Adult Female Wistar Rats Research Articles

Estradiol enhances the mirtazapine effects on the expression of cocaine-induced locomotor sensitization in female rats.

Epidemiological studies have mentioned that cocaine use disorder (CUD) has increased in the last decade among women; these show endocrine and reproductive disorders and a high propensity to stress and depression disorders. Mirtazapine-a tetracyclic antidepressant-decreases cocaine-induced locomotor activity and locomotor sensitization in male rats. The objective of this study was to evaluate if estradiol alters the efficacy of mirtazapine to decrease cocaine-induced locomotor activity in sham and ovariectomized female rats. Three hundred and twenty adult female Wistar rats were assigned to three experimental protocols. For experiments, 1-3, female rats were daily dosed with 10 mg/kg of cocaine during the 10 days of induction and expression of locomotor sensitization. During drug withdrawal (30 days), cocaine was withdrawn and the groups received daily mirtazapine, estradiol, or saline. In addition, the females underwent sham or ovariectomy surgery. Tamoxifen was administered during the antagonism phase. After each administration, locomotor activity for each animal was recorded for 30 min in activity chambers. The dosage of mirtazapine reduces estradiol-induced enhancement in cocaine-dependent locomotor activity during the expression of locomotor sensitization in sham and ovariectomized female rats. As well as they showed that estradiol co-dosed with mirtazapine enhances the efficacy of mirtazapine to decrease cocaine-induced locomotor activity. Finally, tamoxifen enhanced the estradiol and mirtazapine-induced decrease in the cocaine motor effect in female rats. Mirtazapine may be considered an effective therapeutic option for the treatment of CUD in women, even in those who are on hormonal treatment or antidepressant therapy with estradiol.

Proinflammatory and Immunomodulatory Gene and Protein Expression Patterns in Spinal Cord and Spleen Following Acute and Chronic High Thoracic Injury.

In addition to paralysis and loss of sensation, high-level spinal cord injury (SCI) causes sympathetic dysfunction that can lead to autonomic dysreflexia (AD) and chronic immune suppression involving splenic leukopenia. Evidence has shown that treatment with either gabapentin or blockade of TNFα mitigates maladaptive plasticity and the underlying hemodynamic dysfunction, spleen atrophy, and immune dysfunction associated with AD. Because significant improvements long term was noted following treatments only during acute stages of recovery, we sought to systematically examine changes in proinflammatory and immunomodulatory cytokines to ascertain the reason. Adult female Wistar rats underwent complete T4 spinal transection before euthanasia at systematic intervals from 3 days to 8 weeks after injury. Using qRT-PCR and meso scale discovery (MSD) assays, the gene and protein expression of TNFα and IFNγ in the spleen, upper thoracic (T4-9) and lumbosacral (L5-S6) spinal cords were analyzed. We found that spleen atrophy occurs in a biphasic manner compared to naïve controls, with significant decreases in the spleen mass noted at 3 days and 8 weeks after injury. Splenic TNFα mRNA and protein levels did not change significantly over time, while IFNγ gene expression dipped acutely with trends for increased protein levels at more chronic time points. TNFα protein increased significantly only in thoracic spinal cord segments from 3 to 14 days post-injury. IFNγ mRNA and protein levels remained unelevated in injured spinal cords over time, with trends for increased protein levels at 2 and 8 weeks in the lumbosacral segments. Novel temporal-spatial cytokine expression profiles reveal that TNFα protein levels are increased solely in upper thoracic segments after high thoracic SCI, while IFNγ remains unaltered. Splenic leukopenia and latent systemic immunosuppression are not associated with altered TNFα or IFNγ expression in the spleen or spinal cord.

Differential effects of aging on hippocampal ultrastructure in male vs. female rats.

