggest that NO system of dorsal hippocampus may play an important role in Win55,212-2-induced amnesia and WIN55,212-2 state-dependent memory.

Background and Objective: A number of β-carboline alkaloids such as harmane are naturally present in the human food chain. In the present study the involvement of dopaminergic system on harmane induced-amnesia was investigated. Materials and Methods: One-trial step-down paradigm was used for the assessment of memory retention in adult male NMRI mice. Results: Intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of harmane (5 and 10 mg/kg) immediately after training, dose-dependently decreased memory formation. Administration of D1/D2 receptors agonist, apomorphine (0.5 and 1 mg/kg, i.p.) before testing by itself could not alter memory retrieval. On the other hand, in the animals in which memory formation was impaired due to harmane post-training administration, pre-test administration of apomorphine (0.5 and 1 mg/kg, i.p.) 24 hr after training in day’s test restored memory. Furthermore, administration of SCH23390 (0.025, 0.05 and 0.1 mg/kg, i.p.) or sulpiride (12.5, 25 and 50 mg/kg, i.p.) before testing by itself could not alter memory retrieval, respectively. On the other hand in the animals in which memory formation was impaired due to harmane post-training injection, pre-test administration of SCH23390 (0.05 and 0.1 mg/kg) or sulpiride (25, 50 mg/kg, i.p.) 24 hr after training in day’s test decreased hamane-induced amnesia. Conclusion: These findings indicat the involvement of D1/D2 receptors in harmane induced-amnesia through different mechanism(s).

Background and Objective: Metformin is a widely used medicine for treatment of type 2 diabetes. In this study, the effect of various doses of metformin on the mouse islets of langerhans volume was investigated.
Materials and methods: Twenty four C57BL/6 adult male mice weighting 30±5 gr were randomly divided into 4 groups. Normal saline was given to the control group (group 4) and the experimental groups (groups 1-3) received 75, 150 and 300 mg/kg metformin daily by intraperitoneal injection for seven days. One day after the last injection the mice were sacrificed by cervical dislocation and their pancreases were fixed in 10% formalin for histological studies. The volume of the islets of langerhans was estimated by using Cavalieri method.  
Results: Volume of the islets of langerhans in doses of 75 and 150 mg/kg Metformin showed a non-significant difference in comparison to control group (P>0.05). 300 mg/kg metformin treated mice showed a significant increase in islets of langerhans volume compared to the control group (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Metformin increases in the islets of langerhans volume in a dose-dependent manner. Increasing effects of Metformin on the islets of langerhans volume may be due to proliferation or hypertrophy of beta cells.

Background and Objective: Cefixime is an antimicrobial agent which has a widespread ability against various pathogens, especially gram-negative organisms. Today, physicians apply cephalosporins especially cefixime in a wide scale. Regarding the side effects of some of these antibiotics on reproductive system, this study was conducted to determine the effect of cefixime on pituitary- gonadal hormones, gonadotrophins and testes morphology in adult male mice.
Materials and Methods: Eighteen male mice (age: 12-16 weeks, weight: 355 gr) were divided into three groups; control, sham and experimental (6 mice in each group). Experimental group received cefixime
(0.5 gr/kg/day) as a solution in dimethyl solfoxide (DMSO) for 10 days; the sham group received only drug solvent (DMSO) via IP injection and the control group remained intact. The animals were weighed and sacrificed. Level of hormones was measured by Radioi Immuno Assay (RIA) method. Then, tissues were fixed in Buin's fixative. Sections were cut into 5 µm thicknesses and stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin (H& E). Data were analyzed using T-test and SPSS software.
Results: Count of spermatogenic, Sertoli and leydig cells and titer of FSH significantly decreased in the experimental group in comparison with the control and sham groups (P<0.01 and P<0.05). In the experimental group, DHEA hormone decreased significantly (P<0.05) in comparison with sham. No significant differences were seen in other factors between the groups.
Conclusion: Regarding physiological role of Sertoli cells during spermatogenesis, reduction of FSH hormone may lead to negative effects on the sperm production and reproductive potential of male mice.

Background and Objective: Epilepsy is the most common neurological disorder after stroke. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Heracleum persicum on pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) - induced seizure in mice. Materials and Methods: In this study, 30 male mice were divided into five groups. 30 minutes after IP administration with different doses of extract (75,150, 300, 600mg/kg), PTZ (80 mg/kg) was injected to animals and they were instantly transferred to a special cage. Consequently, the convulsive behaviors of the mice were recorded by a camera as long as 20 minutes and the data were converted into seconds to be considered for analysis. Results: The results indicated that hydroalcoholic extract of Heracleum persicum has a significant effect on threshold tonic seizure in doses of 150 mg/kg, 300mg/kg and 600 mg/kg. In clonic phase, threshold increased slightly with an increase in doses of extract. In tonic-clonic phase, threshold increase was significant only in doses of 150 mg/kg and 900 mg/kg. This extract significantly decreased seizure duration time both in tonic and tonic-clonic phases upon dose increasing. Conclusion: The results of the present study imply that injection of hydro-alcoholic extracts of Heracleum persicum led to anticonvulsant activity. This extract augmented the onset of different seizure phases while reduced duration of tonic and tonic-clonic phases.

