The current observations focused on the ultrastructure comparison between the tongue of two reptile species endemic the Egyptian fauna; Bosc's fringe‐toed lizard Acanthodactylus boskianus and Sinai fan‐fingered gecko Ptyodactylus guttatus to exhibit the relationship between the lingual epithelium and its function according to their specific feeding strategy. A. boskianus possessed triangular elongated tongue with bifurcated tapering apex and wide base while; the P. guttatus had a triangular flattened tongue with conical shallow bifurcated apex and broad base. The ventral surface of the lingual apex of A. boskianus had transverse while in P. guttatus had two oval pads and median ventral groove. Both surfaces of the tongue of both examined species are covered by stratified squamous epithelium with great variability of degree of keratinization. The dorsal epithelium formed flattened and conical filiform papillae in A. boskianus, while in P. guttatus formed cylindrical papillae, conical, and tall filiform ones. Few taste buds are observed on the fore‐tongue but increase on the mid‐tongue of A. boskianus, while in P. guttatus, numerous taste buds are distributed on the fore‐tongue and mid‐tongue. Both surfaces of the laryngeal mound of both examined species provided with numerous of cilia and orifices of laryngeal gland. The present results confirmed that the tongue of A. boskianus acts as a chemoreceptor organ to follow pheromone trails of prey and mates. While in P. guttatus the tongue may play an important role in the feeding mechanism and act as a chemoreceptor organ.

Background: Bisphenol-A (BPA) is an organic synthetic polycarbonate compound [(CH 3 ) 2 C(C 6 H 4 OH) 2 ] which is widely incorporated into many plastic industries worldwide. BPA is an endocrine disruptor that exhibits hormone-like properties which may promote adverse effects in humans, triggering estrogenic signals in target tissues, which raise concern about its suitability in some consumer products and food containers. Since 2008, several governments have investigated BPA safety, which prompted some retailers to withdraw polycarbonate products. A 2010 report from the United States (US) Food and Drug Administration (FDA) identified possible hazards of BPA to fetuses, infants, and young children. However, the FDA has ended its authorization of the use of BPA in baby bottles and infant formula packaging, based on market abandonment, not safety. Aim of the work:This study aimed to investigate the antitoxic effects of the anti-estrogen drug Tamoxifen (Nolvadex) and the recovery period on the female albino rats which received BPA. Materials and Methods:This study was performed on forty female albino rats with an average body weight of 140-160 grams. The animals were divided into four groups (10 rats per cage); Group I (Control untreated for 30 days), Group II (BPA treated for 15 days, then sacrificed), Group III (BPA treated first for 15 days, then left to a recovery period of another 15 days), and Group IV (BPA treated first for 15 days, then treated with the anti-estrogen drug Nolvadex for another 15 days). The following analyses were done to all groups; ALT (alanine amino-transferase), AST (aspartate amino-transferase), GGT (gamma glutamyl-transferase), total proteins, albumin, globulins, A/G ratio [i.e., liver function tests], creatinine, uric acid, A/C (albumin/creatinine) ratio [i.e., renal function tests], total lipids, total cholesterol, LDL-C (low density lipoprotein cholesterol), HDL-C (high density lipoprotein cholesterol), and triglycerides [i.e., lipids profile]. Results: In the BPA treated group II the biochemical results showed highly significant increase (P<0.01) in the enzymatic activities of ALT, AST, and GGT with concomitant increase in globulins (P<0.05), creatinine, uric acid, total lipids, total cholesterol, LDL-C, and triglycerides levels when compared to the control group. On the other hand, there was highly significant decrease (P<0.01) in total proteins, albumin, A/G (albumin/globulin) ratio, A/C (albumin/creatinine) ratio, and HDL-C levels when compared to the control group. These results turned back to normal control values after stopping the use of BPA alone (Group III) or stopping BPA and treatment with the anti-estrogen drug Nolvadex in the recovery period, except for ALT which was elevated (P<0.05) with Nolvadex (Group IV). Conclusion: It could be concluded that BPA has dangerous toxic effects on the liver and kidney functions as well as on the lipids profile. Moreover, the recovery period (i.e., 15 days without treatment) is better than the use of the anti-estrogens (as Tamoxifen) wh...

No abstract

Background: The present study aimed to illustrate comparative morphological, histological, and functional variations of the hyoid apparatus of Acanthodactylus boskianus and Ptyodactylus guttatus. Result: The hyoid apparatuses and musculature of the two investigated species are well-developed. The hyoid apparatuses exhibit high mobility with different articulation sites between their skeletal elements. The degree of ossification of the hyoid apparatus of gecko is more developed than that of the lacertid lizard. In P. guttatus, a well-developed synchondrosis articulation appears between the basihyoid and ceratobranchialis of the hyoid apparatus. Meanwhile, in A. boskianus, the articular ligament which appears between basihyoid and ceratobranchialis is less developed and also appears as a ligament connection between the two parts of hyoid cornua in which ligaments provide more mobility to the hyoid of lacertid lizard. Conclusion: The results reflect a phylogenetically informative character about these clad and explain the different functional demands imposed on the hyoid apparatus as well as confirm the important role of hyoid apparatus in the movement of the tongue during the prey transport.

No abstract