open access

Vol 59, No 2 (2021)
Original paper
Submitted: 2020-12-07
Accepted: 2021-04-03
Published online: 2021-04-20
Get Citation

Does repeated gold-nanoparticles administration affect pars distalis hormonal and folliculo-stellate cells in adult male albino rats?

Abeer Ibraheem Omar1, Samaa Samir Kamar12
·
Pubmed: 33876830
·
Folia Histochem Cytobiol 2021;59(2):95-107.
Affiliations
  1. Department of Medical Histology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
  2. Department of Histology, Armed Forces College of Medicine, Cairo, Egypt

open access

Vol 59, No 2 (2021)
ORIGINAL PAPERS
Submitted: 2020-12-07
Accepted: 2021-04-03
Published online: 2021-04-20

Abstract

Introduction. Worldwide, nanoparticles especially gold-nanoparticles (Au-NPs) are widely used in medicine, cancer treatment and cosmetic industry. They are easily conjugated with different biomedical and biological agents and effortlessly absorbed with few side effects. The pars distalis of the pituitary gland is considered as the maestro of the endocrine peripheral glands since it secrets trophic hormones that controls their functions. 5–10% of the non-granular pars distalis cells are folliculo-stellate cells (FSCs) that support the granular cells’ functions. The aim of the study was to explore the histological and the biochemical effects of repeated exposure to Au-NPs on the pars distalis in adult male albino rats with highlighting the impact on FSCs.

Material and methods. Thirty-six adult male albino rats were divided equally into control group and Au-NPs group (received 40 μg/kg/day of 11 ± 2 nm spherical Au-NPs orally for 2 weeks). Then, rats were euthanized and deposition of Au-NPs in pars distalis was investigated. Biochemical investigations and histological studies including hematoxylin and eosin staining, periodic acid Schiff’s reaction, immunohistochemistry (IHC) for S-100, connexin 43 (Cx43) and Cytochrome-C (Cyt-C) as well as electron-microscopic and morphometric studies were carried out.

Results. The Au-NPs group demonstrated structural disorganization in the pars distalis, inflammation, congestion and increased extracellular PAS-positive colloid deposition due to the accumulation of Au-NPs. A significant increase in the immunoreactivity of S-100, Cx43 and Cyt-c, along with a significant increase in TNF-a, MDA, and bFGF content in the pituitary homogenates, was noted as compared to the control group. Ultrastructurally, degenerative changes were observed in the secretory cells. FSCs showed proliferation and increased phagocytic activity.

Conclusions. Repetitive exposure of adult male albino rats to Au-NPs prompted the accumulation of these nanoparticles in the pars distalis that was accompanied by cellular degeneration and dysfunction of the secretory cell and proliferation of FSCs. Thus, monitoring of the pars distalis hormonal levels might be useful for early detection of some hazardous effects possibly associated with the use of gold-nanoparticles.

Abstract

Introduction. Worldwide, nanoparticles especially gold-nanoparticles (Au-NPs) are widely used in medicine, cancer treatment and cosmetic industry. They are easily conjugated with different biomedical and biological agents and effortlessly absorbed with few side effects. The pars distalis of the pituitary gland is considered as the maestro of the endocrine peripheral glands since it secrets trophic hormones that controls their functions. 5–10% of the non-granular pars distalis cells are folliculo-stellate cells (FSCs) that support the granular cells’ functions. The aim of the study was to explore the histological and the biochemical effects of repeated exposure to Au-NPs on the pars distalis in adult male albino rats with highlighting the impact on FSCs.

Material and methods. Thirty-six adult male albino rats were divided equally into control group and Au-NPs group (received 40 μg/kg/day of 11 ± 2 nm spherical Au-NPs orally for 2 weeks). Then, rats were euthanized and deposition of Au-NPs in pars distalis was investigated. Biochemical investigations and histological studies including hematoxylin and eosin staining, periodic acid Schiff’s reaction, immunohistochemistry (IHC) for S-100, connexin 43 (Cx43) and Cytochrome-C (Cyt-C) as well as electron-microscopic and morphometric studies were carried out.

