Adult Swiss Albino Mice Research Articles

Histomorphometric demonstration of the effect of chronic use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs-ibuprofen on mucosa of small intestine.

The purpose of this study was to ascertain change in structure of mucosa of small intestine, if any, in small intestine of Swiss albino mice as an effect of chronic use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs–Ibuprofen. Longitudinal study conducted on 46 adult Swiss albino mice, 23 as experimental and 23 as control. Ibuprofen was given at a dose of 40 µg/g body weight per day for 6 weeks by intragastric route in experimental group of mice while control group of mice received same volume of distilled water. Mice of both the groups were sacrificed and desired segments of small intestines were dissected out and tissues were subjected to histological processing. Histomorphometry was performed and relevant photomicrographs were obtained. Student's unpaired t test by GraphPad Prism 6 software. Height of villi was not significantly altered but there was significant reduction of the number of goblet and non-goblet cells (enterocytes and other columnar cells) in mucosal lining of the small intestine of experimental group of mice. Percent distribution of the goblet and non-goblet cells was not altered in villi of two groups. Chronic exposure of Ibuprofen in therapeutic dosage caused reduction of the functional cell mass in lining epithelium of villi of middle segment of small intestine. However, there was no evidence of ulcerative or hemorrhagic lesion.

Anti-anxiety activity of ethanolic extract of Spermacoce hispida leaves in swiss albino mice

Background: The objective of the study was to evaluate the anxiolytic activity of ethanolic extract of Spermacoce hispida (EESH) in swiss albino mice.Methods: Forty eight adult Swiss albino mice weighing 25-30grams were selected. 24 were allocated to Elevated plus maize test and the remaining 24 to Bright and dark box test models. In each model, there were 4 groups. The control group received normal saline (10ml/kg), the standard, Diazepam (1mg/kg) and test groups received ethanolic extract of Spermacoce hispida (100mg/kg, 200mg/kg p.o. respectively) 1h prior to the acute study. In chronic study the drugs were given orally once a day for 10 days and the last dose was given 1h before the experiment. The antianxiety activity of the test drug was evaluated using EPM test and Bright and dark box test experimental models of anxiety. All results were expressed as mean±standard error mean (SEM) and analysed by one-way ANOVA. Post-hoc comparisons were performed by applying Dunnet’s test. P <0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: Ethanolic extract of Spermacoce hispida significantly increased the duration of time spent and number of entries in open arm in EPM and increased the number of entries into the bright arena, the time spent and the rears in bright arena indicating anxiolytic activity and EESH 200 mg/kg was found to be better than diazepam.Conclusions: The results of the present study suggest that the ethanolic extract of Spermacoce hispida have anxiolytic activity better than Diazepam.

Effect of ibuprofen on retina of adult Swiss albino mice – A light microscopic study

Effect of ibuprofen on retina of adult Swiss albino mice – A light microscopic study

Toxicological study of the butanol fractionated root extract of Asparagus africanus Lam., on some blood parameter and histopathology of liver and kidney in mice.

BackgroundThe butanol fractionated root extract of Asparagus africanus Lam., a traditional herb widely used to treat various ailments were analyzed for the presence of potential toxicity after single (acute) and repeated (subchronic) dose oral administration in adult swiss albino mice using gavages.MethodsFor the acute study, butanol fractionated extract of the plant was administered in single doses of 1000, 3000 and 5000 mg/kg body weight. In the sub-chronic dose study, the extract was administered at doses of 300 and 600 mg/kg body weight/day for 42 days. Selected hematological and biochemical parameters of the blood followed by histopathological analysis were investigated after 42 days of daily administrations. The results were expressed as M ± SE, and differences at P < 0.05 was considered significant. One way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and least significant difference tests were employed to check the significant differences between the various parameters of the experimental groups.ResultsIn the acute study, the extract did not caused dose-dependent general behavioral adverse effects, body weight change and mortality. The single dose toxicity studies therefore showed that the butanol fraction of the extract has high safety profile when given orally. After 42 days of daily dosing, in the sub-chronic study, no clinically significant changes were observed for hematological and biochemical parameters. Except an occasional small number of focal mononuclear lymphocytic cells infiltrations around the central and portal triad of the liver of a few mice, the histopathological parameters do not show significant change.ConclusionIt is concluded that, the butanol fractionated extract from A. africanus at the given dose does not show significant toxicity. The presence of focal inflammation on the liver of a few mice may be associated to the presence of flavonoid glycoside in the butanol fractionated extract.

