Alterations In Wistar Rats Research Articles

Aluminium phosphide-induced testicular toxicity through oxidative stress in Wistar rats: Ameliorative role of hesperidin

The present study was designed to investigate aluminium phosphide (ALP)-induced testicular toxicity, including its effects on sperm parameters and histological alterations in Wistar rats, and the possible protective role of hesperidin (HSD). Oral administration of ALP at 1.15 mg/kg body weight (1/10 LD50) for 30 days resulted in a significant increase in testicular malondialdehyde, lipid hydroperoxides, and oxidized protein levels. These indicators of oxidative stress were accompanied by decreased activity of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase, followed by a drastic reduction in the non-enzymatic antioxidant indices of glutathione and total antioxidant capacity when compared to control. Furthermore, ALP treatment produced a marked reduction in sperm count, motility and viability while increasing abnormal sperm morphology and adverse histopathological changes in testis. Co-administration with HSD significantly ameliorated ALP-induced testicular damage by suppressing oxidative stress indices and enhancing antioxidant status while also improving the sperm parameters and histological alterations in ALP-treated rats. The results of the present study indicated that testicular toxic effects of ALP are due to oxidative imbalance and that HSD could be a potential therapeutic agent against ALP-induced testicular damage.

Transient Inactivation of Shell Part of Nucleus Accumbens Inhibits and Exacerbates Stress-Induced Metabolic Alterations in Wistar Rats.

Introduction:The role of different parts of the extended amygdala in metabolic signs of stress is not well understood. In the present study, we decided to evaluate the impact of the shell part of nucleus accumbens (NAc) on metabolic disturbance induced by electro foot shock stress using transient inactivation method in the rat.Methods:Male Wistar rats (W: 230–250 g) were canuulated unilaterally in the shell part of nucleus accumbens and left one week for recovery. Five minutes before each stress session, the animals either received sterile saline (0.25 μl/side) (control) or lidocaine 2% (0.25 μl/side) (experiment). Blood samples were taken from rats’ retro-orbital sinus for plasma corticosterone measurements. In addition, animals’ weight gain, food and water intake, locomotor activity, and rearing were recorded.Results:Stress reduced weight gain and food intake, increased water intake and plasma corticosterone level, and reduces locomotor activity and rearing. Transient inactivation of the right side of the NAc inhibits the stress effect on weight gain, water intake and plasma corticosterone level, but not food intake. However, when the left side of the NAc was inactivated, only weight gain was affected and other parameters were not differing from stress group. Even thought, the plasma corticosterone level was elevated.Conclusion:In conclusion, our data indicated that right side of shell part of NAc transient inactivation leads to reduction in metabolic signs of stress but left side of shell part of the NAc inactivation even exacerbates stress signs.

Histological study of the acute effects of colloidal silver in organs of Wistar rats

Aim: to detect possible alterations in Wistar rats’ ( Rattus norvegicus ) organs after oral administration of colloidal silver for subsequent histological analysis. Methodology: This experimental study with quantitative and qualitative approach consisted of 24 non-isogenic, nulliparous rats, with body mass between 190-260 grams, randomly divided into two groups, control and experiment. The rats received daily doses of 10 mL/kg of colloidal silver. Results: In the control group, no organic alterations were detected. The experimental group, however, presented kidney and liver alterations after the 14 th and between the 7 th and 14 th day of exposure, respectively. Discussion: The histopathological analysis of the kidneys of these animals showed that all twelve treated with colloidal silver showed nephritis, congestion, cloudy swelling, and thickening of glomerular loops. Hepatic lesions were congestion and cloudy swelling, and increased and vacuolated nucleus. Conclusion: The findings indicated potential toxicity of colloidal silver to the kidneys and liver of Wistar rats.

Protective and ameliorative effect of sea buckthorn leaf extract supplementation on lead induced hemato-biochemical alterations in Wistar rats.