Age-related decline in physical and cognitive functions are facts of life that do not affect everyone to the same extent. We had reported earlier that such cognitive decline is both sex- and context-dependent. Moreover, age-associated ultrastructural changes were observed in the hippocampus of male rats. In this study, we sought to determine potential differences in ultrastructural changes between male and female rats at various stages of life. We performed quantitative electron microscopic evaluation of hippocampal CA1 region, an area intimately involved in cognitive behavior, in both male and female adolescent, adult and old Wistar rats. Specifically, we measured the number of docking synaptic vesicles in axo-dendritic synapses, the length of active zone as well as the total number of synaptic vesicles. Distinct age- and sex-dependent effects were observed in several parameters. Thus, adult female rats had the lowest synaptic active zone compared to both adolescent and old female rats. Moreover, the same parameter was significantly lower in adult and old female rats compared to their male counterparts. On the other hand, old male rats had significantly lower number of total synaptic vesicles compared to both adolescent and adult male rats as well as compared to their female counterparts. Taken together, it may be suggested that age- and sex-dependent ultrastructural changes in the hippocampus may underlie at least some of the differences in cognitive functions among these groups.

Effects of Cucumis sativus Extract on the Histomorphology of the Ovaries and Hormonal Profile of Adult Female Wistar Rats

Background: Drugs of plant origin have served through the ages as the mainstay in treating diseases and preserving human health. The cucumber is one of the plants that have nutritional values.
 Aim: This study was conducted to investigate the effect of Cucumis sativus extract on the ovaries and sex hormones of adult female Wistar rats.
 Study Design and Methodology: Sixteen Wistar rats weighing 180-200g were divided into four groups (A-D) of four animals each. Group A (control) received only distilled water and feed, Group B received 250 mg/kg body weight of cucumber fruit extract, Group C received 400 mg/kg body weight of cucumber fruit extract, and Group D received 1200 mg/kg body weight of cucumber fruit extract. All the treatments were given orally daily for twenty-one days. The animals were sacrificed by cervical dislocation and dissected; the ovaries were harvested and fixed in 10% formal saline for histological studies, while blood was collected for hormonal analysis.
 Results: There was a significant increase (p<0.05) in the FSH level of group B only when compared to the control groups while a non-significant decrease in the estradiol level in all the treatment groups compared to the control. Histopathological studies show little distortion in the histomorphology of the ovaries in groups C and D.
 Conclusion: Cucumis sativus extract, when consumed in large amount, has deleterious effects on the female reproductive system.

Prenatal immobility stress: Relationship with oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and intrauterine growth restriction in rats.

Prenatal stress is a significant risk factor affecting pregnant women and fetal health. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the effect of immobility stress at different periods of pregnancy on oxidative stress, inflammation, placental apoptosis and intrauterine growth retardation in rats. Fifty adult virgin female Wistar albino rats were used. Pregnant rats were exposed to 6 h/day immobilization stress in a wire cage at different stages of pregnancy. Groups I and II (Day 1-10 stress group) were sacrificed on the 10th day of pregnancy, and Group III, Group IV (10-19th-day stress group), and Group V (1-19th-day stress group) were sacrificed on the 19th day of pregnancy. Inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-10 (IL-10), serum corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), and corticosterone levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) levels in the placenta were spectrophotometrically measured. Histopathological analyses of the placenta were evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin staining. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and caspase-3 immunoreactivity in placenta tissues were determined by the indirect immunohistochemical method. Placental apoptosis was determined by the TUNEL staining method. We found that the immobility stress during pregnancy significantly increased serum corticosterone levels. Our results showed that the immobility stress diminished the number and weight of fetuses in rats compared to the non-stress group. The immobility stress caused significant histopathological changes in the connection zone and labyrinth zone and increased placental TNF-α and caspase-3 immunoreactivity and placental apoptosis. In addition, immobility stress significantly increased the levels of pro-inflammatory IL-6 and MDA and caused a significant decrease in the levels of antioxidant enzymes such as SOD, CAT, and anti-inflammatory IL-10. Our data suggest that immobility stress causes intrauterine growth retardation by activating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and deteriorating placental histomorphology and deregulating inflammatory and oxidative processes.

