GUINEA PIGS

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