CONCENTRATION OF MALONDIALDEHYDE

In this study, the effect of ethanol extract of Solarium nigrum (Sn) leaf on the concentrationofmalondialdehyde (MDA) after histamine challenge in ovalbumin-sensitized guinea pigs wasinvestigated. Three weeks old, male guinea pigs (25 of them) were divided into five groupsconsisting of five pigs each were used. All animals were allowed access to standard animal feedand water. In addition animals were pre-sensitized with ovalbumin, and then exposedto2%histamine aerosol after an overnight fast. The pre convulsion time was recorded. Animalsingroups 2, 3, 4, were administered ethanol extract of Solanum nigrum leaf at the respective dosesof 50, 100 and 200mg/kg body weight while animals in group 5. received 25mg/kgbwof thereference drug aminophylline. Animals were again subjected to histamine aerosol after drugadministration and the pre-convulsion was again recorded. All animals were sacrificed threedaysafter the last challenge and their lungs were excised. Result obtained indicates that sensitizationwith ovalbumin and exposure to histamine aerosol caused the increase in the lipid peroxidationin bronchial alveolar tissue, lung and plasma cells respectively. Treatment with ethanol extract ofSolanum nigrum (Sn) leaf showed a decrease in the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA)when compared to that of the control.