Mechanisms Involved in Toxicity of Liver Caused by Piroxicam in Mice and Protective Effects of Leaf Extract of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L.

Piroxicam is one of the important therapeutic nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory class of drugs used mainly to suppress pain and inflammation in arthritis and other musculoskeletal disorders. Besides being anti-inflammatory, these drugs are analgesic and antipyretic often used for the relief of nonspecific fever condition. Recently, piroxicam has also gained attention as an effective therapy for tumors, colorectal, and invasive bladder cancers. The objective of the current study is to evaluate the protective effects of the alcoholic leaf extract of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (AEH), Malvaceae, against piroxicam-induced toxicity in mice. Sixty adult Swiss albino mice (Mus musculus) were divided into four groups (n = 10), which included a control group, a group treated orally with AEH (30 mg kg−1 b.w.) for 15 days, a group treated orally with piroxicam (6.6 mg kg−1 b.w.) for 15 days, and another group treated orally with piroxicam and AEH for 15 days. The results indicated that treatment with piroxicam alone resulted in a significant increase in the activities of serum marker enzymes, namely, aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, and alkaline phosphatase with profound hepatic lipid peroxidation as evidenced by a marked increment in the level of thoibarbituric acid reactive substances along with a distinct diminution in reduced glutathoine content and various antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase in the liver. However, treatment with AEH during piroxicam treatment retrieved or partially antagonized the effects induced by piroxicam toward the normal values of controls. Histopathological observations also corroborate with the above findings. It can be concluded that AEH exhibited a protective action against piroxicam toxicity and effective in combating oxidative stress-induced hepatic damage.

Honokiol abrogates chronic restraint stress-induced cognitive impairment and depressive-like behaviour by blocking endoplasmic reticulum stress in the hippocampus of mice

The primary objective of our study is to investigate the neuroprotective efficacy of honokiol and imipramine against restraint stress (RS)-induced cognitive impairment and depressive-like behaviour in mice. We examined whether the neuroprotective activity of honokiol and imipramine mediates through the inhibition of endoplasmic reticulum stress. Adult Swiss albino mice were restrained for 6h/day for 28 days. Honokiol (3 and 10mg/kg) and Imipramine (10 and 30mg/kg) were administered for last 7 days to the different groups. Cognitive function was assessed by Morris water maze and novel object recognition test. Forced swimming test and tail suspension test were performed to evaluate the restraint stress-induced depressive-like behaviour. Proinflammatory cytokines, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and ER stress markers i.e. 78-kDa glucose-regulated protein (GRP78) and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) were quantified in the hippocampus. We observed cognitive impairment and depressive-like behaviour in RS-exposed animals. Honokiol (10mg/kg) treated group depicted marked reduction in cognitive impairment and depressive-like behaviour. However, imipramine (10 and 30mg/kg) prevented the depressive-like behaviour but failed to prevent RS-induced cognitive impairment. Moreover, proinflammatory cytokines, GRP78 and CHOP were elevated in the hippocampus of stressed mice as compared to unstressed mice. Honokiol (10mg/kg) significantly prevented the RS-induced elevated levels of proinflammatory cytokines and endoplasmic reticulum stress markers. Our results clearly suggest the beneficial potential of honokiol in restraint stress through inhibition of proinflammatory cytokines and endoplasmic reticulum stress. Honokiol could be an intriguing therapeutic approach in endoplasmic reticulum stress related neuro-pathophysiological conditions.

Arsenic induced histological alterations in testis of Swiss albino mice and protection by Chlorophytum borivilianum

To investigate the sodium arsenite induced damages on the reproductive system of male mice as well as to examine whether Chlorophytum borivilianum ( C. borivilianum ) is able to ameliorate the damages. A different group of adult Swiss albino mice was made such as control group, sodium arsenite group, post combination group, pre and post combination group. After the treatment, the testis was removed, weighed and processed for histopathological observation. Cauda epididymis was used to observe abnormal sperms. A highly significant depletion was found in all the germ cell populations such as spermatogonia A and B, primary and secondary spermatocytes, spermatids in arsenic treated group with respect to control whereas recovery is found in combination groups. The results conclude that C. borivilianum significantly protects against arsenic-induced damages.

