DEPARTMENT OF PHYSIOLOGY

Asthma is a prevalent respiratory condition that is characterized by chronic airway inflammation and bronchoconstriction, often accompanied by systemic inflammation. Pharmacological interventions such as Montelukast and Prednisolone are commonly used to manage asthma, but their impact in extra-pulmonary tissues still remains less explored. This study is aimed to investigate the effect of Montelukast and Prednisolone on the histology of the heart, lungs and aorta in asthma induced Sprague-dawley rats. To achieve this, a total of 80 Sprague-dawley rats were used for this study, which were divided into two (2) main groups (control and test groups). Group 1 control - not induced with asthma, Group 2 negative control - induced with asthma but
not treated. While the test groups were divided into: Group 3 (asthma induced and treated with
montelukast) and Group 4 (asthma induced and treated prednisolone), with 20 rats per group. Asthma was induced by sensitizing all experimental groups (2, 3, and 4) with 1 mg OVA and 200 mg aluminum hydroxide dissolved in 0.9 saline on day 0 and 7, challenged with OVA (1 % w/v, adsorbed in 0.9 saline) twice weekly from day 7 of treatment until the last day with a Medel family of nebulizer. During the period of challenged, the tested groups were being treated with 10mg/kg of montelukast and 3mg/kg of prednisolone (oral) and at the end of the experiment, the heart, lungs and aorta were harvested and fixed in 10% formaldehyde solution, embedded in paraffin and then subjected to histopathological study.

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder with variable airway obstruction and bronchial hyper-responsiveness that results in recurrent episodes of wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath in asthmatics. Asthma is caused by heterogenic gene-environment interactions that are not fully understood.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO, 1977) “a medicinal plant
is any plant which in one or more of its organ contains substances that can be
used for the synthesis of useful drugs”. The term herbal drug means the part(s)
of a plant used to produce medicine (e.g. leaves, flowers, seeds, roots, bark, stems, etc). Herbal remedies have been used for centuries to treat various
ailments, including hepatic diseases. The aim of this study is to determine the
effect of the aqueous root extract of fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis)
on the liver of Male Wistar albino rat. Twenty(20) Male Wistar Albino rats
weighing between 160g-200g were randomly divided into 5 groups of 4 rats
each and acclimatized for two(2) weeks. Group 1 (control) received Grower
mash feed and tap water ad libitum; Group 2 received 100mg/kg body weight
of Telfairia occidentalis aqueous root extract; Group 3 received 500mg /kg
body weight of Telfairia occidentalis aqueous root extract; Group 4 1000mg/kg
body weight of Telfairia occidentalis aqueous root extract; Group 5 received
1500mg /kg body weight of Telfairia occidentalis root extract. Administration
of the extract was by orogastric gavage for 2 weeks. Animals were humanely
sacrificed using chloroform anaesthesia and blood samples were collected via
cardiac puncture. Hepatic function markers including liver enzymes (AST, ALT, ALP), bilirubin, and serum protein (albumin and globulin) levels were assessed. The result showed no significant differences (P> 0.05) in the values of the
various parameters among the treatment groups compared to the control. In
conclusion, It can be deduced that the aqueous root extract of Telferia
occidentalis may not have a substantial effect on the liver function parameters
evaluated in Wistar Albino rats at the dosages tested. Further studies, including
histopathological examination and longer-term observations, may provide
additional insights into the effects of Telfairia occidentalis root extract on liver
health.

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder defined by increased levels of circulating blood sugar (hyperglycemia) caused by abnormal insulin secretion and/or signaling. Diabetes mellitus is divided into type 1 and type 2, a division that reflects the cause
of the metabolic Dysfunction. There is increasing evidence that complications related to diabetes are associated with oxidative stress, induced by the generation of free radicals. The plant, Phyllanthus amarus have antidiabetic and antioxidant
properties. The fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster is a highly suitable system to model type 2 diabetes because mechanisms of glucose homeostasis are conserved between flies and humans, and it allows for substantial ease of experimental and
genetic manipulation in comparison to rodent models. This study was done to find out the antidiabetic and antioxidant effect of P. Amarus in Type 2 diabetic D.melanogaster flies. Both genders of D.melanogaster flies (Harwich strain) of 1-3 days old were divided into four groups with each group containing 50 flies. Group 1 served as control and the flies were treated with basal diet. Group 2 flies were fed with 30% high sucrose diet. Group 3 flies were fed with 30% high sucrose diet and 40Mm P. amarus. Group 4 flies were fed with 30% high sucrose diet and 40mM silymarin. The flies were monitored under a natural photoperiod of about 12 hours light and 12 hours dark daily for a period of 21 days and was replicated 5 times. The flies were monitored daily and the survival was done.

