Adult Swiss Albino Research Articles

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.

Evaluation of multi-endpoint assay to detect genotoxicity and oxidative stress in mice exposed to sodium fluoride

Fluoride compounds are naturally present in soil, water and food. The objective of this study was to investigate the genotoxic and oxidative damage induced by chronic fluoride exposure on mammalian cells in vivo. For this purpose, the genotoxic potential was investigated in bone marrow cells by the micronucleus test, chromosome aberration assay and comet assay (DNA strand breaks). In addition, DNA damage was evaluated in soft tissues and organs like spleen, liver and kidney cells. The oxidative damage was assessed by selective biochemical parameters by the measurement of lipid peroxidation, reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione S-transferase (GST) and catalase (CAT) activity in liver. Adult Swiss albino male mice were exposed to sodium fluoride in drinking water at the concentrations of 4, 12 and 20mg/L for 30 consecutive days. Control groups (vehicle and positive) were also included. Animals were sacrificed; bone marrow and soft tissue samples were collected and subjected to series of assays respectively. We observed that NaF exposure, at the various concentrations tested caused a significant increase in the frequency of micronucleus (MN) in polychromatic erythrocytes (PCEs), structural chromosome aberrations in bone marrow cells. With the exception of the spleen cells, DNA damage was observed in bone marrow cells as well as in kidney and liver cells. We found an increase in lipid peroxidation, and catalase activity as well as decrease in glutathione activity (GSH and GST) in liver of mice respectively which were exposed to sodium fluoride. In conclusion, the data obtained clearly documents that NaF exhibits genotoxic activity and enhanced oxidative damage in mouse model.

Germ cell abnormalities in streptozotocin induced diabetic mice do not correlate with blood glucose level.

To assess the effect of streptozotocin induced hyperglycemia on germ cell integrity, DNA ploidy and methylation status for a period of two spermatogenesis cycles in adult male Swiss albino mice. Streptozotocin injected mice were monitored for hyperglycemia at a regular interval for a period of 36 and 72days. The DNA integrity in epididymal spermatozoa was determined by the comet assay. Flow cytometric analysis was done in germ cells to assess the DNA ploidy. The global methylation analysis in germ cells was done by 5-methyl cytosine immunostaining. Streptozotocin administration successfully resulted in hyperglycemic response which significantly affected serum testosterone level, sperm DNA integrity and DNA ploidy at the end of 36days. However, no changes were observed in either epididymal sperm concentration or germ cell methylation status. In contrast, at the end of 76days, although serum testosterone level, sperm DNA integrity and DNA ploidy status were unperturbed significantly in hyperglycemic group, the epididymal sperm concentration and methylation status of preleptotene/zygotene cells were significantly altered. Importantly, an attempt to find out the association between the blood glucose levels and the abnormalities in hyperglycemic group failed to demonstrate any correlation. The germ cell abnormalities observed in hyperglycemic group could be interpreted as a primary effect of streptozotocin and not due to hyperglycemia. Our results call for further evaluation of streptozotocin before its application to study the hyperglycemic responses on male germ cells.

Vitamin C dose-dependently ameliorates renal hemodynamic toxicity of cisplatin in adult Swiss albino rats: a histopathologic and biochemical study

Nephrotoxicity is usually thought of as a common invariable consequence of hemodynamic toxicity whose effects, including oliguria and dysuria, has largely limited the clinical use of cisplatin. In this study, we investigated the protective effects of low and high dose of vitamin C against cisplatin-induced rat nephrotoxicity. Hence, 50 adult male Swiss albino rats were randomly divided into five equal groups to receive a corresponding dose of either normal saline as control, vitamin C (600 mg/kg/BW, i.v.), or cisplatin alone (7 mg/kg/BW, i.p.) or in combination with vitamin C at low dose (200 mg/kg/BW, i.v.) and high dose (600 mg/kg/BW, i.v.) for 9 days. Daily administration of cisplatin at a dose of 7 mg/kg/BW resulted in a significant increase in oxidative stress in renal tissues and plasma and a concomitant decrease in the creatinine clearance and renal blood flow as a result of early hemodynamic toxicity. Histopathological examination revealed acute tubular necrosis with hyaline cast formation triggered by cisplatin over 9 days of experiment. Further biochemical studies showed protecting effects of supplemented vitamin C at a high dose, illustrated by slowdown in the urinary enzyme activity, a significant decrease in plasma lipid peroxidation, and an increased tissue superoxide dismutase activity with recovery in the glomerular hemodynamicity and the ATPase activity up to 50 % when compared to controls and rats receiving low-dose. In high-dose animals, normal glomerular and tubular function on recovery from toxic renal failure led us to conclude that antioxidant property of vitamin C increases with dose, and, therefore, high dose of vitamin C prevents both functional and histological renal changes induced by cisplatin in rats, more efficient than low dose of the vitamin.