Poster #M36 DECREASED ACTIVATION IN SUPERIOR FRONTAL GYRUS IN PATIENTS WITH SCHIZOPHRENIA EXPOSED TO CURSE WORDS: FMRI STUDY

The primary objective of our study is to investigate the neuroprotective efficacy of honokiol and imipramine against restraint stress (RS)-induced cognitive impairment and depressive-like behaviour in mice. We examined whether the neuroprotective activity of honokiol and imipramine mediates through the inhibition of endoplasmic reticulum stress. Adult Swiss albino mice were restrained for 6 h/day for 28 days. Honokiol (3 and 10 mg/kg) and Imipramine (10 and 30 mg/kg) were administered for last 7 days to the different groups. Cognitive function was assessed by Morris water maze and novel object recognition test. Forced swimming test and tail suspension test were performed to evaluate the restraint stress-induced depressive-like behaviour. Proinflammatory cytokines, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and ER stress markers i.e. 78-kDa glucose-regulated protein (GRP78) and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) were quantified in the hippocampus. We observed cognitive impairment and depressive-like behaviour in RS-exposed animals. Honokiol (10 mg/kg) treated group depicted marked reduction in cognitive impairment and depressive-like behaviour. However, imipramine (10 and 30 mg/kg) prevented the depressive-like behaviour but failed to prevent RS-induced cognitive impairment. Moreover, proinflammatory cytokines, GRP78 and CHOP were elevated in the hippocampus of stressed mice as compared to unstressed mice. Honokiol (10 mg/kg) significantly prevented the RS-induced elevated levels of proinflammatory cytokines and endoplasmic reticulum stress markers. Our results clearly suggest the beneficial potential of honokiol in restraint stress through inhibition of proinflammatory cytokines and endoplasmic reticulum stress. Honokiol could be an intriguing therapeutic approach in endoplasmic reticulum stress related neuro-pathophysiological conditions.

Amelioration by chlorophytum borivilianum upon arsenic induced oxidative stress in Swiss albino mice

Background: Arsenic, a major water pollutant in India, produces toxic effects on male reproductive system due to oxidative stress. Arsenic contaminated drinking water causes several health problems such as Blackfoot disease, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, disturbances in the nervous system and cancers of liver, kidney, lung and bladder in humans. Aim: This study accessed the efficacy of Chlorophytum borivilianum in reducing arsenic-induced biochemical and nucleic acid damages in mice testis. Methods: A different group of adult Swiss albino mice was made such as control group, C. borivilianum group, sodium arsenite group and combination group. For antioxidant activity, ABTS radical cation decolorization assay was done. Body and testis weight, protein, sialic acid, ATPase activity, DNA and RNA content in the testis were also estimated. Results: Animals exposed to sodium arsenite at the dose of 4.0 mg/kg b.wt. showed significant decrease (p&lt;0.001) in testicular protein, sialic acid, ATPase activity, DNA and RNA content indicate DNA damage and apoptosis whereas combination group showed a significant increase in all the parameters. Conclusion: The results thus led us to conclude that administration of C. borivilianum at the dose of 800 mg/kg b.wt. Significantly protects against arsenic-induced oxidative stress. Keywords: ABTS Assay; Atpase; DNA; Oxidative Stress; Protein; Sialic Acid.

Effect of Amlodipine and Indomethacin in electrical and picrotoxin induced convulsions in mice

Background and ObjectivesAntiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are the drugs used in the treatment of epilepsy. Many AEDs have been developed, but the ideal AED which can not only prevent but also abolish seizures by correcting the underlying pathophysiology is still not in sight. Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) may form such a group, as the initiation of epileptogenic activity in the neuron is connected with a phenomenon known as “intrinsic burst firing” which is activated by inward calcium current. In this study, Amlodipine, a CCB of the dihydropyridine class was evaluated for its anticonvulsant activity in mice. It was compared with Phenytoin sodium, one of the oldest anti epileptic drugs. Amlodipine was also combined with Indomethacin, a conventional NSAID, to look for any potentiating effect of this prostaglandin-synthesis inhibitor.Materials and MethodsA total of 48 adult Swiss albino mice of either sex weighing 20–30 G were used for this study; 48 were divided into 8 groups, each group containing 6 mice. Group 1–4 MES (50 m Amp for 0.1 secs) induced convulsion method, Group 5–8 evaluated by using the chemo-convulsant, picrotoxin (0.7 mg/kg). Group 1, 5 are controls of MES, Picrotoxin (without treatment). Group 2 &amp;6 administered standard drug phenytoin (0.5mg/100mg i.p), Group 3 &amp; 7: Amlodipine group (8 mg/kg i.p) and Group 4 &amp; 8: Amlodipine (8 mg/kg) and Indomethacin group (20 mg/kg). In MES method Duration of tonic hind limb extension, Clonic convulsions, Recovery period were studied. In Picrotoxin method Latent period before onset of convulsions, severity of convulsions assessed.ResultsIn electrically induced seizures, the 3 parameters compared are duration of tonic hind limb extension, THLE, (P&lt;0.05); duration of clonic seizures (P&gt;0.05); duration of recovery phase (P&lt;0.0001) and in picrotoxin-induced seizures, the 2 parameters are onset of seizures (P&lt;0.05) and severity of seizures (P&lt;0.05).The combination of Amlodipine and Indomethacin showed a superior anticonvulsant effect than the use of Amlodipine alone, in both electrically-induced seizures and picrotoxin-induced seizures in mice.

