Adult Swiss Albino Mice Research Articles

Amelioration of Radiation-Induced Hematological and Biochemical Alterations in Swiss Albino Mice by Panax ginseng Extract

This study was carried out to observe the radioprotective effect of Panax ginseng root extract (PGE) against radiation-induced hematological and biochemical alterations in blood and liver of mice. Materials and methods. Adult Swiss albino mice were exposed to 6 Gy gamma radiation in the presence (experimental) or absence (control) of PGE to study the quantitative and qualitative alterations in the blood and liver. Radiation exposure resulted in a significant decline (P<.001) in erythrocyte count, hemoglobin (Hb), and hematocrit (Hct) in peripheral blood. Maximum changes in all the parameters were observed on day 3 after irradiation. In contrast, PGE-pretreated irradiated animals showed a significant increase in erythrocyte, Hct, and Hb values compared with irradiated controls. Furthermore, a significant elevation in lipid peroxidation level over normal was recorded in irradiated control mice, whereas this increase was considerably lesser in PGE pretreated animals. Likewise, pretreatment with PGE caused a significant increase in glutathione levels in serum as well as in liver in comparison to irradiated controls. From this study, it is clearly evident that PGE provides protection against radiation-induced hematological and biochemical alterations in Swiss albino mice.

Arthemeter-loaded lipid nanoparticles produced by modified thin-film hydration: Pharmacokinetics, toxicological and in vivo anti-malarial activity

Artemether-loaded lipid nanoparticles (ARM-LNP) composed of 5% (w/v) lipid mass were produced by a modified thin-film hydration method using glyceryl trimyristate (solid lipid) and soybean oil (as liquid lipid in a concentration ranging from 0 to 45% (w/v) with respect to the total lipid mass). The particles were loaded with 10% of the anti-malarial ARM and surface-tailored with a combination of non-ionic, cationic or anionic surfactants. ARM-LNP were further characterized for their mean particle size, zeta potential and encapsulation efficiency, reporting optimized values below 120 nm (PI < 0.250), −38 mV and 97% (w/w), respectively. ARM-LNP composed of 45% soybean oil depicted a spherical-like shape by transmission electron microscopy and a biphasic release profile in phosphate buffer. Haemolytic activity was within the acceptable range (7%) revealing low toxicity risk of LNP for parenteral delivery of ARM. Biocompatibility was confirmed by hepato- and nephrotoxicity analyses. Histopathological analysis showed no significant histological changes in liver and kidney tissues in adult Swiss Albino mice treated with the selected formulations. In vivo anti-malarial activity of ARM was enhanced when formulated as LNP, in comparison to a conventional plain drug solution and to a marketed formulation which are currently in use to treat malaria patients.

Modulatory role of Emblica officinalis fruit extract against arsenic induced oxidative stress in Swiss albino mice

Arsenic, an important human toxin, is naturally occurring in groundwater and its accumulation in plants and animals have assumed a menacing proportion in a large part of the world, particularly Asia. Epidemiological studies have shown a strong association between chronic arsenic exposure and various adverse health effects, including cardiovascular diseases, neurological defects and cancer of lung, skin, bladder, liver and kidney. The protective role of the fruits of Emblica officinalis (500 mg/kg b.wt.) was studied in adult Swiss albino mice against arsenic induced hepatopathy. Arsenic treated group (NaAsO 2, 4 mg/kg b.wt.) had a significant increase in serum transaminases and lipid peroxidation (LPO) content in liver, whereas significant decrease was recorded in hepatic superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and serum alkaline phosphatase activity. Combined treatment of Emblica and arsenic (pre and post) declined the serum transaminases and LPO content in liver whereas significant increase was noticed in SOD, CAT, GST and serum alkaline phosphatase activities. Liver histopathology showed that Emblica fruit extract had reduced karyolysis, karyorrhexis, necrosis and cytoplasmic vacuolization induced by NaAsO 2 intoxication. Thus it can be concluded that pre- and post-supplementation of E. officinalis fruit extract significantly reduced arsenic induced oxidative stress in liver.