Possible role for glutathione-S-transferase in the oligozoospermia elicited by acute zearalenone administration in Swiss albino mice

Zearalenone (ZEA) is a non-steroidal estrogenic mycotoxin produced by several species of Fusarium, commonly found in the soil in temperate and warm countries and is a frequent contaminant of cereal crops worldwide. Accordingly, it has been implicated in several mycotoxicosis in farm animals and in humans, but the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. Therefore, the current study was aimed to investigate the effect of an acute dose of ZEA (40 mg/kg, p.o.) on reproductive and hematological parameters, as well as on markers of oxidative stress in liver, kidney and testes in mice. Adult Swiss albino male mice were exposed to a single oral administration of ZEA, and 48 h thereafter behavioral and biochemical tests were performed. No differences in locomotor or exploratory activity were observed in the open-field test. On the other hand, ZEA increased the number of leukocytes, segmented neutrophils, sticks, eosinophils, monocytes and decreased platelets and lymphocytes number. Moreover, ZEA drastically reduced the number and motility of live spermatozoa.Additionally, while levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), non-protein thiols (NPSH) and ascorbic acid in liver, kidney and testes were not altered by ZEA administration, superoxide dismutase activity increased in all tissues evaluated, catalase activity increased in the kidney, and glutathione-S-transferase activity decreased in kidney and testes. In summary, we showed that ZEA have acute toxic effects mainly in reproductive system of adult male Swiss albino mice and its effect probably is related to a reduced activity of GST and increased in SOD activity in testes.

Role of curcumin on chloroquine phosphate-induced reproductive toxicity

The present study was conducted to screen the efficacy of curcumin against chloroquine phosphate (CQ)-induced reproductive toxicity in adult male Swiss albino mice. Animals were given oral doses of 100, 200, 300 mg/kg body weight (b.w.), and high dose of CQ (300 mg/kg b.w.) + curcumin (80 mg/kg b.w.) for 45 days. Animals of the withdrawal group were given high dose of CQ (300 mg/kg b.w.) for 45 days and, at day 46, were kept for another 45 days. Effects were observed on some key enzymes, such as alkaline phosphatase, which was found to be decreased, whereas acid phosphatase was increased and succinate dehydrogenase and adenosine triphosphatase were decreased. Oxidative parameters, such as superoxide dismutase declined, whereas thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances were found to be elevated. Protein level was also decreased. Gravimetric indices were also recorded. Results obtained indicated adverse effects of CQ in a dose-dependent manner. The presence of curcumin with CQ alleviated its toxic effects. Hence, it can be concluded that curcumin has beneficial influences and appears able to ameliorate CQ toxicity.

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.

Nootropic potential of Alternanthera sessilis and Clerodendrum infortunatum leaves on mice

ObjectiveTo ascertain the nootropic potential (memory enhancing effects) of the leaves of Alternanthera sessilis (Amaranthaceae) and Clerodendrum infortunatum (Verbenaceae) using rectangular maze and Y maze (interoceptive behavioral models) MethodsMethanolic extracts of leaves Alternanthera sessilis and Clerodendrum infortunatum dosed at 100 and 200 mg/kg each were administered to adult Swiss albino Wistar mice and the effect on acquisition, retention and retrieval of spatial recognition memory was determined. Bacopa monniera extract was used as the standard drug while Scopolamine hydrobromide served as the amnestic agent. ResultsThe higher doses of both the extracts exhibited a more promising nootropic potential. Maximal response was observed in the 200 mg/kg dose of Clerodendrum infortunatum methanolic extract, which closely approximated the results for the standard drug Brahmi. Both the higher doses elicited greater responses in both the models studied and were comparable to that achieved with the standard drug. ConclusionsThe methanolic extracts of Clerodendrum infortunatum afforded greater memory enhancing effects in comparison to Alternanthera sessilis extract, the higher dose evoking pronounced alteration behavior and better learning assessments.

Differential regional expression patterns of α-synuclein, TNF-α, and IL-1β; and variable status of dopaminergic neurotoxicity in mouse brain after Paraquat treatment