Antinociceptive effect of Phyllanthus fraternus extract in complete Freund's adjuvant induced chronic pain in mice

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of Phyllanthus fraternus (PF) extract on chronic inflammatory pain. MethodComplete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) induced inflammatory pain model was used to investigate the effects of (PF) extract on chronic inflammatory hypersensitivity in adult Swiss albino mice. Twenty-four hours after CFA injection, we used Von Frey filaments and acetone-evoked cooling to evaluate tactile and thermal hypersensitivity, respectively. The paw edema was measured with the help of a digital plethysmometer. ResultsSingle intraperitoneal injections of PF extract (200 & 400mg/kg) administered 30minutes before testing reduced CFA-induced mechanical hypersensitivity. Similarly, PF reduced acetone-evoked hypersensitivity up to 4hours after treatment. Compared with vehicle, PF produced a marked reduction in CFA-induced paw edema. Multiple treatments with PF extracts given chronically (twice a day from 1st to 5th day and from 9th to 10th day) significantly reduced mechanical hypersensitivity induced by CFA. This multi-dose strategy did not cause tolerance. ConclusionThe present study reveals the antinociceptive activity of PF in chronic inflammatory hyperalgesia and also indicates that it might be potentially effective in management of the persistent pain.

Experimental studies on survivality and degenerative changes of Trypanosoma evansi after death of host.

Twenty adult Swiss albino mice, 20 rats and 10 rabbits were artificially infected with Trypanosoma evansi and killed at the peak of parasitaemia to know the period of survivality of T. evansi and degenerative changes of the parasite after death of these hosts. Examination of Giemsa stained blood smears and wet blood smears revealed the presence of parasites and live trypanosomes along with motility in the heart blood of mice and rats up to 14h and in rabbits up to 13h post death. Mouse inoculation test (MIT) conducted with heart blood up to 13h post death of mice and rabbits became positive. MIT with both heart blood and portal blood of rats became positive up to 14h post death. The liver and lung impression smears could detect the parasites up to 14h of death of mice and rats and up to 13h post death of rabbits whereas spleen impression smears revealed the presence of parasites up to 12h post death of these animals. It is confirmed that T. evansi infection in animals may be diagnosed after post mortem examination of hosts by demonstration of parasites.

Deranged Spermatogenesis of Adult Swiss Albino Mice as Effect of Immobilization Stress -Histological Study.

As the stress is increasing in our life day by day, so we decided to study weather increased stress is one of the causes of infertility. We used immobilisation as stress inducer in our study. Immobilization is mixed type of stress. It acts as physical and psychological stress. The aim of study was to study effect of immobilization stress on spermatogenesis of mice. The present study was performed on 40 adult male Swiss albino mice, out of which 20 served as control and 20 were exposed to immobilization stress .Experimental mice were immobilized by keeping in white transparent plastic jar with 5 holes for 4 hrs a day for 60 days .Food and water provided ad libitum during period of immobilization stress. After two months of immobilization stress mice of both control and experimental group were sacrificed by giving thiopentone anaeshthesia. Testes were removed and labelled. Histological processing of testis tissues was done. Morphological, histological and histomorphometric study of testes revealed suppression of spermatogenesis.