Occimim gratissimum, a plant with a history of traditional medicinal use, has gained attention for its reported anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. However, its effects on the male reproductive system, in particularly on testosterone levels and testicular histology, remain largely unexplored. This study employed a controlled
experimental design using male Wistar rats divided into four groups: Control, Low Dose, Medium Dose, and High Dose, receiving different dosages of Occimim gratissimum leaf extract. Testosterone levels were measured, and testicular histology was examined using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. In the Low Dose group (100 mg/kg), a significant decrease in testosterone levels was observed (Mean ± SD = 0.2617 ± 0.09 ng/ml), accompanied by increased Leydig cell population and active interstitial congestion. The Medium Dose group (300 mg/kg) showed no significant changes in testosterone levels (Mean ± SD = 1.142 ± 0.525 ng/ml) but exhibited similar Leydig cell responses and interstitial congestion. The High
Dose group (500 mg/kg) displayed no major disruptions in testosterone levels (Mean ± SD = 0.3887 ± 0.109 ng/ml)
or testicular histology. The results suggest that Occimim gratissimum leaf extract may have dose-dependent effects on
testosterone production and Leydig cell populations. However, the extract did not severely disrupt the spermatogenic process or testicular tissue. Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms behind these changes and their implications for male reproductive health

Medicinal plants and the bioactive substances they contain have drawn the interest of various researchers over the past ten years due to their ability to cure different illnesses. Ocimum gratissimum is a member of the Lamiaceae family. It is cultivated in several gardens surrounding village huts in Nigeria under the popular name "scent leaf" for both medicinal and culinary purposes. The aim of this study is to elucidate the effect of ocimum gratissimum on some hematological parameters in male wistar rats. The
effect of methanolic extract of Ocimum gratissimum on some red blood indices of Wister rats was studied using fifteen healthy adult wistar rats with weights ranging between 140-160g. The rats were divided into three groups; control group, low dose group and high dose group. Increasing doses (100mg and 300mgkg-1 body weight) of the extract were administered orally to the other two groups for a period of four weeks. Sample collection was done via cardiac puncture using 5ml syringes. The extract displayed a significant increase (p<0.05) difference in platelet levels when compared with the normal control and a non significant difference (p<0.05) in the other parameters were observed. In conclusion, the extract of gratissimum might be a panacea in the management of anaemic conditions due to its erythropoietic, and/or haematopoietic effects, and beneficial to the blood’s - 5 -
oxygen supporting ability and thrombopoietin, putting into consideration that there were no alteration in the morphology and fragility of the RBCs.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive cognitive decline and neuropathological changes. Emerging evidence suggests that AD may also influence cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) composition and plasma rheology, which could play a role in disease progression. This study aimed investigatigating possible alterations in CSF cellular composition
and plasma rheological properties such as plasma fibrinogen concentration and plasma viscosity in a rat model of AD. Twelve (12) healthy adult wistar rats weighing between 170-190g were used for this study. The rats were divided into two groups: Group 1 as control (n=6) received water, Group 2 (n=6) were induced with Alzheimer’s disease. Aluminum chloride salt (Alcl3) was used to induce Alzheimer’s disease, 100mg of Alcl3 salt was dissolved in 10ml of distilled water to achieve a concentration of 100mg/ml. 1ml of this solution was administered intraperitoneally daily for 28 days. Weight of rats were taken weekly, at the end of the
experimental period, the rats were sacrificed, blood and CSF samples were collected. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis was performed using microscopy cell counting method, plasma fibrinogen concentration was determined by the clot-weight technique of Ingram and plasma viscosity was determined using the simple viscometer technique. All statistical analysis were mean (SEM). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare the means of tests and control value and a p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results showed that Alzheimer's disease did not cause significant changes in CSF cellular components. Plasma viscosity remained unchanged between the Alzheimer-induced group and the control. However, plasma fibrinogen concentration was significantly increased in the Alzheimer-induced group, Increased fibrinogen in this study may indicate early-stage neuroinflammation but not enough to alter plasma viscosity. This may lead to hypercoagulability increasing the risk of
blood clots, potentially reducing cerebral blood flow and raising the likelihood of stroke and vascular dementia. Additionally, impaired circulation from elevated fibrinogen may decrease oxygen and glucose delivery to the brain, contributing to neuronal stress and cognitive decline. This highlights a crucial link between systemic inflammation and neurodegeneration. In conclusion, this finding suggests that in this Alzheimer’s model systemic inflammation was present due to elevated plasma fibrinogen but the lack of CSF cellular changes and stable plasma viscosity indicate minimal neuroinflammation and an intact blood-brain barrier.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive cognitive decline and neuropathological changes. Emerging evidence suggests that AD may also influence cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) composition and plasma rheology, which could play a role in disease progression. This study aimed investigatigating possible alterations in CSF cellular composition and plasma rheological properties such as plasma fibrinogen concentration and plasma viscosity in a rat model of AD. Twelve (12) healthy adult wistar rats weighing between 170-190g were used for this study. The rats were divided into two groups: Group 1 as control (n=6) received water, Group 2 (n=6) were induced with Alzheimer’s disease. Aluminum chloride salt (Alcl3) was used to induce Alzheimer’s disease, 100mg of Alcl3 salt was dissolved in 10ml of distilled water to achieve a concentration of 100mg/ml. 1ml of this solution was administered intraperitoneally daily for 28 days. Weight of rats were taken weekly, at the end of the experimental period, the rats were sacrificed, blood and CSF samples were collected. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis was performed using microscopy cell counting method, plasma fibrinogen concentration was determined by the clot-weight technique of Ingram and plasma viscosity was determined using the simple viscometer technique. All statistical analysis were carried out using t-test with graph pad prism 10.2.2. Results were presented as standard error of mean (SEM). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare the means of tests and control value and a p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results showed that Alzheimer's disease did not cause significant changes in CSF cellular components. Plasma viscosity remained unchanged between the Alzheimer-induced group and the control. However, plasma fibrinogen concentration was significantly increased in the Alzheimer-induced group, Increased fibrinogen in this study may indicate early-stage neuroinflammation but not enough to alter plasma viscosity. This may lead to hypercoagulability increasing the risk of blood clots, potentially reducing cerebral blood flow and raising the likelihood of stroke and vascular dementia. Additionally, impaired circulation from elevated fibrinogen may decrease oxygen and glucose delivery to the brain, contributing to neuronal stress and cognitive decline. This highlights a crucial link between systemic inflammation and neurodegeneration. In conclusion, this finding suggests that in this Alzheimer’s model systemic inflammation was present due to elevated plasma fibrinogen but the lack of CSF cellular changes and stable plasma viscosity indicate minimal neuroinflammation and an intact blood-brain barrier.