Prevention Of Radiation Induced Hematological Alterations By Medicinal Plant &lt;i&gt;Rosmarinus officinalis&lt;/i&gt;, In Mice

The modulatory influence of Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) leaves extract was investigated in Swiss albino mice at a dose of 3 Gy gamma radiation. For this purpose, adult Swiss albino mice were irradiated with 3 Gy gamma rays in the presence (experimental) or absence (control) of rosemary (1000 mg/kg body wt.). These animals were necropsied and their blood was collected at days 1, 3, 5, 10, 20 and 30 post-irradiation. A decrease in the number of erythrocyte and leucocyte counts, hemoglobin content and hematocrit percentage was scored in the control group; whereas a recovery pattern was recorded in experimental animals and a normal value of hematological parameters were regained by day 30 post-treatment. In irradiated group, glutathione level was registered low in the blood, whereas a significant elevation was estimated in rosemary pre-treated animals. An increase in lipid peroxidation level above normal was evident in serum of irradiated mice, while a significant decrease in such values was noted in rosemary pretreated group. The present study suggests the possible radioprotective ability of rosemary extract.

Diphenyl diselenide protects against hematological and immunological alterations induced by mercury in mice

Mercury is a heavy metal that can cause a variety of toxic effects on the organism, such as hematological and immunological alterations. In the present investigation, deleterious effects of mercury-intoxication in mice and a possible protective effect of diphenyl diselenide (PhSe)(2) were studied. Male adult Swiss albino mice received daily a pretreatment with (PhSe)(2) (15.6 mg/kg, orally) for 1 week. After this week, mice received daily mercuric chloride (1 mg/kg, subcutaneously) for 2 weeks. A number of hematological (erythrocytes, leukocytes, platelets, hemoglobin, hematocrit, reticulocytes, and leukocytes differential) and immunological (immunoglobulin G and M plasma concentration) parameters were evaluated. Another biomarker of tissue damage, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), was also determined. The results demonstrated that mercury exposure caused a reduction in the erythrocyte, hematocrit, hemoglobin, leukocyte, and platelet counts and an increase in the reticulocyte percentages. (PhSe)(2) was effective in protecting against the reduction in hematocrit, hemoglobin, and leukocyte levels. (PhSe)(2) ameliorated reticulocyte percentages increased by mercury. However, (PhSe)(2) was partially effective in preventing against the decrease in erythrocyte and platelet counts. Immunoglobulin G and M concentrations and LDH activity were increased by mercury exposure, and (PhSe)(2) was effective in protecting against these effects. In conclusion, (PhSe)(2) was effective in protecting against hematological and immunological alterations induced by mercury in mice.

In Silico and In Vivo Study of Lens Regeneration Under theInfluence of Retinoid

The present study supports previous finding that vitamin A can induce and accelerate lens regeneration in pigmented epithelial cells (PECs) of dorsal iris not only in amphibians but also in young and adult swiss albino mice, guinea pig, rabbit and pigs. In lens regeneration, several workers have shown that vitamin A possesses the mitogenic activity which causes functional impairment of retinoid receptors and thereby inhibits the lens regeneration. The purpose of present study is to know how retinoids and their derivatives interact with Retinoid X receptor (Rxr alpha) and thus helping in lens regeneration. The docking studies of human and mice Rxr alpha were performed against vitamin A and 9-cis retinoic acid (vitamin A1) using autodock and the results were analyzed using Discovery Studio from Accelrys. The results show that there is a significant similarity in interaction energy of Rxr alpha of mice and human. The highest rank docked energy of Rxr alpha mice with vitamin A was -11.65 kcal, which was much closed to -11.83 kcal of 9-cis retinoic acid. Similarly, in human Rxr alpha receptor, the highest docked energy showed the significant similarity with vitamin A (-12.19 kcal) and 9- cis retinoic acid (-12.14 kcal). This study suggests that vitamin A shows effect on proliferation and differentiation similar to the 9-cis retinoic acid and also proves that vitamin A acts on Retinoid X alpha receptors and enhance lens regeneration in mammals.