Aim:To evaluate the protective and ameliorative effect of aqueous sea buckthorn leaf extract (SLE) on hemato-biochemical profile in lead intoxicated Wistar rats.Materials and Methods:An experiment was conducted for 60 days. 36 adult male Wistar rats with a mean body weight of 177.8±12.6 g were divided into five groups and were subjected to various daily oral treatment regimens. Group I served as a negative control receiving only feed and water, Group II (positive control for lead) received lead acetate at 250 ppm in drinking water, and Group III (positive control for SLE) received SLE at 100 mg/kg b.wt. Animals in Group IV received a combination of lead acetate at 250 ppm in drinking water for the first 45 days and SLE at 100 mg/kg b.wt. throughout the experimental period of 60-day, and in Group V for the last 15 days of the trial after the administration of lead acetate until the first 45 days of the trial to study the protective and ameliorating effects of SLE, respectively. Blood samples were collected from retro-orbital fossa of each rat on 0th, 45th, and 60th day of the experiment for hemato-biochemical analysis including hemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), serum total protein, albumin, globulin, albumin:globulin ratio, cholesterol, urea, and creatinine.Results:Significantly (p<0.01) lower levels of serum total proteins and albumin, and a significantly (p<0.01) higher serum cholesterol, urea and creatinine levels were observed in Group II (lead intoxicated group) in comparison to Group I (negative control). Administration of SLE at 100 mg/kg body wt. to lead intoxicated Wistar rats resulted in normalization of almost all the biochemical parameters studied in both the treatment Groups, i.e., IV and V (protective and ameliorative). However, the effects were more pronounced in the protective group. No effects of SLE supplementation were observed on Hb levels. PCV levels improved in protective groups, but no effect was observed in ameliorative group in comparison to lead intoxicated groups.Conclusion:SLE administration at 100 mg/kg b.wt. to lead intoxicated Wistar rats may be used to protect/ameliorate lead induced biochemical alterations in Wistar rats.

Cardiometabolic Alterations in Wistar Rats on a Six-Week Hyperlipidic, Hypercholesterolemic Diet

Cardiometabolic Alterations in Wistar Rats on a Six-Week Hyperlipidic, Hypercholesterolemic Diet

Ameliorating Effect of Seabuckthorn Leaf Extract Supplementation on Streptozotocin Induced Diabetes Mellitus in Wistar Rats

Study was conducted to evaluate the effects of Seabuckthorn leaf extract (SLE) supplementation on biochemical parameters in streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetes mellitus in Wistar rats. Thirty two adult male Wistar rats were divided into four groups namely CON (negative control), SCO (Seabuckthorn control), DCO (Diabetic control), and DSL (Diabetic seabuckthorn treatment group). Diabetes mellitus was induced by single intra peritoneal injection of STZ @ 50 mg/kg body weight in DCO and DSL group of rats. SLE was administered orally @ 100mg/kg body weight for 40 days to SCO and DSL groups. CON served as the negative control. Blood samples were collected from experimental animals on zero, 20th, and 40th days of trial to study various biochemical parameters. Significantly (P<0.01) lower levels of total serum protein, and hepatic glycogen and significantly (P<0.01) higher serum glucose, total cholesterol, urea and creatinine levels were observed in DCO group in comparison to CON group. However, in SLE treated diabetic rats (DSL group) significant (P<0.01) improvement was observed in all the above parameters. It may be concluded that SLE exerts ameliorative effect over Diabetes mellitus induced biochemical alterations in Wistar rats.

Protective role of Vitamin E: on diazinon-induced hepatotoxicity by biochemical and histological alterations in Wistar rats

