The differentiation of renin containing cells was studied by immunocytochemistry in normal rat fetuses by the use of highly specific renin, angiotensin I and II antisera. Renin synthesizing cells were detectable as early as the 15th day of gestation outside the nephrogen territories within the walls of mesonephrotic-gonadic and renal arteries. Intrarenal differentiation began at the 17th day and progressed along the intrarenal arterial tree. AII immunostaining appeared concomitantly in the renin containing cells and developed considerably during ontogenesis, suggesting intracellular biosynthesis. It can be suggested that in the fetus newly synthesized AII may contribute to the early systemic and renal blood pressure regulation.

No abstract

No abstract

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) has long been used as a medicinal plant for the treatment of nutritional and metabolic dysfunctions. It has been shown that the daily intake of fenugreek seeds improves feeding behavior in animals. A number of studies have also suggested a link between Fenugreek seeds extracts and fertility but have yielded contradictory results. In this paper, particular attention has been paid to the impact of consumption of the aqueous extract of fenugreek seeds, prepared according to the traditional Moroccan method, on the spermatic parameters and the pathophysiology of the reproductive system of Wistar rats receiving 450 and 900 mg / kg /day, respectively. Our study results show the benefits of fenugreekseeds aqueous extract, used in the traditional Moroccan pharmacopoeia on appetite stimulation and weight gain without any significant impact on the fertility and the reproductive performances. Both quantitative and qualitative analysis of sperm parameters (morphology, mobility and vitality) showed no significant variation compared to the controls. In addition, histological examination of seminiferous tubules and reproductive accessory glands (prostate and seminal vesicles) in fenugreek treated rats showeda normal tissue architecture without visible lesion. These data exclude all potential risks from the consumption of aqueous extract of fenugreek seeds on the fertility and reproductive function in male rats. However, taking into account other data from the literature, this regular consumption should be closely monitored in order to allow the organism to fully benefit from a multiple phytotherapeutic virtues of this plant.

The estrogenic activities of fenugreek seeds (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.), widely used in traditional pharmacopoeia, are reflected in the uterus of ovariectomized female rats, with a slight increase in dry and wet weight, a thickening of the stroma and the uterine epithelium and the development of the endometrial glands. In the vagina, the estrogenic action is shown through an increase in the epidermal cell number and a tendency to keratinization, leading to vaginal opening. Furthermore, this estrogenic potential of fenugreek seeds is confirmed by the over-expression of progesterone receptors in the uterine tissues supporting possible interactions between phytoestrogens and estrogen receptors. Therefore, Fenugreek seeds may be capable of promoting the development of reproductive tissues of immature ovariectomized rats, and its estrogenic activity may take its action by holding phystoestrogens that interact with estrogen binding sites and activate the same estradiol-mediated cell signaling pathways. Thus, our results give added scientific support to the popular use of Fenugreek seeds as an alternative for several health problems such as fertility and menopause related disorders.