Effect of aluminium on lipid profile and atherogenic index in prepubertal and young adult female rats: A pilot study

Objectives: Exposure of aluminium (Al) to mankind is inescapable, and its dyslipidaemic impact is a possible contributing factor to health hazards like cardiovascular diseases. The health effects due to the metalloestrogenic property of the metal need imperative consideration. The current experimental work was undertaken to explore Al-induced dyslipidaemia due to its metalloestrogenic property. Materials and Methods: To fulfil this objective, prepubertal (PP) and young adult (YA) female Wistar rats were intraperitoneally administered to two doses of Al [5 and 10 mg/Kg body weight (BW)] once daily for 2 weeks. After the completion of the acute exposure protocol, plasma and hepatic tissue lipid profiles were estimated. Analysis of variance was carried out by the Kruskal–Wallis test and the differences between the groups were analysed by Mann–Whitney U post hoc test Results: Increased triglyceride, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and very-LDL cholesterol in plasma were found in YAs treated with both doses of Al in a dose-dependent manner. Similar changes were not present in PP female rats. Decreased levels of lipid levels were observed in the case of hepatic lipid profile. Conclusion: The study ushers light towards the dyslipidaemic alterations in experimental female rats after acute Al exposure. Impacts of Al on the growth and organosomatic index during the vital developmental days were significantly decided by the pubertal status of the female rats. The results of this study indicate the impact of puberty on the Al-induced modifications in lipid profile parameters and cardiovascular risk factors.

A Comparative Study of Dichloromethane and Ethyl Acetate Root Extracts of <i>Celosia trigyna</i>: Phytochemical and Wound Healing Effect Analyses

Background: <i>Celosia</i> species have been validated to possess antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant potential. This study was thus designed to comparatively determine the effect of dichloromethane and ethyl acetate root extracts of <i>Celosia trigyna</i> on Wistar rat wounds created by 8 mm biopsy punches.Methods: Phytochemical screening was performed on dichloromethane and ethyl acetate root extracts of <i>C. trigyna</i>. For animal studies, 25 adult female Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups (group A-E; n=5). Group A served as the negative control, group B as a positive control, group C received dichloromethane extract (once/day), group D ethyl acetate extract (once/day), and group E was the vehicle control. All extracts and medication were administered topically. Wound area, wound contraction, period of epithelialization, macroscopic analysis, and histological examination were studied.Results: Phytochemical screening showed that saponins and terpenoids were particularly high in dichloromethane extracts while ethyl acetate extracts were highly rich in terpenoids. The results of wound areas, wound contraction, periods of epithelialization, and macroscopic and histological analyses showed that dichloromethane extract, ethyl acetate extract, and penicillin-treated groups showed better remediation respectively in order of efficacy compared to the negative and vehicle control groups. The histological examination revealed an evidence of tissue regeneration and collagen deposition in the extract-treated groups compared to the positive, negative, and vehicle control groups.Conclusion: In conclusion, both extracts of <i>C. trigyna</i> have a better healing potential compared to penicillin treatment with dichloromethane extract having a better wound healing potential than the ethyl acetate extract.

Carica papaya Fruit Extract Protects the Cerebellum of Wistar Rats Against Acrylamide-Induced Oxidative Stress

Acrylamide is a water-soluble vinyl monomer produced industrially as an agent for the production of plastics and cosmetics, in waste water management as a flocculation agent, and naturally in fried, baked, and roasted foods, especially when heated beyond 120 °C. Acrylamide (AC) is associated with severe neurotoxic complications through the initiation of oxidative stress. Hence the use of Carica papaya (CP), a natural antioxidant, in protecting the cerebellum of Wistar rats against acrylamide-induced oxidative stress. Forty adult female Wistar rats (180-200 g) were divided into four groups (n=10): Control (1 mL distilled water), AC (25 mg/kg), CP (300 mg/kg), and CP+AC (300 mg/kg+25 mg/kg). All treatments were administered orally for 21 days. Thereafter, the rats were weighed, and neurobehavioural tests were done. The rats were sacrificed, while their cerebella were dissected out and preserved for oxidative stress, antioxidant markers, and histological and immunohistochemical studies. Data were analysed using analysis of variance at p<0.05. There was decreased body weight, locomotor activities, and forelimb grip strength in the AC-treated group compared with the control and other treated groups. Increased lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide levels, decreased glutathione (GSH) levels, and catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase activities in the AC-treated groups compared with the control and other treated groups. Histologically, degeneration, pyknosis, shrinking and loss of Purkinje neurons, reactive astrogliosis, and apoptosis occurred in the AC-treated group compared with the control and other treated groups. In conclusion, acrylamide induced oxidative stress in the rat cerebellum, and administration of CP fruit extract offered protection from its neurotoxic effects.