Background and Objective: Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) is one of the long-standing herbs in traditional medicine known with many therapeutic properties. In this research, the effect of lettuce leaf extract on some reproductive traits such as testes weight and primary spermatocyte testosterone, LH and FSH in mice was investigated. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 40 male mice were selected and were randomly divided into 5 groups, including a control and 3 treatment and placebo groups. Treatment groups of animals received three intraperitoneal lettuce extract in daily doses of 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg for 20 days. Testosterone, LH and FSH tests implemented via Radioimmunoassay (RIA). The collected data analyzed by ANOVA and Duncan's test. Results: The results showed that the number of secondary spermatocytes (42±5) and concentrations of testosterone (0.088±0.023 ng/dl), LH (0.3±0.02 mIU/dl) and FSH (1±0.12 mIU/dl) significantly reduced at 100 mg/kg dose (P<0.05). Conclusion: Considering the results, it seems that the compounds in lettuce extract can exert a negative effect on male mice reproductive physiology as a result of reduction in spermatocytes and reproductive hormones.

Background and Objective: It has been shown that cannabinoids exert widespread effects on cognitive functions. An overlapping distribution of GABA with cannabinoid receptors has been reported in some brain structures such as dorsal hippocampus. Thus, the functional interactions between cannabinoid and GABAergic systems in cognitive control seem possible. The present study evaluated the potential role of cannabinoid CB1 receptors of the dorsal hippocampus on muscimol induced amnesia and muscimol state-dependent memory in adult male mice. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study 250 adult male NMRI mice were entered. Drugs of muscimol and ACPA were used. Mice were anaesthetized and cannulae implantation was bilaterally used in the CA1 regions of the dorsal hippocampus via stereotaxic method. Seven days after recovery from surgery, the behavioral testing was started by means of inhibitory avoidance task. Results: Post-training injection of muscimol (0.075, 0.15 µg/mouse) impaired inhibitory avoidance memory. The memory impairment induced by ACPA (0.15 µg/mouse) was completely reversed by pre-test administration of ACPA and/or muscimol, suggesting muscimol induced state-dependent memory. Conclusion: These results suggest that cannabinoid CB1 receptors of the dorsal hippocampal may play an essential role in muscimol-induced amnesia and muscimol state-dependent memory in mice.

Background and Objective: Amygdalin is likely to have analgesic and metabolic effects. In this study, the effects of chronic administration of amygdalin were investigated on the pain threshold, weight and blood sugar of mice. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, formalin test was used as a chronic inflammatory model of pain. 60 mice (30-35 g) were divided into four groups (n=15) including: control and amygdalin 10, 25 and 50 mg /kgw groups. Amygdalin was solved in saline and injected intraperitoneally every day at 9-10am. The control group received saline intraperitoneally for one week. After the last treatment, 40µl formalin (2.5%) was injected to the right hind paw of the mice and pain symptoms (frequency of collecting flinching of the back skin and licking injection site) were recorded for 60 min. Weight of the mice was measured before and after the last treatment with amygdalin. Blood glucose was also measured at the end of the experiment. Results were analyzed by using one way ANOVA and Tukey or paired t-test. Results: Intraperitoneal injection of 10, 25 and 50 mg/kgw doses of amygdalin reduced pain in male mice. In concentration of 50 mg/kg, not only the pain was completely inhibited but the animals’weight also decreased compared to pre-treatment period. Chronic injections of amygdalin had no impact on normal blood sugar levels. Conclusion: Chronic intraperitoneal injection of amygdalin increases pain threshold in mice and may also cause weight loss.