BackgroundParaquat (1, 1-dimethyl-4, 4-bipyridium dichloride; PQ) causes neurotoxicity, especially dopaminergic neurotoxicity, and is a supposed risk factor for Parkinson's disease (PD). However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms of PQ-induced neurodegeneration are far from clear. Previous studies have shown that PQ induces neuroinflammation and dopaminergic cell loss, but the prime cause of those events is still in debate.MethodsWe examined the neuropathological effects of PQ not only in substantia nigra (SN) but also in frontal cortex (FC) and hippocampus of the progressive mouse (adult Swiss albino) model of PD-like neurodegeneration, using immunohistochemistry, western blots, and histological and biochemical analyses.ResultsPQ caused differential patterns of changes in cellular morphology and expression of proteins related to PD and neuroinflammation in the three regions examined (SN, FC and hippocampus). Coincident with behavioral impairment and brain-specific ROS generation, there was differential immunolocalization and decreased expression levels of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) in the three regions, whereas α-synuclein immunopositivity increased in hippocampus, increased in FC and decreased in SN. PQ-induced neuroinflammation was characterized by area-specific changes in localization and appearances of microglial cells with or without activation and increment in expression patterns of tumor necrosis factor-α in the three regions of mouse brain. Expression of interleukin-1β was increased in FC and hippocampus but not significantly changed in SN.ConclusionThe present study demonstrates that PQ induces ROS production and differential α-synuclein expression that promotes neuroinflammation in microglia-dependent or -independent manners, and produces different patterns of dopaminergic neurotoxicity in three different regions of mouse brain.

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.

Procognitive Effects of Hexane Extracts of Michelia Champaca Leaves in Normal and Memory Deficit Mice

Introduction: Michelia champaca (Magnoliaceae), commonly known as Svarna champa is a glorious ancient Indian medicinal plant, rich in flavonoids and possessing several folkloric uses, traditionally claimed of having CNS effects. This study was undertaken to ascertain the nootropic potential (memory enhancing effects) of the hexane extracts of the leaves of Michelia champaca (Magnoliaceae) using rectangular maze and Y maze (interoceptive behavioral models). Methods: Hexane extracts of leaves of Michelia champaca (dosed at 100 and 200 mg/kg each) were administered to adult Swiss albino Wistar mice and the effect on acquisition, retention and retrieval of spatial recognition memory was determined, by using rectangular maze and Y maze (interoceptive behavioral models). Bacopa monniera extract was used as the standard drug while Scopolamine hydrobromide served as the amnestic agent. Results: The higher doses of the Michelia champaca extract exhibited a more promising nootropic potential. Maximal response was observed in the 200 mg/kg dose of extract, which closely approximated the results for the standard drug Brahmi. The higher dose elicited greater responses in both the models studied and were comparable to that achieved with the standard drug. Conclusion: The hexane extract of Michelia champaca afforded mild memory enhancing effects, the higher dose evoking pronounced alteration of behavior and better learning assessments.

Hypoglycemic effect of Brassica juncea (seeds) on streptozotocin induced diabetic male albino rat

Objective To evaluate the hypoglycemic effect of Brassica juncea (seeds) on streptozotocin induced diabetic male albino rats. Methods Hypoglycemic activity of Brassica juncea (seeds) aqueous extract at a dose of 250, 350 and 450 mg/kg body weight was evaluated. Adult male Swiss albino rats of six numbers in each group was undertaken for study and evaluated. Results The serum insulin levels were recorded a significant depletion in all groups, short term as well as long term diabetic animals, when compared to that of normal animals. A significant dosage dependent augmenting effect of the seed extract on the serum insulin was recorded in both short term as well as long term groups. Conclusions The aqueous seed extract of Brassica juncea has potent hypoglycemic activity in male albino rat.

Comparative pathological and cytogenetical study of ethanolic extract of Vinca rosea L. and Vinblastine in treating mammary gland adenocarcinoma implanted mice

Pathological, cytogenetical comparative study was the main objectives of this project between the influence of ethanolic extract of Vinca rosea and Vinblastine (vinca alkaloid) as chemotherapy. Fourty female adult Swiss albino balb/C mice of approximately body weight (20-26g) and age (8-10) weeks were used in whole experiments. In cytogenetic study two parameters mitotic index (MI) and blast index (BI) were used. The results showed significant increase (p‹0.05) in mitotic index (MI) and blast index (BI) values in groups treated with ethanolic extract of Vinca rosea. Also the results showed significant decrease in these values in groups treated with Vinblastine. Histopathological sections in control group showed the presence of tumor growth characterized by formation of acinar like structures, with pleomorphic tumor cells and hyperchromatic nuclei with a tendency to form giant cells and high numbers of mitotic figures with extensive areas of necrosis. The tumor showed metastasis in liver and Lung, with aggregation of tumor associated macrophages in liver. Histopathological sections in groups of tumor-bearing female mice, treated with ethanolic extract, were showed large areas of necrosis, mononuclear cell infiltration and encapsulate with fibrous connective tissue capsule with mononuclear cell infiltrations in lung and formation of early granuloma in liver. In chemotherapy, tissue sections showed vacuolation and necrosis of tumor cells which encapsulated with fibrous connective tissue. The pathological changes characterized by alopecia, and large pneumonic areas with extensive coagulative necrosis and apoptosis in liver with hyperplastic nodules formation. Bone section showed marked depletion of hemopoietic tissue of bone marrow and increased in the number of megakaryocytes, with signs of osteoporosis. We concluded that both ethanolic extract of Vinca rosea and Vinblastine have cytotoxic effect on transplanted mammary tumor cells in mice, with no side effect in case of Vinca rosea in comparison with vinblastine which cause severe pathological changes in internal target organs with signs of osteoporosis and precancerous lesions, with significant changes in the blood picture and in cytogenetic parameters.