Antiinflammatory, diuretic and antimicrobial activities of &lt;i&gt; Rungia pectinata&lt;/i&gt; linn. and &lt;i&gt; Rungia repens&lt;/i&gt; nees

The hydroalcoholic extracts prepared from leaves of Rungia pectinata and Rungia repens were investigated for antiinflammatory and diuretic activity in wistar rats. The results obtained were compared with that of standard drug aspirin and frusemide for their antiinflammatory and diuretic activity respectively. The acute toxicity study was also carried out using adult swiss albino mice of either sex which indicates the safety of the extracts even at a dose of 4000 mg/kg. R. pectinata showed better anti-inflammatory activity than R. repens. In the present study, it was demonstrated that hydroalcoholic extracts of both R. repens and R. pectinata produce diuretic effect by increasing the excretion of Na+, K+ and Cl−. Results showed that R. repens is most effective in increasing urinary electrolyte concentration of Na+ and K+ ions. The antimicrobial potency of the aerial parts of Rungia pectinata and Rungia repens have been studied using the petroleum ether, benzene, chloroform, acetone and ethanol extract against a wide number of bacteria and fungi by disc diffusion method. The ethanol extract at a concentration of 30 to 60 μg/disc showed significant activity against the bacteria and fungus investigated. All the extracts of R. pectinata and R. repens have got moderate action but chloroform and acetone extracts of R. repens and ethanol extract of R. pectinata have got significant activity against Trichophyton mentagrophytes.

In vivo radioprotection by 5-aminosalicylic acid

The radioprotective effect of 5-aminosalicylic acid (5ASA) was investigated in mouse bone marrow. The present study was aimed at investigating the radioprotective effect of pre-irradiation treatment with 5ASA against a range of whole-body lethal (8–11 Gy) and sublethal (1–4 Gy) doses of gamma-radiation (RT) in adult Swiss albino mice. Protection against lethal irradiation was evaluated from 30-day mouse survival and against sublethal doses was assessed from chromosomal aberrations in the bone marrow 24 h after irradiation. An intraperitoneal injection of 5ASA at a dose of 25 mg/kg body weight (b. wt.) 30 min before lethal RT increased survival, giving a dose modification factor (DMF) of 1.08. Injection of 5ASA (25 mg/kg b. wt.) 60 or 30 min before or within 15 min after 3 Gy whole body RT resulted in a significant decrease in the radiation-induced aberrant metaphases, at 24 h post-irradiation. Maximum effect was seen when the drug was administered 30 min before irradiation. 5ASA (25 mg/kg b. wt.) significantly reduced the number of aberrant metaphases and the different types of aberrations at all the radiation doses (1–4 Gy) tested, giving a DMFs of 1.43 for number of aberrant metaphases. 5ASA pretreatment also significantly enhanced the endogenous spleen colonies in mouse exposed to 11 Gy RT. Pretreatment with 5ASA, protected plasmid DNA (pGEM-7Zf) against breakage induced by RT and Fenton reactants. Using nanosecond pulse radiolysis technique, the bimolecular rate constant of the reaction of 5ASA with hydroxyl radical was found to be 6.7 × 10 9 M −1 s −1. The p53 and p21 protein levels of bone marrow and spleen were evaluated to identify the specific molecular mechanisms. Both p53 and p21 increased 24 h after 6 Gy irradiation, while treatment with 5ASA inhibited this RT-induced increase. Therefore, the present data suggest that 5ASA pretreatment decreases death caused by RT-induced gastrointestinal and hemopoeitic syndromes. The proposed mechanism of radioprotection by 5ASA is through the inhibition of damage to DNA, lipids, and proteins; and prevention of RT-induced increased expression of p53 and p21.

