DEPARTMENT OF PHYSIOLOGY

A common industrial chemical, bisphenol-A (BPA) is connected to oxidative stress, memory loss, learning impairment, reduced cholinergic function, and neuronal degeneration. BPA is also utilized in
the manufacturing of polycarbonate, epoxy resins, and plastics. Ascorbic acid, another name for vitamin C, is a necessary substance that is involved in several biological activities. It has been proposed as a potential therapeutic intervention for oxidative stress because of its strong antioxidant properties, which shield the body from oxidative damage brought on by free radicals. On the other hand, opinions about the protective role of vitamin C in bisphenol-A-induced toxicity are divided. This research looked at the neuroprotective effects of vitamin C in the context of toxicity caused by bisphenol-A in Drosophila melanogaster. Three to five days ago, flies were divided into groups. Group 2 received a diet containing 1 mM of bisphenol-A (BPA), whereas Group 1 acted as the control group. 200 mM of vitamin C was given to Group 3 by food, whereas Group 4 received 200 mM of vitamin C plus 1 mM of BPA through food. For six (6) days, the flies were kept on these treatments at room temperature. To evaluate locomotor performance, an open field research and negative geotaxis were conducted (climbing activity and exploratory movement). Additionally, a 15-day survival research was conducted to look at the effects of vitamin C and bisphenol A on fly survival rates. After the experiment was over, the flies were homogenized, and the supernatants were used to measure the activities of glutathione S-transferase (GST), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), malonaldehyde
(MDA), and catalase-catalase. The survival rate, motility, and climbing activity (negative geotaxis) of flies treated with BPA were all significantly reduced. Additionally, the activities of AChE, MDA, Catalase, SOD, and BPA-treated flies were reduced. Vitamin C was able to considerably raise the flies' survival rate, motility, and climbing activity throughout the co-treatment procedure. It also lessened the effects of the BPA increase on AChE activity and MDA levels in these flies. Furthermore, vitamin C inhibited and BPA-induced redu tion in GST activity was observed.

This research centers on the complex relationship between high salt intake, hypertension, immune markers and antihypertensive drugs. Despite knowing the detrimental effects of salt on blood pressure, the specific molecular mechanisms connecting these factors are not fully understood and how antihypertensive drugs affect immune function markers. The aim of this study is to see how antihypertensive medications affect immune function markers in a salt-loaded animal model. Twenty-five Sprague Dawley male rats weighing between 110g-130g was purchased from Lagos and housed in the Animal Unit of theDepartment of Pharmacology, and allowed to acclimatize for 2 weeks thereafter were randomly divided into 5 groups of 5 rats each. Group 1; control received normal rat chow and tap water, Group 2; Received high salt diet of 8% NaC1 (HS) alone for 8 weeks as described by, Group 3; Received high salt diet + 2.3mg/kg/d Lisinopril, Group 4; Received high salt + 0.1mg/kg/d verapamil, Group 5; Received high salt + 10mg/kg/d Losartan. Feeding and drug administration was by oral gavage for 8 weeks. Blood pressure (BP) (mmHg), heart rate (bpm) and weight measurement was done before the animals were humanely sacrificed using chloroform anaesthesia. The result shows a significant increase in the Mean arterial blood pressure in salt-loaded rats compared with the control, while antihypertensive drugs caused attenuation in blood pressure increase when compared with the salt-loaded group. Lisinopril in particular reversed the trend; suggesting renin angiotensin-mediated primary pathway in salt-induced hypertension. There were no significant changes in the heart rate of the animals. Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ration was significantly increased in salt-loaded rats compared with control and much more in Lisinopril and verapamil co-treated salt-loaded rats. The result shows a significant increase in the salt loaded group when compared with the control group, meanwhile there was no significant difference in the salt loaded group treated with different antihypertensive drugs lisinopril and losartan compared with the salt loaded while verapamil shows a significant decrease in interleukin-6 levels when compared with the high salt group. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) significantly increased in salt-loaded rats compared with the control, while in antihypertensive drugs it shows a decrease when compared with the salt-loaded group. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) significantly increased in salt-loaded rats compared with the control; in lisinopril it shows no significant difference when compared with the salt-loaded group while lorsartan and verapamil shows a decrease in ROS activities. In conclusion, this research shows that excessive high salt consumption triggers inflammatory tissue responses which could lead to hypertension and this project study is a pointer to the fact that increases activity of immune cells could pre dispose to hypertension and this effect are ameliorated by antihypertensive drugs, especially lisinopril and verapamil.