Mushroom beta glucan: Potential candidate for post irradiation protection

The in vivo radioprotective effect of a beta-glucan (BG) isolated from the mushroom Ganoderma lucidum, against radiation (RT) induced damage was investigated taking mouse survival, hematology, liver GSH (Reduced glutathione), liver Malondialdehyde (MDA) and bone marrow chromosomal aberrations as end points. Young adult swiss albino mice were whole body exposed to gamma radiation. For mouse survival study, BG was administered orally (250μg/kg body wt or 500μg/kg body wt) 15min before or 5min after 8Gy exposure. For other parameters BG was given orally 5min after 4Gy exposure. The radioprotective effect of BG was compared with that of clinically used radioprotective drug amifostine (WR-2721), at 300mg/kg body wt administered intraperitoneally, 30min before irradiation. BG (500μg/kg body wt) produced (66%) mouse survival at 30 days given post irradiation, and 83% survived at 30 days with 300mg/kg body wt of amifostine administered before RT while RT alone produced 100% mortality. BG is not toxic at the radioprotective dose. Significant reduction in number of aberrant cells and different types of aberration was observed in both BG and amifostine administered groups compared to radiation alone treated group. BG seems to have potential for use in protection against unplanned radiation exposures.

Subchronic Oral Bromocriptine Methanesulfonate Enhances Open Field Novelty-Induced Behavior and Spatial Memory in Male Swiss Albino Mice.

This study set out to assess the neurobehavioral effects of subchronic, oral bromocriptine methanesulfonate using the open field and the Y-maze in healthy male mice. Sixty adult Swiss albino mice were assigned into three groups. Controls received normal saline, while test groups received bromocriptine methanesulfonate at 2.5 and 5 mg/kg/day, respectively, for a period of 21 days. Neurobehavioral tests were carried out on days 1 and 21 after administration. Open field assessment on day 1 after administration revealed significant increase in grooming at 2.5 and 5 mg/kg, while horizontal and vertical locomotion showed no significant changes. Day 1 also showed no significant changes in Y-maze alternation. On day 21, horizontal locomotion, rearing, and grooming were increased significantly at 2.5 and 5 mg/kg doses after administration; also, spatial memory was significantly enhanced at 2.5 mg/kg. In conclusion, the study demonstrates the ability of oral bromocriptine to affect neurobehavior in normal mice. It also suggests that there is a cumulative effect of oral bromocriptine on the behaviors studied with more changes being seen after subchronic administration rather than after a single oral dose.

Elevated Plus Maze and Y-Maze Behavioral Effects of Subchronic, Oral Low Dose Monosodium Glutamate in Swiss Albino Mice

Effects of subchronic oral low dose monosodium glutamate (MSG) on neurobehavior were assessed using the Y and Elevated plus mazes in mice. Forty adult Swiss albino mice weighing between 20-25 g were assigned into four groups A, B, C and D. Group A served as control and received normal saline, groups B, C and D received MSG dissolved in normal saline orally at 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 mg/kg dose. MSG or vehicle was administered for a period of 14 days, following which animals were exposed to the elevated plus maze (EPM) and the Y-maze. The numbers of entries and percentage time spent in the open and closed arms after 5mins exposure to the plus maze and Y-maze spontaneous alternations over a five minute period was scored for each animal as a measure of spatial memory. Result were analysed by one way ANOVA followed by a posthoc test, results were expressed as mean ±S.E.M. Elevated plus maze performance showed a significant decrease in the number of entries and time spent in the open arm and an increase in the total number of arm entries compared to control, Y-maze task performance showed no significant improvement in the MSG groups compared to control. The study concluded that subchronic MSG at the doses administered was anxiogenic but had only a slight retardant effect on spatial working memory.

Administration of Lactobacillus fermentum CRL1446 increases intestinal feruloyl esterase activity in mice

To evaluate the effect of oral administration of Lactobacillus fermentum CRL1446 on the intestinal feruloyl esterase (FE) activity and oxidative status of mice. Adult Swiss albino mice received Lact. fermentum CRL1446 at the doses 10(7) and 10(9) cells per day per mouse for 2, 5, 7 and 10 days. Intestinal FE activity, intestinal microbiota counts, plasmatic thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) percentage and glutathione reductase (GR) activity were determined. Mice that received Lact. fermentum CRL1446 at the dose 10(7) cells per day for 7 days showed a twofold increase in total intestinal FE activity, compared to the nontreated group. In large intestine content, FE activity increased up to 6·4 times. No major quantitative changes in colonic microbiota were observed in treated animals. Administration of this strain produced an approx. 30-40% decrease in the basal levels of plasmatic TBARS and an approx. twofold increase in GR activity from day 5 of feeding with both doses. Oral administration of Lact. fermentum CRL1446 to mice increases total intestinal FE activity, decreases the basal percentage of plasmatic lipoperoxides and increases GR activity. Lactobacillus fermentum CRL1446 could be orally administered as a dietary supplement or functional food for increasing the intestinal FE activity to enhance the bioavailability of ferulic acid, thus improving oxidative status.