Background: Pesticides are developed for welfare of human beings, though they impose and challenge our existence by their long-term toxicity. Organophosphates such as diazinon contain phosphorus and derivatives of phosphoric acids. Aims and Objectives: To evaluate the toxic effects of diazinon in separate lower doses on hepatotoxicity and possible ameliorative properties of vitamin E on diazinon-induced alterations on biochemical and histological parameters on liver functions. Materials and Methods: Toxic effects of diazinon, dose levels 0 mg, 6 mg, 7.5 mg, and 10 mg/kg body weight daily orally for 30 days and ameliorative effect of vitamin E (2 mg) on diazinon-induced biochemical and histological alterations were investigated in Wistar albino male rats. The serum was used to evaluate the level of serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), cholesterol, triglyceride, total protein, albumin, and malondialdehyde (MDA). Liver paraffin sections were cut into 5 µm thickness and stained with hematoxylin and eosin for light microscopic examination. Results: Diazinon resulted in an increase in MDA level significantly, decrease in albumin, total protein, cholesterol levels, and rise in AST and ALT levels. LDH and ALP levels were elevated significantly (p < 0.001). Hepatocytes showed pyknotic changes in nucleus, ballooning degeneration (fatty changes), periportal inflammation and Kupffer cells hyperplasia in diazinon-treated groups. Pretreatment of the rats with vitamin E showed an insignificant protection in diazinon-induced liver damage. Conclusion: In conclusion, this study suggests that diazinon induces hepatotoxicity in low doses and vitamin E partly ameliorates biochemical and histological alterations induced by diazinon.

Effect of Aminoguanidine-Hemisulphate on Amikacin Induced Hematological Alterations in Wistar Rats

In the present study, haematological alterations induced by intraperitoneal administration of amikacin and the effect of aminoguanidine-hemisulphate alone and their combination was studied in wistar rats of either sex. Twenty-four healthy wistar rats divided into 4 groups (I, II, IIIand IV) were taken for the study. The intra-peritoneal administration of amikacinat at a dose rate of 15 mg/kg body weight for 28 days (Group-II) caused a significant decrease in haematological parameters like Hb, PCV, TEC and TLC as compared to control-group. Although a significant increase in parameters was found in aminoguanidine treated-rats on day 15th and 29th as compared to day zero within same group. However after the co-administration of amikacin and aminoguanidine, a non-significant change was found in same parameters (Hb, TEC, PCV and TLC) as compared to control.

Protective effect of taurine in chlorpyrifos and lead-induced hematological alterations in Wistar rats

Chlorpyrifos (CPF) and lead (Pb) are common contaminants that evoke hematotoxicity in rodents and humans. Taurine (TA) is an amino acid with bioprotective properties. The purpose of the study was to investigate the role of TA on hematological parameters in rats co-exposed to CPF and Pb. Fifty rats were divided into five groups of 10 rats each. The distilled water (DW) group received distilled water while the soya oil (SO) group received soya oil (1 mL kg−1). The TA group was given taurine (50 mg kg−1), while the chlorpyrifos + lead (CPF + Pb) group was co-administered with CPF (4.3 mg kg−1, ∼5% LD50) and Pb (233 mg kg−1, ∼5% LD50). The TA + CPF + Pb group was co-treated with TA, CPF, and Pb. The treatments were administered daily by oral gavage for four months. Hematological parameters were evaluated after the termination of the study. The results showed reductions in packed cell volume, hemoglobin concentration, red blood cell count, erythrocyte indices, total white blood cell, lymphocyte and platelet counts following co-exposure of the rats to CPF and Pb. The neutrophil counts, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio and erythrocyte osmotic fragility were increased in the CPF + Pb group. It is speculated that TA mitigated hematotoxicity in the rats through its cytoprotective, osmoregulatory, and membrane stabilization properties.

Use of the anabolic steroid nandrolone decanoate associated to strength training in Wistar rats

Anabolic steroids have been constantly used among athletes and physically active individuals. Adverse effects of such use are reported in the literature. However, little is known about the effects of anabolic steroid use associated with strength training. Thus, this research aimed to identify possible morphophysiological alterations in Wistar rats treated with the anabolic steroid nandrolone decanoate and submitted to strength training. Twenty Wistar rats were divided in four groups: sedentary control (SC), sedentary hormone (SH), trained control (TC) and trained hormone (TH). After the experimental protocol period, animals were killed and body weight, adiposity, renal and hepatic injury markers, plasmatic lipid profile, glycemia, and insulinemia were determined. The experimental conditions strength training and nandrolone decanoate (isolated or associated) were positively correlated to a reduction on visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue. The association of strength training with nandrolone decanoate was the most effective condition to increase muscle mass. Heart and kidneys weights, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and high density lipoprotein (HDL) concentration were also negatively modified. The data demonstrated effects of anabolic steroids in body composition, with better results when associated with strength training, but collateral effects were observed.