Heavy metals are metallic elements that have a relatively high density compared to water. Some examples are lead and cadmium. These metals distributed into the body through ingestion or through inhalation of air. Fifteen (15) Adult male Wistar rats weighing between 100-130g were used for this study. They were assigned into three (3) groups of (n=5) in each group. Group 1 served as (control Group) while Group 2 and 3 serve as experimental group. Group 1: (control group) were give pellet and distilled water. While the group 2 and 3 were administered CdCl2 and pb(C2H3O2)2 100ppm for 14 days and 28 days respectively. After four weeks of administration, the blood collection was through orbital sinus using heparinized capillary tube into EDTA bottles. Thin blood smear from the EDTA bottles was placed on microscope slide. The slide was allowed to air dry after that it was subsequently fixed with absolute methanol for about 15 mins staining for 20 mins each and were viewed understand microscope. The bone marrow was experimented using flushing techniques. The result actualized from this study shows in the erythrocyte morphology, lead acetate and cadmium chloride affect the shape (slightly rounded or blunted) and color (faded) of the cells and there are microcytes which are unusual red blood cells which are seen scattered in the entire field.the bone marrow cytology shows abundant erythroid series in the treatment groups, also lymphoid cellular series recruitment interspersed by the other reticulocyte of the bone marrow when compared with the control. In conclusion, it was observed from this study that acute co-exposure to lead acetate and cadmium chloride affect the erythrocyte morphology of Wistar rats, this effects may result in a condition called poikilocytosis . The resulting effects on the bone marrow may eventually lead to anemia

Anaemia is a prevalent global health concern, particularly in developing regions. Conventional treatments such as iron supplements often have side effects, prompting interest in natural alternatives. Citrullus lanatus (watermelon) is rich in bioactive
compounds, including lycopene, citrulline, and essential minerals, which may influence hematopoiesis. This study evaluates the effects of Citrullus lanatus juice on red blood cell (RBC) indices in anaemic rats. Seventy seven male Sprague-Dawley rats were
divided into five groups: control, anaemia-induced (untreated), anaemia + vitamin B complex/folic acid, and anaemia + watermelon juice. Anaemia was induced using phenylhydrazine, and treatments were administered for three weeks. Blood samples were collected weekly and analyzed for RBC indices, including mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and red cell distribution width (RDW). Data were analyzed using ANOVA with a significance level of p < 0.05. Citrullus
lanatus juice administration significantly increased MCV and MCH compared to the control (p < 0.05), suggesting enhanced erythropoiesis. RDW-SD showed a notable increase in the watermelon-treated group, indicating RBC production. However, no
significant changes were observed in mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) (p > 0.05). The results suggest that Citrullus lanatus juice positively influences RBC indices in anaemic rats, potentially enhancing erythropoiesis. This study supports the use of Citrullus lanatus as a dietary intervention for anaemia, warranting further research in human models.

Bisphenol-A (BPA) is an industrial chemical primarily used in the production of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element, vital for the health of humans and other living organisms. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Bisphenol-A (BPA) on some oxidative stress markers in adult male rats and evaluate the potential effect of Selenium (Se) in BPA-induced oxidative damage. A total of twenty (20) male Wistar rats weighing between 180g and 200g were purchased and kept in standard cages for two weeks to enable them acclimatize to their new environment. After acclimatization period, the twenty-adult male Wistar rats were divided into four (4) different groups A, B, C, D: control, BPA-only, Se-only, and BPA+Se. Group A served as control, Groups B D received 20mg/kg BPA, 2mg/kg Se, and both, respectively, for 54 days. Blood was collected and analyzed for oxidative stress parameters such as malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide Distumates (SOD) and catalase (CAT). All statistical analyses were carried out using Graph Pad prism statistical software version 10.0. The data from all the groups were presented as Mean ± S.E.M (Standard Error of Mean), (n=5) in each group and analyze for statistical significance using one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Values were considered significant at P<0.05. The result shows that exposure to BPA resulted in significant (p<0.05) reduction in body weight. There was significant (p<0.05) increase in MDA levels in all groups compared with the control. On the other hand, SOD and CAT activities were significantly (p<0.05) reduced in all groups compared with the control, thereby indicating decreased antioxidant enzyme activities. In conclusion, these finding shows that Selenium (Se) supplementation did not mitigate the adverse effects of BPA and instead worsened oxidative stress, implying that Selenium (Se) may not provide protection against the harmful effect of Bisphenol-A (BPA) even at this dose but rather potentiated the effect of Bisphenol-A (BPA).