Subchronic exposure to Tamoxifen modulates the hippocampal BDNF/ERK/Akt/CREB pathway and impairs memory in intact female rats

Tamoxifen (TAM), a Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM), is commonly used to treat and prevent breast cancer. Memory impairment has been noticed in patients who experience hormone therapy in the case of TAM and other SERMs. Animal studies that mimic the TAM longer exposure effects are needed to better elucidate the adverse effects of continuous treatment in humans. This study evaluated the effects of TAM subchronic administration on the memory performance and hippocampal neural plasticity of intact female Wistar rats. Animals were treated intragastrically with TAM (0.25 and 2.5 mg/kg) for 59 days. The rats were subjected to the Object Location Test (OLT) and Object Recognition Test (ORT) to evaluate memory performance. After euthanasia, the hippocampus samples were excised and the protein levels of the BDNF/ERK/Akt/CREB pathway were evaluated. The rat's locomotor activity and hippocampal TrkB levels were similar among the experimental groups. TAM at both doses reduced the memory performance of female rats in the OLT and short-term memory of ORT, and impaired hippocampal levels of mBDNF, proBDNF, and pCREB/CREB. TAM only at the dose of 2.5 mg/kg reduced the memory performance of rats in the long-term memory of ORT and hippocampal pERK/ERK and pAkt/Akt ratios. TAM subchronic administration induced amnesic effects and modulated the hippocampal BDNF/ERK/Akt/CREB pathway in intact young adult female Wistar rats.

Luffa operculata (L.) Cogn. Gestational Exposition Induces Anxiety-like Behavior and Interferes with Melatonin and Inflammation in Young Female Rats

Pharmacognosy Research,2023,15,3,524-536.DOI:10.5530/pres.15.3.055Published:June 2023Type:Original Article Authors:Cinthia dos S. Alves, Humberto V. Frias, Leoni V. Bonamin, Eduardo F. Bondan, Cidéli P. Coelho, Maria de Fátima M. Martins, Maria M. Bernardi, and Ivana B. Suffredini Author(s) affiliations:Cinthia dos S. Alves1, Humberto V. Frias1, Leoni V. Bonamin1, Eduardo F. Bondan1, Cidéli P. Coelho2, Maria de Fátima M. Martins3, Maria M. Bernardi1,4, Ivana B. Suffredini1,4,5,* 1Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Patologia Ambiental e Experimental, Universidade Paulista – UNIP, BRAZIL. 2Universidade Santo Amaro – UNISA, BRAZIL. 3Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Cruzeiro Do Sul, BRAZIL. 4Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Odontologia, Universidade Paulista – UNIP, BRAZIL. 5Núcleo de Pesquisas em Biodiversidade, Laboratório de Extração, Universidade Paulista – UNIP, BRAZIL. Abstract:Background: Luffa operculata (L.) Cogn. (Cucurbitaceae; EBN) dried fruits are abortifacient and showed undesirable effects over male and female adult Wistar rats. Objectives: The present study aimed at accessing how the gestational exposition of F1 female Wistar rats (FF1) to EBN interfered with behavior after challenge with stress or Lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Materials and Methods: Wistar rat female fetuses were gestationally exposed to a sub-abortifacient dose of EBN, and received stress or LPS challenge at a young adult age. The alterations in behavior, serum hormone levels, cytokines, and liver and kidney histological and biochemical indices were evaluated. Results: The gestational administration of EBN and NYM/LPS exposition at a young adult age induced anxiety-like behavior in the FF1, accompanied by an increase in the serum corticosterone, ACTH and melatonin levels. A diminish in the pro-inflammatory cytokines was also observed. No histochemical or biochemical alterations were seen in the liver or kidneys. Conclusion: The gestational exposition of EBN led the FF1 to reveal an anxiety-like behavior after being submitted to a stress challenge or LPS exposition at a young adult age and was accompanied by an increase of serum corticosterone and ACTH. A melatonin serum level increase has also been implicated in diminishing the pro-inflammatory cytokines. Keywords:Animal behavior, Cognitive performance, Gestational treatment, Interleukins, Reproduction, Stress.View:PDF (718.61 KB)

Global Cerebral Ischemia Induces Short-Term Changes to Estrous Cycle Regularity and Alters Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal Axis Function

