Cluster of differentiation 4/cluster of differentiation 8 ratio of T-lymphocyte subsets in Egyptian patients with severe pre-eclampsia.

This study was designed to evaluate the immunological role of CD4+Tcells, CD8+ T cells in the pathogenesis of severe pre-eclampsia. Consequently, we estimated their blood levels and the CD4+/CD8+Tcells ratio among patients with pre-eclampsia. The study included 50 primigravid patients in third trimester, recruited from El-Shatby Maternity University Hospital.

Maternal serum alpha fetoprotein among pregnant females in Alexandria.

Unlabelled: Maternal serum alpha fetoprotein (MSAFP) was introduced as a screening test for congenital malformations especially neural tube defects (NTDs) two decades ago. However, many factors were known to affect its level. From these are racial differences and maternal weight.

Embryotoxicity of oral administered chlorothalonil in mice.

Background: Chlorothalonil (2,4,5,6-tetrachloroisophthalonitril), the nephrotoxic fungicide, was examined for its potential to produce developmental toxicity in mice after oral administration.

Methods: Pregnant ICR (CD-1) mice were given sublethal doses of 0 (corn oil), 100, 400, and 600 mg/kg/day chlorothalonil by gavage on gestation days (GD) 6-15.

Results: Maternal effects in 400 and 600 mg/kg/day dose groups included signs of toxicity such as weakness and depression in the maternal activity, and reduction in body weight and weight gain.

Developmental toxicity of orally administered technical dimethoate in rats.

Background: Dimethoate (O,O-dimethyl-S-(N-methylcarbamoyl-methyl) phosphorodithioate), an organophosphate insecticide, was examined for its potential to produce developmental toxicity in rats after oral administration.

Methods: Pregnant Fischer 344 rats were given sublethal doses of 0 (corn oil), 7, 15, and 28 mg/kg/day dimethoate by gavage on gestation days (GD) 6-15. Maternal effects in 15 and 28 mg/kg/day dose groups included cholinergic signs such as tremors, diarrhea, weakness, and salivation, and depression in the maternal and fetal brain acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activities.