Leukocyte Parameters and Immune Proteins Evolution during Prevention of Immune Insufficiency with an Extract of Moringa oleifera in Wistar Rats

Abstract

Immunosuppression is a particular pathology reflecting a weakening of immune system and constituting a factor of exposure to other diseases. It is therefore both a disease and a risk factor. The aim of this work was to prevent a possible immune deficiency by using Moringa oleifera leaf extract. Forty eigth albino rats including 24 males and 24 females divided into 12 group weighing between 107g and 140g were used. Different doses of the leaves aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera respectively 200 mg/kg bw, 400 mg/kg bw, 800 mg/kg bw and 1600 mg/kg bw were compared with controls subjected to distilled water and 50 mg/kg bw of Levamisole for 14 days. At the end of this 14-day treatment, immunosuppression was achieved by intraperitoneal administration of 5 mg/kg bw of dexamethasone in all rats divided into groups for three days twice a day. Then a two-week observation was made to assess changes of the different immune cells after administration of dexamethasone. During the experiment, five samples were taken on day 1, day 14, day 17, day 21 and day 28. These different samples allowed the determination of hematological and immune proteins parameters. The obtained results showed an improvement in the immune status on day 14 with a highly significant increase (p<0,001) in white blood cells, a non-significant increase in neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes and immature granulocytes unlike the control subjected to distilled water. The administration of dexamethasone on day 17, total leukocytes in rats of group V and VI decreased in significantly. Contrarily controls and doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg bw. From day 21 to day 28, the levels of the various immune cells increased significantly. In conclusion, 800 mg/kg bw and 1600 mg/kg bw of aqueous extract have a good profile to prevent possible immune deficiency.