Results. The Au-NPs group demonstrated structural disorganization in the pars distalis, inflammation, congestion and increased extracellular PAS-positive colloid deposition due to the accumulation of Au-NPs. A significant increase in the immunoreactivity of S-100, Cx43 and Cyt-c, along with a significant increase in TNF-a, MDA, and bFGF content in the pituitary homogenates, was noted as compared to the control group. Ultrastructurally, degenerative changes were observed in the secretory cells. FSCs showed proliferation and increased phagocytic activity.

Conclusions. Repetitive exposure of adult male albino rats to Au-NPs prompted the accumulation of these nanoparticles in the pars distalis that was accompanied by cellular degeneration and dysfunction of the secretory cell and proliferation of FSCs. Thus, monitoring of the pars distalis hormonal levels might be useful for early detection of some hazardous effects possibly associated with the use of gold-nanoparticles.

Get Citation

Keywords

gold-nanoparticles; rat; pars distalis; folliculo-stellate cells; connexin 43; cytochrome-c; IHC; electron microscopy

About this article
Title

Does repeated gold-nanoparticles administration affect pars distalis hormonal and folliculo-stellate cells in adult male albino rats?

Journal

Folia Histochemica et Cytobiologica

Issue

Vol 59, No 2 (2021)

Article type

Original paper

Pages

95-107

Published online

2021-04-20

Page views

1147

Article views/downloads

483

DOI

10.5603/FHC.a2021.0010

Pubmed

33876830

Bibliographic record

Folia Histochem Cytobiol 2021;59(2):95-107.

Keywords

gold-nanoparticles
rat
pars distalis
folliculo-stellate cells
connexin 43
cytochrome-c
IHC
electron microscopy