Dracaena arborea alleviates ultra-structural spermatogenic alterations in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

BackgroundInfertility is a common complication in diabetic men and experimental animals, mainly due to loss of germ cells by apoptotic cell death. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of aqueous and ethanol extracts of Dracaena arborea in streptozotocin-induced ultra-structural spermatogenic alterations in Wistar rats.MethodsDiabetic animals were orally treated with Millipore water (10 ml/kg), sildenafil citrate (1.44 mg/kg) or Dracaena arborea aqueous (500 mg/kg) and ethanol (100 mg/kg) extracts for three weeks. A group of non diabetic rats received Millipore water (10 ml/kg) and served as healthy control group. Blood glucose was monitored at the beginning and the end of the study. One day after the last treatment, animals were sacrificed and the testes immediately removed were morphologically observed and prepared for electron microscopy analysis of spermatogenesis.ResultsOur results showed that Dracaena arborea was devoid of any anti-hyperglycemic activity. In the untreated diabetic rats, hyperglycemia severely damaged the testes morphology as well as the spermatogenic process as evidenced by the: thickness of basement membrane of the seminiferous tubule; mitochondria alteration; abnormal spermatocyte cells displaying polymorphous nuclei, cytoplasmic vacuolization and necrosis; and disorganization and degeneration of sperm germ cells. Administration of sildenafil citrate and Dracaena arborea extracts to the diabetic rats improved testes morphology and reversed, although not completely, the impairment of spermatogenesis; this alleviating effect was more pronounced in animals treated with the aqueous extract (500 mg/kg) of Dracaena arborea.ConclusionDracaena arborea improves testes morphology and restores spermatogenesis in type 1 diabetic rats, without having major anti-hyperglycemic properties. These effects could be attributed to saponins, flavonoids, phenols and sterols revealed in this plant, which could be a useful component in the treatment of diabetes-induced testicular dysfunction.

Fructose-rich diet leads to reduced aerobic capacity and to liver injury in rats.

The main purpose of this research was to investigate the alterations in the aerobic capacity and appearance of metabolic alterations in Wistar rats fed on fructose-rich diet. We separated twenty-eight rats into two groups according to diet: a control group (C) (balanced diet) and a fructose-rich diet group (F). The animals were fed these diets for 60 d (d 120 to 180). We performed insulin, glucose as well as a minimum lactate test, at d 120 and 180. At the end of the experiment, sixteen animals were euthanized, and the following main variables were analysed: aerobic capacity, the serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) to alanine aminotransferase (ALT) ratio, serum and liver triglyceride concentrations, serum and liver thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) concentrations, serum and liver catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and haematoxylin-eosin histology (HE) in hepatocytes. The remaining twelve animals were submitted to an analysis of their hepatic lipogenic rate. The animals fed a fructose-rich diet exhibited a reduction in aerobic capacity, glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity and increased concentrations of triglycerides and TBARS in the liver. Catalase and SOD activities were reduced in the livers of the fructose-fed animals. In addition, the serum AST/ALT ratio was higher than that of the C group, which indicates hepatic damage, and the damage was confirmed by histology. In conclusion, the fructose-rich diet caused significant liver damage and a reduction in insulin sensitivity in the animals, which could lead to deleterious metabolic effects.

Toxic thermoresistant metabolites of Fusarium oxysporum are capable of inducing histopathological alterations in Wistar rats

The genus Fusarium is known to produce mycotoxins that cause fusariosis in plants, animals and humans. Mycotoxins are among the virulence factors of this genus. Metabolic extracts of Fusarium oxysporum, isolated from a patient with onychomycosis and sterilized by filtration or autoclave, were inoculated intradermally into Wistar rats at concentrations of 0.25, 0.5 and 1 µg/µL, and the effects on their tegument were observed at 24 and 72 hours. After histological procedures and staining by hematoxylineosin, the sections were studied for their inflammatory-reaction intensity and for evidence of injury and tissue distortion. Inflammatory reactions in the dermis and the subcutaneous tissue were observed at all concentrations of the inoculated extract tested. There was a significant influx of neutrophils, mastocytes and lymphocytes, as well as a large quantity of macrophages. Apoptotic bodies and hyperemic blood vessels were observed. This reaction was directly related to the extract concentration, and was most intense in animals that received the 1 mg/µL dose. The maximum peak was observed at 24 hours. The autoclaved metabolic extract produced the same effects as the untreated one, indicating the presence of heat-resistant metabolites. In conclusion, the metabolic extracts obtained from sterilized culture filtrates of F. oxysporum are capable of inducing an inflammatory response within 24 hours in the dermis and subcutaneous tissue of rats.