Global cerebral ischemia (GCI), which mimics cardiac arrest in humans, induces numerous functional alterations throughout the brain, but its impact on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis remains largely unknown. Importantly, the HPG axis modulates sex hormones and neuropeptides, such as estrogen and kisspeptin, as well as estrous cycle regularity. The goals of this study were to determine if estrous cycle regularity is affected by GCI and to characterize HPG axis functionality post-ischemia. Adult female Wistar rats underwent vaginal lavage for 2 weeks to confirm estrous cycle regularity before being subjected to GCI for 10 minutes or sham surgery. Estrous cycle regularity was monitored for 4 weeks following surgery, after which rats were euthanized. Immunofluorescence was used to detect kisspeptin receptors (Kiss1) and estrogen receptors alpha (ERα) and beta (ERβ) expression in the arcuate nucleus (ARC) of the hypothalamus, as well as the CA1 and dentate gyrus (DG) of the hippocampus. Following surgery, all sham subjects maintained a regular estrous cycle, whereas two thirds of ischemic rats presented a disrupted cycle following GCI (persistent diestrus, average length 13 days), before resuming regular cycling. T-test revealed a significant increase in Kiss1 receptors in the ARC of GCI rodents, as well as a trend for higher ERα expression in the CA1 of ischemic rats. Overall, our results highlight that while estrous cycle disruptions resolve within 2 weeks after the ischemic event, HPG axis dysregulation persists up to one month after GCI, hinting at possible long-term impacts on the reproductive axis.

Postinor®-2 and Norinyl®-1/35 Impairs Hepatic Functions and Morphology in Rat Models: Evidences of Oxidative Stress as a Mechanism Pathway

Oral contraceptives such as Postinor®-2 and Norinyl®-1/35 are easily accessible contraceptive pills by women of reproductive age (15 – 49 years). The hepatic effects of these drugs were evaluated in rats. A total of 25 adult female Wistar rats purchased from the animal house, College of Health Sciences, Benue State University, Makurdi were randomly divided into five groups (1 – 5) of five rats each, and acclimatized for 14 days. After which the groups were treated as follows: group 1 (100mg/kg body weight of normal saline), group 2 (0.10mg/kg body weight of Postinor®-2), group 3 (0.20mg/kg body weight of Postinor®-2), group 4 (0.10mg/kg body weight of Norinyl®-1/35) and group 5 (0.20 mg/kg body weight of Norinyl®-1/35) for 14 days, and then the rats were fasted overnight and sacrificed. Blood samples and organs (liver) were collected for biochemical and histological analysis respectively. Postinor®-2 and Norinyl®-1/35 had no significant effect on the body weight and liver weight of rats across groups. For liver function enzymes; groups 2, 3, 4 and 5 all showed a statistically significant increase in mean compared to the control group for ALT. For ALP, only group 4 (86.69±2.54) showed a statistically significant increase in mean in comparison to group 1, while for AST, groups 2 and 4 showed a significant decrease in mean compared to group 1. For oxidative stress markers MDA and SOD, groups 2 and 3 showed a statistically significant increase and decrease respectively, when compared to the control group. Group 1 showed normal liver histology, while those in groups 2 and 3 showed a markedly distorted liver histology, with widely dilated sinusoids, degenerated endothelial cells with neutrophilic and lymphocytic infiltrates in portal spaces. the results obtained in this study pointed clearly that of the two drugs tested, Postinor®-2 had more deleterious effects than Norinyl®-1/35 on the liver of the adult female Wistar rats. It may therefore be inferred from the result of this study that Postinor®-2 should be taken according to prescription or should be avoided, because its frequent consumption and abuse can result in tissue damage in human organs.

Effects of Intracerebroventricular Injection of the Steroidal and Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs on the Seizures during the Estrous Cycle in Rat.

