WISTAR RATS

EFFECT OF ETHANOL EXTRACT OF Tetracera alnifolia ON LDL – CHOLESTEROL LEVELS IN STREPTOZOTOCIN INDUCED DIABETIC WISTAR RATS

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Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by elevated blood glucose levels resulting from impaired insulin function. This study investigates the effects of ethanol extract derived from the roots of Tetracera alnifolia on low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in streptozotocin-induced diabetic Wistar rats. Diabetes was induced using streptozotocin, after which the animals were treated with varying doses of the plant extract and a standard antidiabetic drug. LDL cholesterol levels were analyzed and compared across experimental groups. The results demonstrated a significant reduction in LDL levels in the extract-treated groups compared to the diabetic control, indicating potential antihyperlipidemic properties. These findings suggest that Tetracera alnifolia may play a beneficial role in modulating lipid profiles under diabetic conditions. Further research is needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and evaluate its therapeutic potential.
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EFFECT OF CARBON TETRACHLORIDE (CCL4) IN THE CEREBRUM OF WISTAR RATS

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Carbon tetrachloride is a colorless, highly volatile liquid with a sweetish odor similar to chloroform used in refrigerants, propellants and industrial solvents. CCl4 is rapidly absorbed via oral, inhalation and dermal routes, distributing to the brain and other organs. It has been reported that CCl4 can metabolize to give out free radicals inducing oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation which can ultimately alter brain structure, and impair learning and memory, even at low doses. This study was aimed at invest gating the effect of CCl4 on the cerebrum of adult Wistar rats. Eighteen adult Wistar rats weighing 140 g to 150 g were used in this study. They were randomized into three (3) groups of six (6) rats each. Group A served as the control and received 1ml of di tilled water daily to compensate for stress of administration, whereas, rats in group B received 1.5mg/kg body weight of CCl4 and group C received 3mg/kg body weight of CCl4. All administration intraperitoneally lasted for a period of 28 days. The body weights of the rats were recorded daily. After the end of the experimental period, the rats were sacrificed by cervical dislocation and the organ (cerebrum) weight was recorded. The parameters accessed include cerebral antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GPx and GSH), MDA concentration and the histology of the cerebrum using Haematoxylin and Eosin staining technique. Data was analyzed using SPSS/IBM statistical package version 20. Results obtained showed no significant change (p>0.05) in the initial body weight of rats across experimental groups. However, a significant decrease (p<0.05) in final body weight and weight change of rats in group B (1.5 mg/kg bw CCl4) and C (3 mg/kg bw CCl4) when compared to control. No significant change (p>0.05) was observed in the cerebral weight of rats across experimental groups. However, a significant increase (p<0.05) was observed in relative cerebral weight of rats in group B (1.5 mg/kg bw CCl4) and C (3 mg/kg bw CCl4) when compared to control. A significant decrease (p<0.05) was observed in cerebral SOD, CAT, GPx and GSH activity of rats in group C (3 mg/kg bw CCl4) when compared to control. A significant increase (p<0.05) was observed in MDA concentration of rats in group B (1.5 mg/kg bw CCl4) and C (3 mg/kg bw CCl4) when compared to control. Histological findings revealed normal archictecture of the cerebrum in group A, whereas cytoplasmic vacoulizaion were seen in the granular cells of rats in group B and C. In conclusion, findings from this study shows that CCl4 induced neurotoxic effect on the cerebrum via inducing oxidative stress and altering the architectural integrity of the cerebrum.
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SUBCHRONIC TOXICITY OF ETHANOL EXTRACT OF Icacina trichantha ON THE BIOCHEMICAL AND HISTOLOGICAL PARAMETERS OF THE LIVER IN WISTAR RATS