immune markers and antihypertensive drugs. Despite knowing the detrimental effects of salt on blood pressure, the specific molecular mechanisms connecting these factors are not fully understood and how antihypertensive drugs affect immune function markers. The aim of this study is to see how antihypertensive medications affect immune function markers in a salt-loaded animal model. Twenty-five Sprague Dawley male rats weighing between 110g-130g was purchased from Lagos and housed in the Animal Unit of the Department of Pharmacology, and allowed to acclimatize for 2 weeks thereafter were randomly divided into 5 groups of 5 rats each. Group 1; control received normal rat chow and tap water, Group 2; Received high salt diet of 8% NaC1 (HS) alone for 8 weeks as described by, Group 3; Received high salt diet + 2.3mg/kg/d Lisinopril, Group 4; Received high salt + 0.1mg/kg/d verapamil, Group 5; Received high salt + 10mg/kg/d Losartan. Feeding and drug administration was by oral gavage for 8 weeks. Blood pressure (BP) (mmHg), heart rate (bpm) and weight measurement was done before theNanimals were humanely sacrificed using chloroform anaesthesia. The result shows a significant increase in the Mean arterial blood pressure in salt-loaded rats compared with the control, while antihypertensive drugs caused attenuation in blood pressure increase when compared with the salt-loaded group. Lisinopril in particular reversed the trend; suggesting renin angiotensin-mediated primary pathway in salt-induced hypertension. There were no significant changes in the heart rate of the animals. Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ration was significantly increased in salt-loaded rats compared with control and much more in Lisinopril and verapamil co-treated salt-loaded rats. The result shows a significant increase in the salt loaded group when compared with the control group, meanwhile there was no significant difference in the salt loaded group treated with different antihypertensive drugs lisinopril and losartan compared with the salt loaded while verapamil shows a significant decrease in interleukin-6 levels when compared with the high salt group. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) significantly increased in salt-loaded rats compared with the control, while in antihypertensive drugs it shows a decrease when compared with the salt-loaded group. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) significantly increased in salt-loaded rats compared with the control; in lisinopril it shows no significant difference when compared with the salt-loaded group while lorsartan and verapamil shows a decrease in ROS activities. In conclusion, this research shows that excessive high salt consumption triggers inflammatory tissue responses which could lead to hypertension and this project study is a pointer to the fact that increases activity of immune cells could pre dispose to hypertension and this effect are ameliorated by antihypertensive drugs, especially lisinopril and verapamil.

Heavy metals are metallic elements that have a relatively high density compared to water. Some examples are lead and cadmium. These metals distributed into the body through ingestion or through inhalation of air. Fifteen (15) Adult male Wistar rats weighing between 100-130g were used for this study. They were assigned into three (3) groups of (n=5) in each group. Group 1 served as (control Group) while Group 2 and 3 serve as experimental group. Group 1: (control group) were give pellet and distilled water. While the group 2 and 3 were administered CdCl2 and pb(C2H3O2)2 100ppm for 14 days and 28 days respectively. After four weeks of administration, the blood collection was through orbital sinus using heparinized capillary tube into EDTA bottles. Thin blood smear from the EDTA bottles was placed on microscope slide. The slide was allowed to air dry after that it was subsequently fixed with absolute methanol for about 15 mins staining for 20 mins each and were viewed understand microscope. The bone marrow was experimented using flushing techniques. The result actualized from this study shows in the erythrocyte morphology, lead acetate and cadmium chloride affect the shape (slightly rounded or blunted) and color (faded) of the cells and there are microcytes which are unusual red blood cells which are seen scattered in the entire field.the bone marrow cytology shows abundant erythroid series in the treatment groups, also lymphoid cellular series recruitment interspersed by the other reticulocyte of the bone marrow when compared with the control. In conclusion, it was observed from this study that acute co-exposure to lead acetate and cadmium chloride affect the erythrocyte morphology of Wistar rats, this effects may result in a condition called poikilocytosis . The resulting effects on the bone marrow may eventually lead to anemia.