Because of the mutual relationship between neural inflammation and seizure, this study aimed to determine the effects of intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection of the steroidal and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced seizures during the estrous cycle in rats. A total of 105 adult female Wistar rats were selected and divided into seven groups, including the control (saline), ketorolac tris salt (7.5, 15, and 30 µg), and methylprednisolone acetate (0.15, 0.3, and 0.6 µg), each with four subgroups (proestrus, estrus, metestrus, and diestrus) and three replicates (n=5). After a week of acclimatization, the estrous phase determination and synchronization were performed. Acute epilepsy was inspired by the intraperitoneal injection of 80 mg/kg of PTZ 30 min after the ICV injection of ketorolac and methylprednisolone acetate. The initiation time of myoclonic seizures (ITMS), the initiation time of tonic-clonic seizures (ITTS), seizure duration (SD), and mortality rate (MR) were measured for 30 min. Data were shown as mean±SD and analyzed using One-way ANOVA followed by Tukey-Kramer multiple comparison post hoc test (P<0.05). According to the results, ketorolac (15 and 30 µg) and methylprednisolone acetate (0.3 and 0.6 µg) significantly increased the ITTS and ITMS but decreased SD during the estrous cycle, compared to the control (P<0.05). Moreover, MR and SD were significantly decreased by ketorolac (7.5, 15, and 30 µg) and methylprednisolone (0.3 and 0.6 µg), compared to the control during the estrous cycle (P<0.05). Therefore, it seems that both ketorolac and methylprednisolone possess dose-dependent anticonvulsant effects that may decrease neural inflammation.

Sex-specific biobehavioral regulation of persistent inflammatory pain by alcohol.

Although a large percentage of chronic pain patients consume alcohol to manage their pain, there is a significant gap in knowledge regarding the mechanisms underlying the antinociceptive effects of alcohol. To determine the longitudinal analgesic effects of alcohol, we utilized the complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) model of inflammatory pain in adult female and male Wistar rats. Both somatic and negative motivational aspects of pain were measured using the electronic von Frey (mechanical nociception) system, thermal probe test (thermal nociception), and mechanical conflict avoidance task (pain avoidance-like behavior). Tests were conducted at baseline and 1 and 3 weeks following intraplantar CFA or saline administration. At both time points post-CFA, animals were treated with each of three doses of alcohol (intraperitoneal; 0, 0.5, and 1.0 g/kg) over separate days in a Latin square design. Alcohol produced dose-dependent mechanical analgesia and antihyperalgesia in females but only antihyperalgesia in males. Although alcohol continued to attenuate CFA-induced decreases in both thermal and mechanical nociceptive thresholds between 1 and 3 weeks post-CFA, it appeared less effective at increasing thresholds 3 weeks after CFA induction. These data suggest that individuals may develop tolerance to alcohol's ability to alleviate both somatic and negative motivational symptoms of chronic pain over time. We also discovered sex-specific neuroadaptations in protein kinase A-dependent phosphorylation of GluR1 subunits and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK 1/2) phosphorylation in nociceptive brain centers of animals receiving an alcohol challenge 1 week post-CFA. Together, these findings illustrate a sex-specific regulation of behavioral and neurobiological indices of persistent pain by alcohol.

Effects of Dried Leaves Extract of Spearmint (Mentha Spicata Labiateae) on Histology of Ovaries of Adult Female Wistar Albino Rats

Spearmin is a herb which has aromatic and medicinal properties. It is also used as flavoring agent in toothpaste, chewing gums, confectionaries and pharmaceutical preparation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the toxic effects of dried leaves extract of spearmint on gross and histological parameters of ovaries of adult female Wistar albino rats. Materials and Method: 60 female adult Wistar albino rats were taken in this study. After acclimatization rats divided into group A (Control), group B (Low dose experimental) and group C (High dose experimental) containing 20 rats each. Group A received distilled water whereas group B and C received dried leaves extract of spearmint in doses of 0.3 &amp; 0.6 g / kg / day respectively, through gastric intubation for 30 days. Blood sampling and body weight of all the three groups were taken at the start &amp; end of experiment. Ovaries of rats were dissected, observed for gross parameters and then prepared for histological examination. Result: All quantitative parameters had skewed distribution. The body weight of both experimental groups was decreased significantly (p – value &lt; 0.001). Paired ovarian weight was increased significantly (p – value &lt; 0.001). The ovaries of both experimental groups showed atrophied antral, Graffian follicles and corpora lutea significantly (p – value &lt; 0.001). The decreased levels of serum progesterone were also observed. Conclusion: Use of spearmint in adult female rats showed significant harmful effects on morphology and histology of ovaries, hence it is recommended that further research work should be carried out to evaluate its other toxic effects on different organs of body Keywords: Spearmin, Graffian follicles, Ovary, Leaf extract