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This experiment aimed to investigate the subchronic toxicity of Icacina trichantha ethanolic extract and its impact on the liver's biochemical and histological parameters in male Wistar rats. The research specifically focused on examining the potential positive or negative effects of the extract. The main objective was to evaluate liver function by analyzing various biochemical
parameters, including liver enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP, and GGT), total protein, albumin, bilirubin, and lipid profile. Over a period of 28 days, twelve male Wistar rats were divided into four groups, with the first group serving as the control. The rats in the other groups were orally administered the extract in different solutions. After the specified time, the rats were sacrificed, and blood samples were collected via cardiac puncture. The collected blood samples were then used to analyze the biochemical parameters. The histological examinations of the liver showed vasodilation, normal hepatocytes and activation of Kupffer cells. The results of this study indicate that Icacina trichantha has specific effects on Wistar rats, particularly in terms of regulating liver function, lipid metabolism, and oxidative stress. These specific effects suggest a complex interaction between the active compounds in the extract and the physiological processes of the rats. The observed changes in important biochemical markers demonstrate the potential of Icacina trichantha as a source of therapeutic bioactive compounds. However, caution should be exercised when using it, and further research is needed to fully understand its mechanisms of action and assess its safety and effectiveness in clinical settings. Nevertheless, these findings offer valuable insights into the specific effects of Icacina trichantha and provide a foundation for future investigations into its pharmacological potential. aminations of the liver revealed vasodilation, normal hepatocytes, and activation of Kupffer cells.
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ACTIVITY OF VITAMIN E IN THE CEREBELLUM OF WISTAR RATS TREATED WITH ALUMINIUM CHLORIDE

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Vitamin E, a fat-soluble antioxidant, plays a crucial role in protecting cellular membranes from oxidative damage. Its neuroprotective properties have garnered attention in recent studies, particularly concerning neurotoxicity induced by aluminum chloride (AlCl3). Exposure to AlCl3 has been linked to cognitive deficits and neurodegenerative changes in the brain, making it a significant concern in neurobiology. Research has demonstrated that Vitamin E administration can mitigate the adverse effects of AlCl3 by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain. This research aims to explore the activity of Vitamin E in the cerebellum of Wistar rats treated with aluminum chloride. A total of twenty-eight (28) adult Wistar rats with an average weight of 180g were used for this study. They were randomly assigned into four groups (A, B, C, and D) with each group consisting of Seven rats. Group A served as control, Group B was administered 5mg/kg of Aluminum chloride, Group C was
administered 5mg/kg of Aluminum chloride + Vitamin E and Group E was administered Vitamin E only. Administration lasted for 28 days and was done via oral route. Neurobehavioural activity was assessed after administration on the 28th day. The rats
were ;sacrificed after the neurobehavioural activity was assessed. The key findings of this study suggest that Vitamin E administration mitigated the adverse effects of aluminum chloride exposure on the cerebellum of Wistar rats by reducing oxidative stress, improving antioxidant enzyme activity, and preventing neurodegeneration in the Purkinje cell layer. The findings of
this study indicate that Vitamin E can effectively protect the cerebellum of Wistar rats against the neurotoxic effects of aluminum chloride exposure by modulating oxidative stress and improving antioxidant defense mechanismsUN
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HISTOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF THE AQUEOUS EXTRACT OF SOYBEAN (Glycine max) ON THE FETAL LIVER OF WISTAR RATS

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Soybean is an annual herbaceous legume plant that has diverse applications, serving as animal feed, fodder, and human food and beverage, including flour, starch, oil, spices, and culinary herbs. Soybean have been reported to have a variety of pharmacological properties including hepatoprotective activity. It’s effect on the fetus is rather relatively unknown. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the effect of soybean (Glycine max) on the histology of fetal liver in Wistar rats. Eighteen (18) adult juvenile Wistar rats with an average weight of 60 g were randomly assigned into three (3) groups (A-C). Group A served as control; Group B was administered 250 mg/Kg body weight of Glycine max; Group C was administered 250 mg/Kg body weight of Glycine max.The administration lasted for 21 days and was done orally using an orogastric tube. After the duration of administration, the animals were weighed, anaesthetized and sacrificed, with the liver processed for routine hematoxylin and eosin staining for histological
evaluation. From this study, results showed a significant decrease (p<0.05) in body weight change in the groups administered Glycine max when compared to control. There was also a significant decrease (p<0.05) in fetal weight and Crown-rump length in the group given 500mg/Kg body weight of Glycine max when compared to control. Histological findings showed relatively normal liver architecture in the groups given Glycine max when compared to control as evidenced by developing hepatocytes radiating from central vein, and sinusoids. In conclusion, findings from this study suggest that Soybean resulted in significant alterations in maternal and fetal health outcomes (especially at 500 mg/Kg body weight dosage). However, the observed effects may be primarily physiological as there were histological alterations.
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