Hematologic and biochemical alterations in Wistar rats experimentally infected by Leptospira interrogans

The aim of this study was to evaluate hematologic and biochemical alterations in Wistar rats experimentally infected by eight pathogenic serovars of Leptospira interrogans. Animals were divided in nine groups, six rats each, resulting in eight groups infected and one as the negative control group. Serovars L. hardjo (group A), L. wolffi (B), L. grippotyphosa (C), L. grippotyphosa canicola (D), L. Icterohaemorrhagiae (E), L. bratislava (F), L. pomona (G), L. butembo (H) were utilized in the experiment. Group I was the negative control. The dose-infection was 108 leptospires/mL and the control of infection was carried out through the microscopic observation of leptospires in urine and through the leptospires recovery in culture medium using blood of the infected rats. After 15 days post-infection all rats were euthanatized for blood collection. Hematocrit, total erythrocyte, hemoglobin, total leukocyte, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), urea, and creatinine were evaluated. Reduction of the hematocrit, hemoglobin, and total erythrocytes were observed in groups A, B, and G when compared to group I. Total leukocytes had a decrease in groups B and C. Increased levels of ALP (group A, D, and F), ALT (group E, G, xand H), urea (C, D, F, and G), and creatinine (A, C, D, F, and H) were observed when compared to the control group. At necropsy rodents of groups A, D, F, and G showed enlarged spleen and jaundice of viscera and musculature. The final results showed differences between serovars to hematologic and biochemical parameters, but these variations had particular oscillation showing that each serovar of L. interrogans tested may cause alterations in different organs or even systems, independently.

Ameliorative potential of Psidium guajava in induced arsenic toxicity in Wistar rats

The study was undertaken to determine the effect of Psidium.guajava leaf extract on arsenic induced biochemical alterations in Wistar rats. Significant (P<0.05) increased glucose serum urea nitrogen and serum creatinine was observed whereas non significant decrease in total protein, calcium and phosphorus was observed. It is concluded that kidney damage caused by arsenic can be repaired up to some extent by AEPG50.

Hemotoxicity Induced by Chronic Chlorpyrifos Exposure in Wistar Rats: Mitigating Effect of Vitamin C

The study evaluated the ameliorative effect of vitamin C on chronic chlorpyrifos-induced hematological alterations in Wistar rats. Twenty adult male rats divided into 4 groups of 5 animals each were exposed to the following regimens: group I (S/oil) was administered soya oil (2 mL/kg b.w.), while group II (VC) was given vitamin C (100 mg/kg b.w.); group III was dosed with CPF (10.6 mg/kg b.w.); group IV was pretreated with vitamin C (100 mg/kg) and then exposed to CPF (10.6 mg/kg b.w.), 30 minutes later. The regimens were administered by oral gavage once daily for a period of 17 weeks. Blood samples collected at the end of the study revealed reduction in the levels of pack cell volume, hemoglobin, red blood cells, leukocytes (attributed to neutropenia, lymphopenia, and monocytopenia), and platelets in the CPF group, which were ameliorated in the vitamin C- pretreated group. The elevated values of malonaldehyde, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio in the CPF group were restored in those pretreated with vitamin C. The study has shown that chronic CPF-induced adversity on hematological parameters of Wistar rats was mitigated by pretreatment with vitamin C.