Isoflavones and probiotics effect on bone calcium and bone cells in rats

Isoflavones and probiotics have shown the therapeutic potential to alter calcium absorption and bone cell metabolism. This study sought to ascertain the effect of isoflavones and probiotics on calcium status and bone health in healthy female rats. Forty-eight adult female Wistar rats were grouped and fed: a standard diet (control); and standard diets with tempeh; soy; daidzein and genistein; Lactobacillus acidophilus; and a combination of daidzein, genistein, and L. acidophilus. The biochemical serum parameters, such as alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, glucose, and triacylglycerol concentrations, were measured, and calcium contents in tissues were determined. After staining the bone with hematoxylin and eosin, the number of osteoblasts, osteocytes, and the percentage of bone marrow adipocytes were counted. Compared with the control group, the soy group showed a significantly lower triacylglycerol concentration. The L. acidophilus group considerably increased the calcium content in the femoral bone. The daidzein and genistein, L. acidophilus, and a combination of daidzein, genistein, and L. acidophilus groups showed significantly lower calcium contents in the heart and kidneys. The daidzein and genistein group significantly enhanced the number of osteoblasts and osteocytes. A substantial inverse correlation was observed between calcium contents in kidneys and osteoblasts. In conclusion, the combination of daidzein, genistein, and L. acidophilus may improve bone calcium concentrations and bone cells. However, no synergistic effect between isoflavones and probiotics was detected in this study.

Studies on Acute and Sub-Chronic Toxicities of N-Hexane Seed Extract of Ricom-1013-J in Wistar Rats

The study investigated the acute and sub-chronic effects of the n-hexane seed extract of RICOM-1013-J in biochemical and haematological parameters of mature adult female Wistar rats with an average weight of 110 g. The objective of the study was to determine the immediate, short-term and prolonged toxicological profile of the extract. Thirty-four (34) adult female rats were randomly divided into three groups (n=8) of rats. Two animals (group I) and coded A received 0.2 ml/100 g rat of vegetable oil, and served as control. Two other animals (group II) coded B received 5 mg/kg, subcut. of the extract, a third set of animals (group III) code C was administered 20 mg/kg, subcut. The last two animals (group IV) coded D were injected with 30 mg/kg, subcut. of the extract. The same dosage regimen was administered to a different set of animals of equal number in groups II and III in pairs, and coded accordingly. SGOT, SGPT, urea, total protein, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin and haematological assays were carried out at weeks I, IV and VIII in groups I, II and III respectively. Findings from the experiment showed no significant (P&gt;0.05) differences in the mean values of the biochemical parameters and haematological indices test groups relative to control. The study concluded that the n-hexane seed extract of RICOM-1013-J is relatively safe in rats when administered subcutaneously.

Effect of Local (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Tsumi&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;) and Foreign (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Mi Jian Fen&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;) Aphrodisiac on Biochemical Parameters in Wistar Albino Rats

An aphrodisiac is any substance (i.e. food or drug) that arouses the sexual instinct, increases sexual pleasure and performance. Aphrodisiacs can be classified as natural remedies such as Ambrien, Ginseng and Yohimbine and synthetic aphrodisiacs like ecstasy, synthetic testosterone, phenethylamines and methamphetamine. <i>Tsumi</i> concoction (TC) is a herbal concoction made from <i>Ficus sycomorus</i>, Ginger, Clove, Honey and Brown sugar (Jaggery). <i>Mi Jian Fen</i> (MJF) is an aphrodisiac imported from Spain. This study investigated the effect of TC and MJF aphrodisiacs on biochemical parameters in adult female Wistar albino rats. Adult rats weighing between 160-220g were grouped into six (6) groups with three (3) animals in every group. Group 1 serve as the control, group 2 were administered with 0.2mg/kg of clomid as the standard drug, while group 3 and 4 received high and low (0.4mg/kg and 0.2mg/kg) doses of MJF while group 5 and 6 received high and low (0.4mg/kg and 0.2mg/kg) doses of TC, respectively. The results revealed significant increase (p<0.05) in the ALP and AST levels among all the test groups and a slight increase in ALT compared to the control group. It was followed by significant increase (p<0.05) in serum level of oestrogen and FSH. There was significant increase (p<0.05) in urea and a slight elevations in creatinine levels in all the treated groups. However, moderate changes in the Haematological parameters were also observed. It was concluded that MJF and TC are potent aphrodisiacs with some level of toxicity. Therefore, utilization of MJF and TC which caused kidney and liver damages in albino rats, could have deleterious side effects among human users.