Impact of Distillery Soil Leachate on Haematology of Swiss Albino Mice (Mus musculus)

This study reports significant alterations in various haematological parameters such as red and white blood corpuscles counts, haemoglobin content and packed cell volume in adult Swiss albino mice orally administered with diluted distillery soil leachate (5%-20%) for 30 days. Soil leachate also affected red blood cell morphology (poikilocytosis). The haematology of exposed mice improved in the reversal groups. Present study infers contamination potential of distillery soil leachate in the groundwater.

Efficacy of diphenyl diselenide against cerebral and pulmonary damage induced by cadmium in mice

This study was designed to examine if diphenyl diselenide (PhSe) 2, an organoselenium compound, attenuates pulmonar and cerebral oxidative stress caused by sub-chronic exposure to CdCl 2. Male adult Swiss albino mice received CdCl 2 (10 μmol/kg, subcutaneously), 5 times/week, for 4 weeks. (PhSe) 2 (10 μmol/kg or 20 μmol/kg, orally) was given concomitantly with CdCl 2 to mice. A number of toxicological parameters in lung and brain of mice were examined including δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (δ-ALA-D), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activities, lipid peroxidation, non-protein thiols (NPSH) and ascorbic acid content. Na +,K +-ATPase activity, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, [ 3H]glutamate uptake and [ 3H]glutamate release were also carried out in brain. Cadmium concentration and histopathological analysis were carried out in lung tissue. (PhSe) 2 at the dose of 20 μmol/kg protected the inhibition of δ-ALA-D, SOD and CAT activities, the reduction of vitamin C content and the increase of lipid peroxidation levels caused by CdCl 2 in lungs. At 10 μmol/kg, (PhSe) 2 protected cerebral AChE and CAT activities inhibited by CdCl 2. There were no histopathological alterations in the lung of mice after CdCl 2 exposure. The pulmonary cadmium concentration was higher (2.8-fold) in the group exposed to CdCl 2 than in control mice. (PhSe) 2 at dose of 20 μmol/kg reduced cadmium concentration towards the control level. The results suggest that oral administration of (PhSe) 2 attenuated the oxidative damage induced by CdCl 2 in lung and brain of mice.

Antinociceptive and antipyretic activities of the Zizyphus oxyphylla Edgew. leaves

A methanol extract of Zizyphus oxyphylla Edgew leaves has been investigated for its analgesic and antipyretic activities in Adult Wistar and Swiss albino mice of either sex at 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg orally. The extract demonstrated marked antipyretic activity against Brewer's yeast-induced pyrexia in rats. The extract demonstrated significant peripheral analgesic effect in the acetic acid-induced writhing test in mice. The phytochemical tests revealed that the extract contained alkaloids, anthraquinones, flavonoids, glycosides, phenols, resins, saponins and tannins using standard procedures. In conclusion, the present study suggests that the methanol extract of Zizyphus oxyphylla Edgew leaves possesses potent antipyretic and antinociceptive activities and thus validates its use in the treatment of pain and fever.

Protective Effect of Mentha piperita against Arsenic‐Induced Toxicity in Liver of Swiss Albino Mice

The protective role of leaves of Mentha piperita Linn (Mint) was studied in adult Swiss albino mice against arsenic-induced hepatopathy. The animals were divided into four groups. Group I: only vehicle (0.9% NaCl) was administered. Group II: the animals received Mentha leaf extract (1 g/kg body weight per day) orally for 30 days. Group III: animals were treated with sodium arsenite (4 mg/kg body weight) intraperitoneally in 0.9% NaCl. Group IV: animals were given Mentha extract for 10 consecutive days prior to sodium arsenite treatment and continuously for 30 days after sodium arsenite treatment. The animals from the above groups were killed at various time-points, and body weight and liver weight were measured. The biochemical estimation of lipid peroxidation (LPO), reduced glutathione (GSH), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), acid phosphatase (ACP), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in liver and serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT) in serum were done. In the arsenic-treated group there was a significant increase in ACP, ALP, SGOT, SGPT and LPO content, whereas a significant decrease was recorded in body weight, liver weight, GSH and LDH activity in liver. Pre- and post-treatment of Mentha with arsenic significantly alters the biochemical parameters in liver. A significant decline in ACP, ALP, SGOT, SGPT and LPO content was observed. However, a significant increase in body weight, liver weight, GSH content and LDH activity in liver was estimated. The results indicate that the Mentha extract may be useful in reducing the side effects of arsenic-induced hepatopathy.