Anxiety-like behaviour in mice exposed to tannery wastewater: The effect of photoelectrooxidation treatment

The leather industry is a major producer of wastewaters and releases large quantities of many different chemical agents used in hide processing into the environment. Since the central nervous system is sensitive to many different contaminants, our aim was to investigate the neurobehavioral effects of exposure of mice to tannery effluents using animal models of depression and anxiety, namely forced swim and elevated plus-maze. In order to propose a clean technology for the treatment of this effluent, we also investigated the exposure of mice to effluents treated by photoelectrooxidation process (PEO). Adult male Swiss albino mice (CF1 strain) were given free access to water bottles containing an effluent treated by a tannery (non-PEO) or PEO-treated tannery wastewater (0.1 and 1% in drinking water). Exposure to tannery wastewater induced behavioural changes in the mice in elevated plus-maze. Exposure to non-PEO 1% decreased the percentage of time spent in the open arms, indicating anxiety-like behaviour. Exposure to tannery wastewater did not alter immobility time in the forced swim test, suggesting that tannery effluents did not induce depression-like behaviour in the mice. These behavioural data suggest that non-PEO tannery effluent has an anxiogenic effect, whereas PEO-treated tannery effluents do not alter anxiety levels.

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.

The protective effect of Rubia cordifolia against lead nitrate-induced immune response impairment and kidney oxidative damage.

Objectives:To evaluate the in vivo antioxidant activity of the ethanolic extract of the roots of Rubia cordifolia (RC) and to study its influence on lead nitrate-induced impairment of immune responses.Materials and Methods:Seventy-two adult male Swiss albino mice were used for biochemical and immunological studies and were divided into six groups of six mice each. Mice were treated with lead nitrate (40 mg/kg, orally) either alone and or in combination with RC (50 and 100 mg/kg body weight) daily for 40 days. For immunological studies, all mice were challenged twice with sheep RBC with on days 14 and 20 of the experiment. The immune function was assessed using macrophage yield, viability of macrophage, phagocytic index, serum immunoglobulin level, and plaque forming cell count (PFC), whereas the oxidative stress was assessed by estimating lipid peroxidation (LPO), reduced glutathione (GSH) content, and the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT).Results:Lead nitrate administration induced a significant (P<0.001) increase in LPO, whereas a significant (P<0.001) depletion of CAT and GSH in renal tissues. In addition, it also showed a significant (P<0.001) reduction in macrophage yield, viability of macrophage, phagocyte index, serum immunoglobulin level, and PFC in kidney. However, combination treatment with RC observed a significant (P<0.001) reversal of lead nitrate-induced toxicity on oxidative stress and immunological parameters.Conclusion:The lead nitrate-induced immunosuppression is due to oxidative stress and RC can prevent the same by virtue of its in vivo antioxidant property.

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.

Influence of vitamin b-12 complex injection (eldervit-12) on gentamicin nephrotoxicity in rats: a preliminary study

Objectives: To assess the effect of vitamin B-12 complex injection on the nephrotoxicity of gentamicin. Design: Experimental study using a pre-validated model. Subject: Adult Swiss albino rats weighing 140-214g, Generic gentamicin sulphate injection and Vitamin B-12complex injection containing 2500mcg Cyanocobalamin, 12mg Niacinamide, 0.7 mg Folic acid and 150 mg Ascorbic acid in twin ampoules to be combined fresh before administration.Setting: A pharmacological research laboratory in a tertiary instituteResults: In Swiss albino rats, both 0.5mls/kg/day and 1mls/kg/day of B-12 complex injection for 5 days significantly and dose dependently exacerbated the increase in serum urea and creatinine caused by 80mg/k/day of gentamicin while both doses of B-12 complex injection given for 10 days significantly and dose dependently ameliorated the increase in serum urea and creatinine caused by 80mg/k/day of gentamicin (reversal of effect). Conclusion: 0.5mls/kg/day of B-12 complex injection for 5 days exacerbated gentamicin nephrotoxicity while the same dose for longer duration or 1ml/kg/day of B-12 complex ameliorated the toxicity. The exacerbation is probably due to the ascorbic acid component while the reversal is probably due to the other components acting directly or through a time dependent pharmacological advantage.KEYWORDS: Gentamicin, toxicity, B-complex, ascorbic acid, rats

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.