ANTI-DYSLIPIDAEMIA AND CARDIO-PROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF NIGERIAN BITTER HONEY IN STREPTOZOTOCIN INDUCED DIABETIC RATS

Background and Aim: Chronic hyperglycemia, oxidative stress, and dyslipidemia usually predispose to cardiac aberrations. Certain honey samples have been reported to worsen glycemic control or proven to be cardiotoxic. The study sought to elucidate the roles of Nigerian bitter honey in experimental diabetes. Experimental Procedures: Diabetes was induced in adult female Wistar rats (90–110g) by single administration of streptozotocin (65 mg/kg body weight, i.p.). Rats were randomly allocated into six groups (n= 8). Bitter honey (50 mg/kg) and metformin (100 mg/kg) were orally administered daily for 28 days. Animals were sacrificed on day 29 and blood samples were obtained via cardiac puncture. Lipid profile and lipid peroxidation analysis were carried out using standard methods. Atherogenic, coronary, and cardiovascular risk indexes were calculated. Heart, pancreas, and lung tissues were harvested and subjected to histopathological assessment. Data were analyzed using one way ANOVA, and statistical significant level was set at p&lt;0.05. Result and Discussion: Bitter honey treatment in the diabetic animals significantly reduced hyperglycemia, triglyceride, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, malondialdehyde, and cardiovascular risk levels (p&lt;0.05). Correspondingly, HDL and reduced glutathione levels were significantly higher (p&lt;0.05). Bitter honey preserved the histoarchitectural integrity of the cardiomyocytes and lungs tissue. Conclusion: The bitter honey is a highly remarkable repository of naturally occurring bioactive compounds that can potentially modulate downstream biochemical pathways of hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia and lipid peroxidation. The bitter honey may therefore be a promising new source of anti-diabetic and cardio protective nutraceuticals. Peer Review History: Received: 9 February 2023; Revised: 7 March; Accepted: 29 April 2023, Available online: 15 May 2023 Academic Editor: Dr. Amany Mohamed Alboghdadly, Ibn Sina National College for Medical Studies in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, amanyalboghdadly@gmail.com Received file: Reviewer's Comments: Average Peer review marks at initial stage: 6.0/10 Average Peer review marks at publication stage: 7.0/10 Reviewers: Dr. Sangeetha Arullappan, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Malaysia, sangeetha@utar.edu.my Dr. Rawaa Souhil Al-Kayali, Aleppo University, Syria, rawah67@hotmail.com

IMPACT OF PERINATAL OVERFEEDING ON BODY MASS OF FEMALE WISTAR RATS

Childhood obesity is an important independent risk factor for later metabolic diseases, such astype 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, and arterial hypertension. However, males and femalesrespond differently to this nutritional challenge. Here, we propose an experimental study ofthe effects of early obesity, using the litter reduction model, in the body mass of female adultWistar rats. The litters were delivered on postnatal day 0 - PN0. In PN2, the offspring ofWistar rats was standardized in 9 (normal litter – NL) and 3 (reduced litter – SL) pups.Animals were weaned at PN21 and kept at 3 per cage for both groups until PN120. In PN120,the rats were weighed and euthanized, and then the tissues were collected, according to theapproval of the Ethics in Animal Use Committee n° 4831020822. Our data points to a bodyweight difference in PN21 between the groups, where the SL group was overweight comparedto the NL group (p&amp;lt;0.0001). In PN120, the SL group continued with a higher weight than theNL group (p &amp;lt;0.01). SL rats showed increased weight in periovarian, periuterine,retroperitoneal, mesenteric and brown fat (p=0.002, p&amp;lt;0.0001, p=0.001, p=0.002 andp=0.0001, respectively) compared to NL animals. Taken together, the present data shows thatfemales Wistar rats are vulnerable to the effects of early in life obesity on body mass, leadingto a greater predisposition to later risk factors associated with obesity.