Grape Seed Extract Prevents Gentamicin‐Induced Nephrotoxicity and Genotoxicity in Bone Marrow Cells of Mice

The protection conferred by grape seed extract against gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity and bone marrow chromosomal aberrations have been evaluated in adult Swiss albino mice. The activity of reduced glutathione peroxidase (GSH peroxidase), the levels of glutathione (GSH) and lipid peroxidation as malondialdehyde (MDA) in the kidneys homogenates, serum urea and creatinine were measured, and in addition the changes in kidney histology and bone marrow chromosomes were investigated. Gentamicin (80 mg/kg b.wt. intraperitoneally for 2 weeks) induced kidney damage as indicated from a pronounced changes in kidney histology, a significant increase in serum urea and creatinine and MDA content in the kidney homogenate. While the activity of the antioxidant enzyme GSH peroxidase and the level of GSH were significantly decreased. Gentamicin induced genotoxicity indicated by increased the number of aberrant cells and different types of structural chromosomal aberrations (fragment, deletion and ring chromosome) and showed no effect on mitotic activity of the cell. Pretreatment with grape seed extract (7 days) and simultaneously (14 days) with gentamicin significantly protected the kidney tissue by ameliorating its antioxidant activity. Moreover, grape seed extract significantly protected bone marrow chromosomes from gentamicin induced genotoxicity by reducing the total number of aberrant cells, and different types of structural chromosomal aberrations. It could be concluded that grape seed extract acts as a potent antioxidant prevented kidney damage and genotoxicity of bone marrow cells.

Lactobacillus casei administration reduces lung injuries in a Streptococcus pneumoniae infection in mice

The effect of the oral administration of Lactobacillus casei on the prevention of a Streptococcus pneumoniae lung infection in a mouse experimental model was studied, analyzing the innate and specific immune response. Adult Swiss albino mice were treated with L. casei (10 9 CFU/day) for 2, 5 and 7 d. Mice were infected intranasally with S. pneumoniae (10 6 CFU/mouse) after each treatment and the microbiological, histopathological and host responses were determined for 15 d after infection. Feeding L. casei for 2 d induced a faster clearance of S. pneumoniae, with a lower number of pneumococci in lung and a shorter period of septicemia than in the control group. L. casei administration induced activation of phagocytes as evidenced by the strong myeloperoxidase activity and the nitro blue tetrazolium assay in lung. Mice given L. casei for 2 d showed higher levels of anti-pneumococcal serum IgG and bronchoalveolar lavage IgA than the control mice. The group fed L. casei for 2 d could beneficially regulate the balance between tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin 10, allowing a more effective immune response against infection and modulating the inflammatory response, with less damage to the lung.

Protective Effects of Soybean Isoflavone against Gamma-Irradiation Induced Damages in Mice

In the present work, we investigated the radioprotective efficacy of soybean isoflavone (SI) in mitigating gamma-irradiation-induced oxidative damage to the livers and blood systems of adult Swiss albino mice. We administered various doses of SI (50 mg/kg b.wt, 100 mg/kg b.wt, and 400 mg/kg b.wt) to the mice for seven consecutive days before exposing them to a single dose of 4.56 Gy 60Co-gamma whole-body irradiation. The irradiated mice continued to receive SI for two or seven days before sacrifice. The SI treatments significantly elevated liver catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) enzyme activities and mRNA abundances, and decreased the malonaldehyde (MDA) levels. The SI treatments also accelerated the recovery of circulating white blood cells (WBCs) and reticulocytes (RETs) seven days following irradiation. These effects were dose-dependent, and the strongest effect on most biomarkers (but not on histopathology) was seen with an intermediate dose. Our results provide useful information for future investigations, and strongly implicate a clinical application for SI.