Histopathological studies of acute and chronic effects of Calliandra portoricensis leaf extract on the stomach and pancreas of adult Swiss albino mice

Objective To evaluate the consequence of oral administration of Calliandra portoricensis ( C. portoricensis) leaf extract on the stomach and pancreas in Swiss albino mice. Methods Three groups of mice (B, C and D) were treated with 4 mg/kg of C. portoricensis extract. Group A was the control and received an equivalent volume of distilled water. Group B received C. portoricensis leaf extract for 7 days, Group C received C. portoricensis leaf extract for 14 days, and Group D received C. portoricensis leaf extract for 28 days. At different stages in the study, the mice were sacrificed and the stomach and pancreas were excised and fixed in 10% formol saline for histological analysis. Results The result showed a normal microstructural outline in groups B and C as compared with the control. However, animals in group D showed disorganization of the mucosa and discontinuation of epithelial lining of the stomach while the islets of Langerans in the pancreas were at various degree of degeneration as compared with the control mice. Conclusions The present finding suggests that chronic administration (28 days as seen in this study) of C. portoricensis leaf extract may inhibit the proper function of the stomach and pancreas.

Enriched environment contributes to recovery of visual acuity and increases perineuronal nets in monocular-deprived animals.

aim of the present study was to analyze the influence of enriched environment on the distribution of perineuronal nets (PNNs) using a stereogically based unbiased protocol and visual acuity in adult Swiss albino mice that underwent monocular deprivation during the critical period of postnatal development. Eight female Swiss albino mice were monocular deprived on postnatal day 10 and divided into two groups at weaning: standard environment (SE group, n = 4) and enriched environment (EE group, n = 4). After 3 months, all of the mice were subjected to grating visual acuity tests, sacrificed, and perfused with aldehyde fixative. The brains were removed and cut at 70 µm thickness in a vibratome and processed for lectin histochemical staining with Wisteria floribunda agglutinin (WFA). Architectonic limits of area 17 were conspicuously defined by WFA histochemical staining, and the optical fractionator stereological method was applied to estimate the total number of PNNs in the supragranular, granular, and infragranular layers. All groups were compared using Student's t-test at a 95% confidence level. Comparative analysis of the average PNN estimations revealed that the EE group had higher PNNs in the supragranular layer (2726.33 ± 405.416, mean ± standard deviation) compared with the SE group (1543.535 ± 260.686; Student's t-test, p = .0495). No differences were found in the other layers. Visual acuity was significantly lower in the SE group (0.55 cycles/degree) than in the EE group (1.06 cycles/ degree). Our results suggest that the integrity of the specialized extracellular matrix PNNs of the supragranular layer may be essential for normal visual acuity development. Keywords: monocular deprivation, critical period, visual cortex, perineuronal nets, visual acuity, stereology.

Radiation-induced hematological alterations and their inhibition by Aegle Marmelos fruit extract

This study was carried out to observe the radio protective potential of Aegle Marmelos fruit extract (AME) against radiation-induced hematological and biochemical alterations in blood and liver of mice. For this purpose, adult Swiss albino mice were exposed to 6 Gy gamma radiation in the presence (experimental) or absence (control) of the extract (100 mg/kg body weight animal/day). Exposure to radiation resulted in a significant decline in the count of erythrocyte, hemoglobin (Hb) and hematocrit (Hct) in peripheral blood. In contrast, extract-pretreated irradiated animals had a significant rise in all of these blood constituents, as compared with the irradiated control. Furthermore, a significant elevation in lipid peroxidation over normal was recorded in the irradiated control, whereas such increase was considerably lesser in extract-pretreated animals. Likewise, pretreatment with AME caused a significant increase in glutathione levels in the serum, as well as in the liver, in comparison to irradiated controls. These results indicate that AME may be responsible for the protection of stem cells in bone marrow, subsequently resulting in a rise of hematological constituents in peripheral blood. The present study affirms the prophylactic use of AME against radiation-induced hematological and biochemical alterations in mammals.