Authors

Abeer Ibraheem Omar
Samaa Samir Kamar

References (50)
  1. Jeevanandam J, Barhoum A, Chan YS, et al. Review on nanoparticles and nanostructured materials: history, sources, toxicity and regulations. Beilstein J Nanotechnol. 2018; 9: 1050–1074.
  2. Buzea C, Pacheco II, Robbie K. Nanomaterials and nanoparticles: sources and toxicity. Biointerphases. 2007; 2(4): MR17–MR71.
  3. Wicki A, Witzigmann D, Balasubramanian V, et al. Nanomedicine in cancer therapy: challenges, opportunities, and clinical applications. J Control Release. 2015; 200: 138–157.
  4. El-Drieny EA, Sarhan NI, Bayomy NA, et al. Histological and immunohistochemical study of the effect of gold nanoparticles on the brain of adult male albino rat. J Microsc Ultrastruct. 2015; 3(4): 181–190.
  5. Versiani A, Andrade L, Martins E, et al. Gold nanoparticles and their applications in biomedicine. Future Virol. 2016; 11(4): 293–309.
  6. Chow EKH, Ho D. Cancer nanomedicine: from drug delivery to imaging. Sci Transl Med. 2013; 5(216): 216rv4.
  7. Lal S, Clare SE, Halas NJ. Nanoshell-enabled photothermal cancer therapy: impending clinical impact. Acc Chem Res. 2008; 41(12): 1842–1851.
  8. Luo P, Stutzenberger F. Nanotechnology in the Detection and Control of Microorganisms. Adv Appl Microbiol. 2008: 145–181.
  9. Marques Neto LM, Kipnis A, Junqueira-Kipnis AP. Role of Metallic Nanoparticles in Vaccinology: Implications for Infectious Disease Vaccine Development. Front Immunol. 2017; 8: 239.
  10. Pissuwan D, Niidome T, Cortie MB. The forthcoming applications of gold nanoparticles in drug and gene delivery systems. J Control Release. 2011; 149(1): 65–71.
  11. Skirtach AG, Muñoz Javier A, Kreft O, et al. Laser-induced release of encapsulated materials inside living cells. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl. 2006; 45(28): 4612–4617.
  12. Lasagna-Reeves C, Gonzalez-Romero D, Barria MA, et al. Bioaccumulation and toxicity of gold nanoparticles after repeated administration in mice. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2010; 393(4): 649–655.
  13. Prades R, Guerrero S, Araya E, et al. Delivery of gold nanoparticles to the brain by conjugation with a peptide that recognizes the transferrin receptor. Biomaterials. 2012; 33(29): 7194–7205.
  14. Perez-Castro C, Renner U, Haedo MR, et al. Cellular and molecular specificity of pituitary gland physiology. Physiol Rev. 2012; 92(1): 1–38.
  15. Yeung CM, Chan CB, Leung PS, et al. Cells of the anterior pituitary. Int J Biochem Cell Biol. 2006; 38(9): 1441–1449.
  16. Haschek W, Rousseaux C, Wallig M. Endocrine System. Fundamentals of Toxicol Pathol. 2010: 513–551.
  17. El-Kordy E, Mubarak HED, Makhlouf M, et al. Effect of malathion on pars distalis of the pituitary gland and the possible protective role of vitamin C in adult female albino rats. Egyptian J Histol. 2014; 37(3): 453–463.
  18. Pires M. Update on Pituitary Folliculo-Stellate Cells. Int Arch Endocrinol Clin Res. 2016; 2(1).
  19. Le Tissier PR, Hodson DJ, Lafont C, et al. Anterior pituitary cell networks. Front Neuroendocrinol. 2012; 33(3): 252–266.
  20. Elbakary R, Okasha E, Ragab A, et al. Histological effects of gold nanoparticles on lung tissue of adult male albino rats. J Microsc Ultrastruct. 2018; 6(2): 116–122.
  21. Lévy R, Thanh NTK, Doty RC, et al. Rational and combinatorial design of peptide capping ligands for gold nanoparticles. J Am Chem Soc. 2004; 126(32): 10076–10084.
  22. Barathmanikanth S, Kalishwaralal K, Sriram M, et al. Anti-oxidant effect of gold nanoparticles restrains hyperglycemic conditions in diabetic mice. J Nanobiotechnology. 2010; 8: 16.
  23. Kiernan J. Histological and histochemical methods: Theory and practice. New York: Arnold publisher. ; 2001.
  24. Salama NM, Zaghlol SS, Mohamed HH, et al. Suppression of the inflammation and fibrosis in Asherman syndrome rat model by mesenchymal stem cells: histological and immunohistochemical studies. Folia Histochem Cytobiol. 2020; 58(3): 208–218.
  25. Faraji AH, Wipf P. Nanoparticles in cellular drug delivery. Bioorg Med Chem. 2009; 17(8): 2950–2962.
  26. Huang J, Bu L, Xie J, et al. Effects of nanoparticle size on cellular uptake and liver MRI with polyvinylpyrrolidone-coated iron oxide nanoparticles. ACS Nano. 2010; 4(12): 7151–7160.
  27. Chauhan VP, Stylianopoulos T, Martin JD, et al. Normalization of tumour blood vessels improves the delivery of nanomedicines in a size-dependent manner. Nat Nanotechnol. 2012; 7(6): 383–388.
  28. de Barros AB, Tsourkas A, Saboury B, et al. Emerging role of radiolabeled nanoparticles as an effective diagnostic technique. EJNMMI Res. 2012; 2(1): 39.