Excessive prostaglandin production had been reported to lead to uterine contraction and premature cervical changes contributing to preterm birth. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of negro pepper on the prostaglandin level during the gestation period of wistar rat. Sixteen (16) female wistar rats weighing 140 to 160 were purchased from the animal house of the Department of Anatomy, University of Benin. The rats were acclimatized for two weeks to the laboratory condition with free access to food and water.
The dry fruits after being grind were soaked with n- hexane using maceration method for 24 hrs and were filtered to obtain the filtrate which was evapourated to obtain the oil. The female rats were mated with male rate in the ratio of 2:1. The rats were grouped into 4 groups (A, B, C, D) in two phases (Germinal and Embryonic Phase) and administered negro pepper extract orally at the doses of 0.25ml/Kg, 0.5ml/Kg and 1ml/Kg respectively daily for 7 days. The rats were sacrificed using chloroforms ane thesia, the uterus was collect from the animal and homogenated with buffer solution and then centrifuged to collect the Supernatant which was used for the biochemical analysis.
The result were statistically analyzed, results obtained were expressed as mean ±SEM (Standard Error of Mean). Differences among the means were determined by one way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Values were considered statistically significant if P value is less than 0.05 (P<0.05). Results: there was a significant increase in PGE2 level at 0.5ml/kg compared with control, though there was no significant differences in PGE2 at 0.25ml/kg compared with control in the embryonic phase and there was a significant decrease in PGE2 at 0.25ml/kg and 0.5ml/g in the Germinal phase compared with control though there was no significant difference in 1.0ml/kg compared to control. In conclusion, Negro Pepper Extract at 0.5ml/kg significantly increased PGE2 level at the embryonic phase but significantly decreased PGE2 in 0.25ml/kg and 0.5ml/kg in the germinal phase compared to control showing that administration of negro pepper extract during pregnancy maybe detrimental to the pregnancy.

Fasting is a deliberate abstinence from normal meal(s) i.e. food and drinks, or failure to eat/drink for an unusual length of time. It is a common practice in Nigeria and other parts of the world by various groups and for various reasons ranging from spiritual, health, to experimental purposes. This study was aimed at evaluating the effect of fasting the sexual performance of male Wistar rats. Eighteen (18) adult wistar rats were randomly selected into a control group (group A) containing six (6) animals and two experimental groups (B and C) each containing six animals (n= 6 per group). Group A received normal rat feed and water, Group B were subjected to fasting for a period of six (6) hours per day for two weeks and Group C were subjected to fasting for a period of twelve (12) hours per day for two weeks. The result of this experiment showed that observable Teratozoospermia in Group B rats and Teratozoospermia with Asthenozoospermia in the Group C rats. Sperm cell count and liveability significantly decreased (p<0.05) in Group C rats. Sperm cell motility across the 3 groups of rats during this experiment showed statistically significant difference (p<0.05) in the progressive motility and of rats in Group A and
Group C. In conclusion, the study showed that subjecting the rats to fasting for 6-Hours per day had little to no consequential effect whereas subjection of the rats to 12-Hours fasting per day greatly affected the sexual performance of the rats with varying clinical presentations.