Background. Neuronal apoptosis is the major cause of diabetes central neuropathy, but its role in volumetric changes of hippocampus has not been clarified. The aims of this study were to assess the role of apoptosis in volumetric changes of dentate gyrus (DG) and CA3 region of hippocampus and to determine a reference point in which these neuropathological changes reach a meaningful level. Methods and Materials. Diabetes was induced in male Wistar rats (N = 10) by streptozotocin (60 mg/kg). Six weeks after diabetes, verification animals were divided into four groups as follows: diabetic treated with insulin (3–5 U), diabetic treated with vitamin C (80 mg/kg), and diabetic and control groups. At the end of 8 weeks, numerical density of apoptotic neurons and volume of dentate gyrus and CA3 were calculated by stereological methods. Results. The number of apoptotic neurons in DG and CA3 in diabetic group showed significant level of difference in comparison with the control (P < 0.001). The volume of DG and CA3 in diabetic and vitamin C showed significant level of difference compared with control (P < 0.001). Conclusion. Our results suggest that DG and CA3 volume reduction begins and progresses independently of neuronal loss.

Introduction: Studies have shown that even acute single dose of ketamine is associated with neurodegeneration in hippocampus. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of chronic exposure to ketamine on hippocampus proper in young adult male rats. Materials and Method: Twenty young adult male wistar rats weighing 120-150 g were randomly divided into two groups. Experimental group received ketamine intraperitoneally at the dose of 10mg/kg for one week. The control animals only received saline. At the end ofweek animals were anesthetized and the hippocampus and adrenal were harvested for further study. Results: Cytological examination of cresyl violet stained sections of ketamine group showed dark neurons in CA4 region. The number of dark neurons in CA4 (15±3) showed meaningful difference with control (P<0.001). The weight ofwet brain in ketamine group (1.34±0.04 gr) showed significant level of difference in comparison with those of control (1.6±.2gr) (P<0.05). The presence of oligodendrocytes aggregation around degenerating and healthy looking neurons was only recognized in ketamine group. Also in ketamine exposed animals, hypertrophic astrocytes especially in white matter hilar region, were observed. Conclusion: According to our findings it could be concluded repeated or chronic ketamine use is associated neurodegeneration in CA4region of hippocampus and sever glial reaction.

We report on an extremely rare case of multiple absences of the branches of abdominal aorta with congenital absence of the portal vein, unilateral adrenal agenesis and persistent ductus arteriosus in an adult female cadaver. Specifically, instead of celiac trunk, superior and inferior mesenteric arteries, solely a single arterial trunk aroused from the anterior aspect of abdominal aorta, inferior phrenic and ovarian arteries were absent in both sides. Left kidneys drained by two veins. There were not superior, splenic and mesenteric veins, while left renal vein received an additional vein, which run downward and drained primarily all parts of digestive tract and its associated glands (portal vein did not exist). Right adrenal gland was absent. To the best of our knowledge, it is the only reported case with such widespread anomalies. We think the importance of this case is beyond the surgical consideration and needs more profound developmental studies.

No abstract