In addition, cystic follicles were seen in large numbers. Severe histological moreover changes like follicular atresia, induced fibrosis and necrosis of primary and secondary follicles of Cr treated rats were earlier reported by Royce et al.[25] Cr induces free radical production by multiple mechanisms leading to peroxidation, which in the present study was evinced by significant increase in peroxidation markers such as MDA and protein carbonyls, and decrease in anti-oxidant markers such as SOD and GSH in ovaries. Peroxidative damage also occurred in liver and kidney, which resulted in reduced hepatic and kidney function, and was reflected by significant decrease in total protein with significant increase in ALT activity indicating hepatotoxicity.
Significant increase in serum levels of BUN and creatinine in this study was suggestive of nephrotoxicity. The results of the present study are in agreement with earlier findings of reduction in the anti-oxidant markers with simultaneous increase in peroxidation markers and functional markers in rats under Cr influence.[21] Vitamin E, a lipid soluble membrane localized anti-oxidant, protects cells and tissues from oxidative damage induced by a wide variety of free radical species. It functions as a chain breaking anti-oxidant that prevents the propagation of free radical reaction and preserves cell membranes by protecting against lipid peroxidation through reaction with lipid peroxyl radicals and conversion to a non-reactive tocopheroxyl radical.[26] In the present study, when vitamin E was supplemented along with chromium, a remarkable resurgence was observed in all the parameters.
The results of the present study were in agreement with previous studies, where supplementation of vitamin E restored ovarian steroidogenic indices and cyclicity to normal in rats administered potassium dichromate.[23] In conclusion, the study revealed that chromium exposure affected ovarian steroidogenesis and cyclicity along with histological alterations in ovaries and uterus, which affected the fertility potential of treated females, besides affecting hepatic and renal function. However, vitamin E supplementation along with chromium to rats, manifested significant protective effects. Footnotes Source of Support: Nil Conflict of Interest: None declared
The vagus nerve, also known as the pneumogastric nerve or cranial nerve X, has the most extensive course and distribution of all the cranial nerves.
It originates from four nuclei in the medulla oblongata: Dorsal Nucleus: Axons from this nucleus gives rise to the pre-ganglionic parasympathetic visceromotor fibers of the vagus nerve. Nucleus Ambiguus: Cells from here contain motor neurons associated with three cranial nerves- IX, X, XI. Sends parasympathetic outputs Carfilzomib to the heart.