Long-term cyclosporine treatment: Evaluation of serum biochemical parameters and histopathological alterations in Wistar rats

The immunosuppressant agent cyclosporine (CsA) is currently used in transplanted patients and in the therapy of autoimmune disorders. CsA treatment has significant acute and chronic side effects on the liver and kidney. However, in the clinical setting, it is difficult to distinguish a direct effect of CsA treatment from other confounding variables, such as allograft rejection and effects due to other drug therapies. In the present study, we assessed for direct associations between CsA immunosuppressive therapy and cytokines levels, kidney and liver functionality, as well as lung histopathological status in rats submitted to chronic CsA treatment without undergoing any transplantation. Male Wistar rats were divided into three groups. The control group received vehicle (corn oil), and treated groups received CsA 5 or 15 mg/kg, by daily gastric gavage during 8 weeks. The results demonstrated that CsA treatment decreases blood levels of interleukins 1α (IL-1α), 1β (IL-1β) and interleukin 2 (IL-2), but does not alter interleukin 6 (IL-6) and IFN-γ levels. Serum biochemical markers of renal (creatinine) and hepatic (SGPT and SGOT) injury/dysfunction did not vary with CsA treatment, despite the presence of small histological alterations, suggesting that the function of these metabolic organs were preserved. Pulmonary histopathological lesions were observed in the CsA groups, and they were attributed to the activation of the local immunoresponse mechanisms by the normal microbiota in immunosuppressive CsA cases. These results suggest that the CsA concentrations administered in our experimental protocol were able to induce immunosuppression in rats without causing nephro and hepatotoxicity.

Butea monosperma and chemomodulation: Protective role against thioacetamide-mediated hepatic alterations in Wistar rats

The present study was carried out to study the effect of Butea monosperma, a known liver acting drug on the tumor promotion related events of carcinogenesis in rat liver. Thioacetamide (TAA) was used to induce tumor promotion response and oxidative stress and caused significant depletion in the detoxification and antioxidant enzyme armory with concomitant elevation in malondialdehyde (MDA) formation, hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) generation, ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity and unscheduled DNA synthesis. However, B. monosperma pretreatment at two different doses restored the levels of the above-said parameters (p < 0.001) in a dose-dependent manner. The alcoholic extract of B. monosperma used in the present study seems to offer dose-dependent protection and maintain the structural integrity of hepatic cells. This was evident from the significant reduction in TAA-induced serum GOT, GPT, Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and gamma-Glutamyl transpeptidase activity (GGT) activities (p < 0.001). These investigations validate the use of B. monosperma in liver disorders by Ayurvedic physicians. Overall results indicate that the methanolic extract of B. monosperma possesses hepatoprotective effects and also it might suppress the promotion stage via inhibition of oxidative stress and polyamine biosynthetic pathway.

The CB receptor agonist WIN 55,212-2 fails to elicit disruption of prepulse inhibition of the startle in Sprague-Dawley rats.

A growing evidentiary body indicates cannabinoid exposure is conducive to cognitive impairment and psychotic phenomena in vulnerable individuals. In this respect, recent studies have displayed controversial results on the ability of cannabinoids to elicit sensorimotor gating alterations and attentional filtering, whose disruption is a distinctive feature of psychosis. The goal of this study was to investigate the effects of acute, subchronic, and chronic treatment with the synthetic CB receptor agonist WIN 55,212-2 (WIN) on prepulse inhibition (PPI) of the acoustic startle reflex (ASR), a powerful paradigm for evaluation of sensorimotor gating. Different groups of adult Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with 0.5, 1, and 2 mg/kg WIN (i.p.) acutely, as well as for 7 days and 21 days. All animals underwent testing 40 min after the last treatment and their evaluation was compared with that of animals treated with vehicle. In a separate group, the effects of WIN withdrawal were also analyzed, 24 h after discontinuation of a 21-day treatment. No variation in PPI was detected in any of the test groups when compared with controls, whatever the dosage and the treatment. These findings suggest WIN does not impair sensorimotor gating in Sprague-Dawley rats and confirm clinical evidence according to which cannabis is an unlikely causative of psychosis among non-vulnerable individuals. Nonetheless, since in other studies the same compound was shown to induce PPI alterations in Wistar rats, our results are also suggestive that genetic differences might be critical for the development of cannabis-induced cognitive disorders.