Histological and histopathological studies on the protective role of Echinacea purpurea extract after intra-testicular injection of magnetic nanoparticles in male albino rats

AbstractLocal intra-testicular injection for drug release is an important methodology for testicular diseases therapy. Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) are new nanomaterials which have several medical applications. This study aimed at investigating the time-dependent toxicity of MNPs after intra-testicular injection, and the protective effect of Echinacea purpurea (EP) extract as antioxidant and immune cells activator. To investigate the protective role of EP extract against MNPs toxicity in testicular tissues, EP extract was simultaneously administrated with MNPs. The intra-testicular injection of MNPs caused spermatogenic apoptosis, cellular necrosis, and interstitial fibrosis. Also, MNPs were found freely in the interstitial area attached to fiber bundles and to lamina propria of the seminiferous tubules. Simultaneous EP extract administration with MNPs injection for 11 wk reduced MNPs toxicity, compared to MNPs only. Also, most MNPs were co-localized in some interstitial cells/macrophages after this EP e...