Diphenyl diselenide reverses cadmium-induced oxidative damage on mice tissues

The concept that selenium-containing molecules may be better antioxidants than classical antioxidants, has led to the design of synthetic organoselenium compounds. In the present investigation subchronic deleterious effects of cadmium-intoxication in mice and a possible protective effect of diphenyl diselenide (PhSe) 2 (5 μmol/kg) were studied. Male adult Swiss albino mice (25–35 g) received CdCl 2 (10 μmol/kg, subcutaneously), five times/week, for 4 weeks. A number of toxicological parameters in blood, liver, kidney, spleen and brain of mice were examined including δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (δ-ALA-D) activity, lipid peroxidation and ascorbic acid content, the parameters that indicate tissue damage such as plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), urea, creatinine and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were also determined. The results demonstrated that cadmium caused inhibition of δ-ALA-D activity in liver (24%), kidney (33%) and spleen (73%) and (PhSe) 2 therapy was effective in restoring enzyme activity in all tissues. A reduction in ascorbic acid content was observed in kidney (11%) and spleen (10.7%) of cadmium-treated mice and (PhSe) 2 was only effective in improving this reduction in kidney. An increase of lipid peroxidation induced by cadmium was noted in liver (29%) and brain (28%) tissues and (PhSe) 2 therapy was effective in restoring TBARS levels in both tissues. We also observed an increase on plasma LDH (1.99-times), AST (1.93-times) and ALT (4.24-times) activities. (PhSe) 2 therapy was effective in restoring AST activity at control level. (PhSe) 2 did not present toxic effects when plasma parameters were evaluated. The results suggest that the administration of an antioxidant (PhSe) 2, during cadmium intoxication may provide beneficial effects by reducing oxidative stress in tissues.

Acute toxicity of textile dye wastewaters (untreated and treated) of Sanganer on male reproductive systems of albino rats and mice

This study reports on the toxic effects of 15-days oral administration of untreated (Influent) and treated (Effluent) textile dye wastewaters on male reproductive systems of adult Swiss albino rats (age: 85–90 days) and mice (40–50 days). Textile dye wastewaters decreased body weight (7–25%) and reproductive organ weight (testis, epididymis, prostate gland and seminal vesicle, 2–48%). Similar trends were noted for total protein (14–70%), cholesterol (14–91%) and total lipid (10–30%) content of reproductive organs and spermatozoa, and for fructose levels in seminal vesicle (18–44%). Acid phosphatase activity in prostate however, was increased (11–44%) in the wastewater-exposed animals. Histopathological studies of treated animals revealed altered spermatogenesis, with higher sperm abnormalities, reduction in sperm counts (10–59%), and altered motility (14–56%). The magnitude of these abnormalities was stronger in rats versus mice, while among treatments, it was stronger in the Influent animals. Adverse effects improved when treated rats were allowed to recover 45 days in the control condition. Only recovered Effluent rats were capable of fertilizing normal females indicating that treated wastewater was less toxic; however, in comparison to control rats, litter size and body weight gains of F 1 and F 2 generations were adversely affected. Thus, the present study has established toxicity of both untreated and treated textile dye wastewater on reproductive biology of male Albino mice and rats.

Modulation of Haematopoetic System and Antioxidant Enzymes by Emblica Officinalis Gaertn and its Protective Role Against γ-radiation Induced Damages in Mice

The radio protective effect of the fruit pulp of Emblica officinalis Gaertn (Emblica) was studied in adult Swiss albino mice. Mice were treated with 2.5 g/kg b.wt of Emblica for 10 consecutive days before irradiation and exposed to a single dose of 700 rads (7Gy) of radiation after the last dose. One group was given Emblica continuously for another 15 days after irradiation. Changes in the total leukocyte count, bone marrow viability and hemoglobin were studied after whole body irradiation. Administration of Emblica significantly increased these levels, which were lowered by irradiation. Animals were sacrificed at various time points after irradiation and the activities of the antioxidant enzymes catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and glutathione-S-transferase (GST), and levels of glutathione were assayed in the blood. The damage to the cell membrane after whole body irradiation was studied by measuring the tissue lipid peroxides levels. Administration of Emblica significantly enhanced the activity of the various antioxidant enzymes and GST as well as glutathione system in the blood. Treatment with Emblica also lowered the elevated levels of lipid peroxides in the serum. The data clearly indicated that the extract significantly reduced the bioeffects of radiation. Emblica extract may be useful in reducing the side effects produced during therapeutic radiation.