High salt consumption is known to be detrimental to cardiovascular health and can lead to various problems. However, the effects of antihypertensive drugs and antioxidants on salt-induced vascular
dysfunction remain insufficiently explored. This study aimed to examine the influence of antihypertensive drugs and antioxidants on impact of salt-loading in platelet and endothelial function. Forty-eight male Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to control group and different test groups receiving a high salt diet with different antihypertensive drugs and antioxidants interventions. The control group received a normal rat chow (0.3% NaCl) and water, the high salt (HS) group received rat chow containing (8% NaCl), others were fed on high salt diet (8% NaCl) with interventions including Lisinopril 2.3mg/kg/d, Losartan 0.1mg/kg/d, Verapamil 0.1mg/kg/d,m Vitamin C 100mg/kg/d, Magnesium 4.8mM and Kolaviron 200mg/kg/d. Drug administrations were by oral gavage. Blood pressure (mmHg) and heart rate (bpm) were monitored using the cufftail artery method. At the end of 8 weeks treatment period, animals were sacrificed using
chloroform anaesthesia, carefully, the abdominal cavity was cut open by mid-line incision using a clean dissecting set. Left ventricle, aorta and mesenteric artery were harvested and blood samples were collected for platelet count, platelet indices and gene protein expression analyses. The result showed a significant increase in the mean arterial pressure, systolic and diastolic pressure in saltloaded rats compared with control, the high salt + Lisinopril, Losartan, Verapamil, Vitamin C,
Magnesium and Kolaviron groups showed significant reduction in blood pressure compared with high salt group. There was a significant increase in platelet activating factor (PAF) gene expression
in high salt group compared with control. High salt co-treated with Lisinopril, Losartan, Verapamil, Vitamin C, Magnesium and Kolaviron groups showed significant decrease in PAF gene expression compared to high salt group. There were no significant changes in platelet count across groups compared with control. There was a significant decrease in mean platelet volume in HS + Lisinopril and HS + Verapamil groups compared with control but there were no significant changes in all the other groups compared with control. There were no significant changes in plateletcrit in all the groups compared with control. There were no significant changes in platelet distribution
width in all the groups compared with control. There was significant decrease in platelet large cell ratio in HS + Lisinopril, HS + Verapamil and HS + Kolaviron groups compared with control but
there were no significant changes in all the other groups compared with control respectively. In conclusion, this study provides evidence that suggests that high salt diet may alter platelets function through oxidative, and protein enzyme receptor pathways which may be explored for improvement in therapeutic interventions.

