Abstract

The evaluation and comparison of the staining effect of pomegranate (Punica granatum) flower extract (dye solution) on histological sections of rat testis and ovary provides a simple, quick technique for the visualisation of both cells. In the developed procedure, this work shows the staining effect of P. granatum flower extract used at different pH of dye bath and temperatures on the histological sections of rat testis and ovary. A 20% stock solution of P. granatum flower extract was prepared by dissolving 20 g of the dye in 100 mL ethanol at room temperature for several hours. After 24 h, the deep-red coloured solution was filtered (0.45 µm filter) to remove any undissolved dye. This stock solution was stored at room temperature and each day a 5 mL sample was taken and adjusted to different pH with dilute ammonia (NH₃) using pH meter. Best staining effects conditions were obtained by testing the different pH of dye (1-2, 4-5) and temperature. The testis and ovary are stained in different colors; lamina propria section and spermatogonia cells of testis were more purple than the same sections of ovary at room temperature and pH of 1-2 dye bath. Therefore, the developed method has been applied successfully for the visualization of rat testis and not the ovarian tissue.

Key words: Histological section, ovarian, pomegranate, Punica granatum, testis.