  29. Porter TE, Wiles CD, Frawley LS. Evidence for bidirectional interconversion of mammotropes and somatotropes: rapid reversion of acidophilic cell types to pregestational proportions after weaning. Endocrinology. 1991; 129(3): 1215–1220.
  30. Yang L, Kuang H, Zhang W, et al. Comparisons of the biodistribution and toxicological examinations after repeated intravenous administration of silver and gold nanoparticles in mice. Sci Rep. 2017; 7(1): 3303.
  31. Aravinthan A, Kamala-Kannan S, Govarthanan M, et al. Accumulation of biosynthesized gold nanoparticles and its impact on various organs of Sprague Dawley rats: a systematic study. Toxicol Res (Camb). 2016; 5(6): 1530–1538.
  32. Kim JH, Kim JH, Kim KW, et al. Intravenously administered gold nanoparticles pass through the blood-retinal barrier depending on the particle size, and induce no retinal toxicity. Nanotechnology. 2009; 20(50): 505101.
  33. Kreyling WG, Semmler-Behnke M, Möller W. Ultrafine particle-lung interactions: does size matter? J Aerosol Med. 2006; 19(1): 74–83.
  34. Chithrani BD, Ghazani AA, Chan WCW. Determining the size and shape dependence of gold nanoparticle uptake into mammalian cells. Nano Lett. 2006; 6(4): 662–668.
  35. De Jong WH, Hagens WI, Krystek P, et al. Particle size-dependent organ distribution of gold nanoparticles after intravenous administration. Biomaterials. 2008; 29(12): 1912–1919.
  36. Dykman L, Khlebtsov N. Immunological properties of gold nanoparticles. Chem Sci. 2017; 8(3): 1719–1735.
  37. Liou GY, Storz P. Detecting reactive oxygen species by immunohistochemistry. Methods Mol Biol. 2015; 1292: 97–104.
  38. Siddiqi NJ, Abdelhalim MA, El-Ansary AK, et al. Identification of potential biomarkers of gold nanoparticle toxicity in rat brains. J Neuroinflammation. 2012; 9: 123.
  39. Breitzig M, Bhimineni C, Lockey R, et al. 4-Hydroxy-2-nonenal: a critical target in oxidative stress? Am J Physiol Cell Physiol. 2016; 311(4): C537–C543.
  40. Morimoto Y, Izumi H, Kuroda E. Significance of persistent inflammation in respiratory disorders induced by nanoparticles. J Immunol Res. 2014; 2014: 962871.
  41. Liu M, Gu X, Zhang Ke, et al. Gold nanoparticles trigger apoptosis and necrosis in lung cancer cells with low intracellular glutathione. J Nanopart Res. 2013; 15(8).
  42. Noël C, Simard JC, Girard D. Gold nanoparticles induce apoptosis, endoplasmic reticulum stress events and cleavage of cytoskeletal proteins in human neutrophils. Toxicol In Vitro. 2016; 31: 12–22.
  43. Etame AB, Diaz RJ, O'Reilly MA, et al. Enhanced delivery of gold nanoparticles with therapeutic potential into the brain using MRI-guided focused ultrasound. Nanomedicine. 2012; 8(7): 1133–1142.
  44. Hou CC, Zhu JQ. Nanoparticles and female reproductive system: how do nanoparticles affect oogenesis and embryonic development. Oncotarget. 2017; 8(65): 109799–109817.
  45. Cavallin MD, Wilk R, Oliveira IM, et al. The hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis and the testicular function are modulated after silver nanoparticle exposure. Toxicol Res (Camb). 2018; 7(1): 102–116.
  46. Kikuchi M, Yatabe M, Tando Y, et al. Immunohistochemical localization of anterior pituitary hormones in S-100 protein-positive cells in the rat pituitary gland. Cell Tissue Res. 2011; 345(3): 425–429.
  47. Marin F, Stefaneanu L, Kovacs K. Folliculostellate cells of the pituitary. Endocr Pathol. 1991; 2(4): 180–192.
  48. Vitale ML, Barry A. Biphasic Effect of Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor on Anterior Pituitary Folliculostellate TtT/GF Cell Coupling, and Connexin 43 Expression and Phosphorylation. J Neuroendocrinol. 2015; 27(10): 787–801.
  49. Amano O, Yoshitake Y, Nishikawa K, et al. Immunocytochemical localization of basic fibroblast growth factor in the rat pituitary gland. Arch Histol Cytol. 1993; 56(3): 269–276.
  50. Claudius L, Yoshimi Y, Yoichiro H, et al. Phagocytotic removal of apoptotic endocrine cells by folliculostellate cells and its functional implications in clusterin accumulation in pituitary colloids in helmeted guinea fowl (Numida meleagris). Acta Histochem. 2006; 108(1): 69–80.

Regulations

Important: This website uses cookies. More >>

The cookies allow us to identify your computer and find out details about your last visit. They remembering whether you've visited the site before, so that you remain logged in - or to help us work out how many new website visitors we get each month. Most internet browsers accept cookies automatically, but you can change the settings of your browser to erase cookies or prevent automatic acceptance if you prefer.

By VM Media Group sp z o.o., ul. Świętokrzyska 73, 80–180 Gdańsk

tel.:+48 58 320 94 94, faks:+48 58 320 94 60, e-mail:  viamedica@viamedica.pl