Background and Objective: Burn injury is not a disease, but it is a disaster with many social, economic and mental effects which contribute to the problem and make it several times larger. Several studies have examined various factors in burn. In this study, we evaluated the effect of L-glutamine on biochemical tests in mice with second degree burns. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 30 male mice were included and randomly divided into two groups. First, the mice underwent general anesthesia and then using an iron plate with 80°C thermal injury for duration of one second, a second-degree burn injury was induced on the animal's skin. In the case group, the mice received glutamine powder (1 g/kg/day) dissolved in water. The control group did not receive such supplementation. The data gathered on different days and analyzed by SPSS software. Results: There was no significant difference between two groups regarding weight and serum albumin, urea, and creatinine levels. The mean of serum levels of albumin is (4.93±0.24 and 4.84±0.79) on day 1 and 22th respectively (P≤0.4) and in the control group on day 1 and 22th (4.21 ± 0.46 and 4.21 ± 0.45) respectively (P≤0.7). The mean of serum levels of urea is (30.10 ± 3.3 and 30.48 ± 4.27) on day 1 and 22th respectively (P≤0.3) and in the control group on day 1 and 22th (25.89 ± 0.14 and 25.89 ± 2.4) respectively (P≤0.7). The mean of serum levels of creatinine is (0.82 ± 0.17 and 0.86 ± 0.25 on day 1 and 22th respectively (P≤0.9) and in the control group on day 1 and 22th (0.86 ± 0.14 and 0.86 ± 0.19) respectively (P≤0.4). Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that glutamine did not have any significant effect on biochemical parameters in burn. The role of glutamine in burn wound healing has not been established completely, but there is a lot of evidence supporting the beneficial effects of glutamine for treating burns. 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Background and Objective: Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles are widely used in the medical, industrial, pharmaceutical and nutritional fields and contradictory results in neurological studies of these compounds in comparison with the conventional pattern demand further investigation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the histology of hippocampus (an area involved in memory) following chronic administration of ZnO nanoparticles in comparison with the conventional pattern.

Materials and Methods: NMRI adult male mice weighing 25 ± 5 g were assigned to five groups: control (saline), recipient of nano ZnO and conventional ZnO in doses of 1 and 5 mg/kg. After one month of treatment with these, animals were euthanized and their brains were removed from the hippocampus for histological study.

Results: While ZnO nanoparticles led to necrosis of cells in some areas of the hippocampus, conventional ZnO did not exhibit such considerable damage. These changes were more pronounced at a dose of 1 mg/kg of ZnO nanoparticles.

Conclusion: ZnO nanoparticles may pass through the blood-brain barrier and induce harmful effects on cells in hippocampus. It is recommended to take necessary precautions while using combinations of nano drugs.

Background and Objectives: The MgO nanoparticles (MgO-NPs) are widely used in many fields such as catalysis, adsorption, electronics, ceramics and antibacterial. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of MgO-NPs on histopathological and biomarker changes of liver injuries (ALT, ALP, and AST) in pregnant NMRI mice.

Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, thirty five female NMRI mice were randomly allocated to one control group and four experimental groups (n=7).The experimental mice received MgO-NPs at concentrations of 50, 100, 150 and 200 mg/kg intraperitoneally. Blood samples were taken from the inner corners of their eyes, serums were separated and then liver enzyme activities were analyzed. Subsequently, all animals were euthanized via cervical dislocation and tissue samples were stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin for histopathological evaluation. Statistical analysis was performed using SAS software.

Results: Findings assert that different concentrations of MgO-NPs did not bring about any significant effect on liver and body weight. Activity of liver-associated serum enzymes at all concentrations of MgO NPs exhibited a significant increase (P<0.05) compared to the control group. In histopathological study, cell accumulation and cell division around sinusoidal ducts, destruction of hepatocytes, inflammatory cell infiltration and cell degeneration around the central vein were observed.

Conclusion: The biochemical parameters and histopathological findings from liver indicated that exposure to MgO-NPs could induce different degrees of damage in a dose-dependent manner.

Background and Objective: Current and common treatment of toxoplasmosis consist of oral adminstration of pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine. However, this drug combination has substantial toxicity and side effects on patients, especially in immunocompromised individuals. Echinacea purpurea is a medicinal plant with antimicrobial properties which boosts the immune system. This study was carried out to evaluate the anti-toxoplasma effect of E. purpurea extract in vitro and acute toxoplasmosis in a mouse model.

Materials and Methods: Parasite suspension containing 42000 live toxoplasma tachyzoites (RH strain) was added to serial concentrations of 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 µg/ml alcoholic extrac of E. purpurea and incubated at 37^oC for 5 hours. Then, IC₅₀ was calculated using linear regression. Subsequently, 48 BALB/c mice were asssigned to 5 treatment groups and a control group and were intraperitoneally infected with 10⁴ tachyzoites. 24 hours post infection, the E. purpurea extract was injected intraperitoneally by the aforementioned concentrations on a daily basis until the death of the mice. The control group received sterile saline. Survival time of the groups was analyzed by One way ANOVA and Duncan tests and between-group differences at the level of P<0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results: Using linear regression, IC₅₀ values of E. purpurea extract was 784 µg/ml, after 5 hours. The mean survival time of the mice in the treated groups was significantly higher than the control group, respectively 6.5±0.9 and 5±0.0 days (P<0.05). The maximum survival time (7.3±1.0) without any significant difference with other test groups, was obtained in the fifth group (1000 &mug/ml).

Conclusion: The tested concentrations of alcoholic extract of E. purpurea did not pose any inhibitory effect on tachyzoites in vitro, but significantly increased the survival time of  the infected mice in vivo.