The aim of this study is to understand the significance of montelukast, hydrocortisone and salbutamol on the lung histology and antioxidant levels in asthma induced Sprague Dawley rats. Chronic asthma is a respiratory disease characterized by oxidative stress and inflammation of the airways. Montelukast, hydrocotisone and salbutamol are drugs that are often used to treat asthma. Their impact on endogenous antioxidant levels in asthmatic conditions are yet to be clearly defined. Medication for asthma might include corticosteroids (like hydrocotisone), leukotrine receptor antagonists (like Montelukast) and Beta 2-adrenergic receptors (like salbutamol). Free radicals may be neutralized by antioxidants, which also lessen oxidative stress in the body. As a selective antagonist of the leukotriene D4 (LTD4) receptor, montelukast acts by preventing the body's production of leukotrienes, which are substances that promote inflammation and constriction of the airways when they come into contact with allergen. Other classes of drugs also prove useful in bronchodilation. Five (5) primary groups of Sprague Dawley rats were grouped (control, negative control and test groups). Group 1 control was not induced with asthma, Group 2, negative control was induced with asthma but not treated. These two groups make up the control group. Group 3 was induced with asthma and
treated with salbutamol, Group 4 was induced with asthma and treated with montelukast, while Group 5 was induced with asthma and treated with Hydrocortisone. These three groups make up the test group, five rats in each group. The rats were sensitized to 1mg ovalbumin and 20mg Aluminium hydroxide dissolved in 0.9 saline, and then they were challenged with ovalbumin 1 % w/v adsorbed in 0.9 saline, twice weekly for four weeks (28 days), using a Medal family nebulizer. This caused the rats to develop asthma. After the Conclusion of treatment, the rats were sacrificed and their lungs were extracted for histological assay, while 1ml of blood is extracted for measurement of antioxidants using the spectrophotometric method, following reagent manufacturers guidelines. Measurements were made of the amounts of endogenous antioxidants, such as glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH). The findings demonstrated that there was statistically significant increase in superoxide dimutase and malondialdehyde levels in the negative control in comparison to the control group, while there was a statistically significant decrease in catalase and glutathione levels in the negative control group in comparison to the control group. Super-Oxide Dismutase was considerably increased after treatment with all classes of drugs. There was no statistically significant variance in catalase level noticed among the test group. Glutathione peroxidase was only significantly in the group treated with salbutamol, it showed no significant variance in other drug administration. There was significant increase in malondialdehyde in all groups except salbutamol. All test groups had considerably lower glutathione levels than the control group. As a result, the research concludes that some antioxidant levels (except glutathione) can be significantly
increased with the given drugs, reducing oxidative stress in lung tissues.

The aim of this study is to understand the significance of montelukast, hydrocortisone and salbutamol on the lung histology and antioxidant levels in asthma induced Sprague Dawley rats. Chronic asthma is a respiratory disease characterized by oxidative stress and inflammation of the airways. Montelukast, hydrocotisone and salbutamol are drugs that are often used to treat asthma. Their impact on endogenous antioxidant levels in asthmatic conditions are yet to be clearly defined. Medication for asthma might include corticosteroids (like hydrocotisone), leukotrine receptor antagonists (like Montelukast) and Beta 2-adrenergic receptors (like salbutamol). Free radicals may be neutralized by antioxidants, which also lessen oxidative stress in the body. As a selective antagonist of the leukotriene D4 (LTD4) receptor, montelukast acts by preventing the body's production of leukotrienes, which are substances that promote inflammation and constriction of the airways when they come into contact with allergen. Other classes of drugs also prove useful in bronchodilation. Five (5) primary groups of Sprague Dawley rats were grouped (control, negative control and test groups). Group 1 control was not induced with asthma, Group 2, negative control was induced with asthma but not treated. These two groups make up the control group. Group 3 was induced with asthma and
treated with salbutamol, Group 4 was induced with asthma and treated with montelukast, while Group 5 was induced with asthma and treated with Hydrocortisone. These three groups make up the test group, five rats in each group. The rats were sensitized to 1mg ovalbumin and 20mg Aluminium hydroxide dissolved in 0.9 saline, and then they were challenged with ovalbumin 1 % w/v adsorbed in 0.9 saline, twice weekly for four weeks (28 days), using a Medal family nebulizer. This caused the rats to develop asthma. After the Conclusion of treatment, the rats were sacrificed and their lungs were extracted for histological assay, while 1ml of blood is extracted for measurement of antioxidants using the spectrophotometric method, following reagent manufacturers guidelines. Measurements were made of the amounts of endogenous antioxidants, such as glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH). The findings demonstrated that there was statistically significant increase in superoxide dimutase and malondialdehyde levels in the negative control in comparison to the control group, while there was a statistically significant decrease in catalase and glutathione levels in the negative control group in comparison to the control group. Super-Oxide Dismutase was considerably increased after treatment with all classes of drugs. There was no statistically significant variance in catalase level noticed among the test group. Glutathione peroxidase was only significantly in the group treated with salbutamol, it showed no significant variance in other drug administration. There was significant increase in malondialdehyde in all groups except salbutamol. All test groups had considerably lower glutathione levels than the control group. As a result, the research concludes that some antioxidant levels (except glutathione) can be significantly
increased with the given drugs, reducing oxidative stress in lung tissues.