In vivo postirradiation protection by a vitamin E analog, alpha-TMG.

The water-soluble vitamin E derivative alpha-TMG is an excellent radical scavenger. A dose of 600 mg/kg TMG significantly reduced radiation clastogenicity in mouse bone marrow when administered after irradiation. The present study was aimed at investigating the radioprotective effect of postirradiation treatment with alpha-TMG against a range of whole-body lethal (8.5-12 Gy) and sublethal (1-5 Gy) doses of radiation in adult Swiss albino mice. Protection against lethal irradiation was evaluated from 30-day mouse survival and against sublethal doses was assessed from micronuclei and chromosomal aberrations in the bone marrow 24 h after irradiation. An intraperitoneal injection of 600 mg/kg TMG within 10 min of lethal irradiation increased survival, giving a dose modification factor (DMF) of 1.09. TMG at doses of 400 mg/kg and 600 mg/kg significantly reduced the percentage of aberrant metaphases, the different types of aberrations, and the number of micronucleated erythrocytes. DMFs of 1.22 and 1.48 for percentage aberrant metaphases and 1.6 and 1.98 for micronuclei were obtained for 400 mg/kg and 600 mg/kg TMG, respectively. No drug toxicity was observed at these doses. The effectiveness of TMG when administered postirradiation suggests its possible utility for protection against unplanned radiation exposures.

Effect of Echis carinatus snake venom and its purified fractions on the evolution of Ehrlich ascites tumor (EAT) cells

The present study was undertaken to investigate the effects of Echis carinatus crude venom and some of its isolated toxic fractions on Ehrlich ascites tumor (EAT) cells transplanted into the peritoneal cavity of the white female mice as an experimental model of fast growing tumor. The fractionation of the crude venom by gel filtration on sephadex G-%        &' , F , F and F ) while, the refractionation of these fractions by ion exchange chromatography using diethylamino ethyl cellulose (DEAE-cellulose) gave nine subfractions (F (, F ), F (, F ), F *, F (  F ), F ( and F )).All these separated subfractions were pure when tested by a third chromatographic step using SDS-PAGE and scanned with densitometer scan. Some in vitro biological properties of the crude venom and its isolated fractions were studied. It was found that F showed the highest value of protein content, followed by F and F (. On the other hand, it was found that no interrelationship between phospholipase enzyme activity (PLA ) and the protein contents of the crude venom and its isolated fractions. Toxicity studies were conducted on adult female Swiss albino mice to determine the approximate acute median lethal dose (LD% ) of the crude venom and its purified fractions. LD% of crude venom, F and F +    , -  .%  % /g/g b.w. In addition, F and F  were non-lethal, while after ion exchange chromatography, the only toxic fraction was F ( (LD% 0 #% /g/g b.w.). The inhibitory effect of crude venom, F and F ( on tumor growth was studied by treatment of EAT bearing mice with two intraperitoneul injections of the sublethal  &  1 23% ) of crude venom and its purified fractions F and F (. The +   ,     123% of the crude venom, F  and F ( was confirmed by a remarkable decrease of the viable tumor cells. This was accompanied by a significant increase in the number of dead cells, and increased percentage of survivals. On the other hand, the animals inoculated by EAT cells showed a significant increase in polymorphonuclear (PMN) and mononuclear (MN) leukocyte cells influx into the peritoneal fluid. It could be concluded that Echis carinatus crude venom and its isolated toxic fractions F and F ( showed a significant antitumor activity against EAT cells transplanted in the intraperitoneal cavity of white female albino mice.