Polypropylene Cages Research Articles

Cellular network of damage caused by exposure to high ambient temperature in Wistar rats: The role of Hsp70

ObjectivesAs a universal cytoprotective protein, Hsp70 is used to monitor the effects of environmental temperature changes, increasing the survival rate of cells exposed to stress, as well as the role of protein in cardiovascular disease, body decay and cell aging. Our research aims to to examine whether changes in serum protein 70 (Hsp70) values due to exposure to water temperature (41 °C and 44 °C) may indicate a mechanism of cardiomyocyte damage due to hyperthermia. MethodsA total of 40 adult albino Wistar rats, of known gender and body weight from 250 g to 300 g were used as material in this research. Rats were housed in polypropylene cages with optimum environmental conditions. Depending on the temperature of the water (WT) to which they were exposed, rats were randomized into the following groups.WT 37 °C (n = 8); WT 41 °C, antemortem (n = 8), WT 41 °C, postmortem (n = 8); WT 44 °C, antemortem (n = 8), WT 44 °C, postmortem (n = 8). Blood samples for determination of Hsp70 were taken before and after the expiration of the given duration of the experiment of 20 min or death. The Hsp70 level was determined by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) ResultsHsp70 basal values in serum were significantly different, p = 0.004 pg/ml, and in the groups depending on the duration of exposure to Hsp70, p = 0.002. Serum Hsp70 values after being exposed to water temperature were significantly different according to the group, p = 0.009. Significant lower Hsp70 levels were found in the control group according to G41 p = 0.006 and G44, p = 0.002. Insignificant differences in Hsp70 level were found among theseG41 and G44, p > 0.005. The concentration of Hsp70 in rat serum and ≥ 31.36 ng/ml indicates exposure to temperatures higher than 37 °C (sensitivity 85.71%, specificity 83.33%, PPV 96%, and NPV 55%, p = 0.002). ConclusionsAltered concentration of serum Hsp70 may show exposition to the elevated water temperature.

Trial of induction of pilonidal sinus disease in a rat model

Introduction
 Pilonidal sinus disease is a common suppurative perianal condition. The aim of this trial is to create an animal model of pilonidal sinus disease to study and compare the mechanism of action of numerous medications.
 Methods
 Ten adult Sprague-Dawley rats were enrolled in the study. They were separately housed in polypropylene cages. They were fed normal chow. The rats were anesthetized with Ketamine and Xylazine (At a ratio of 3:1) through intramuscular injection into their proximal thigh. The back of each rat was shaved, and a sample of the hair rat was obtained and labeled. After clearing the back of the animal, a vertical 1 cm incision was inflicted upon the dorsal side of each rat with a blade 15’ and a tuft of hair composed of at least 20 fibers was embedded in the wound, later the wound was closed by 4.0 proline suture material in a simple interrupted fashion. The rats were followed for a period of 4 weeks. 
 Results
 Macroscopically, the rats showed 0.5x0.5 cm nodules at the side of the injury at the 5th week. As there was no draining sinus, the picture in this form cannot be regarded as a typical pilonidal sinus, it was more consistent with a foreign body granuloma. No pilonidal sinus could be reported.
 Conclusion
 Rat is not a suitable animal for the induction of pilonidal sinus disease.

Alcohol exacerbated biochemical and biophysical alterations in liver mitochondrial membrane of diabetic male wistar rats – A possible amelioration by green tea

Alcohol exacerbated biochemical and biophysical alterations in liver mitochondrial membrane of diabetic male wistar rats – A possible amelioration by green tea

Multi-plant (Phoenix dactylifera and Cyperus esculentus) Effects on Regulating Diet Induced-hypercholesterolemia in Female Sprague-Dawley Rats

Hypercholesterolemia also known as amplified blood cholesterol represent other forms of hyperlipidemia secondary to atherosclerosis is rising fast in our society. Natural remedies without potential harmful effects are increasing as well. It is against this backdrop that we investigated combined effects of Phoenix dactylifera and Cyperus esculentus against diet induced hypercholesterolemia in rats. In-bred, healthy non-pregnant female Sprague-Dawley rats (11-17weeks, 153-177g) were grouped and orally administered (A1, B1, and C1 =300mg/kg b.w.; A2, B2, and C2 =600mg/kg b.w.; A3, B3, and C3 =900mg/kg b.w.; A4, B4, and C4 =1200mg/kg b.w and D = untreated, n=3) daily for 45days by oral intubation. Polypropylene cages in a sanitized aerated facility, bedded with sawdust housed all animals. They observed 7days adaptation to environmental temperature (25±5ºC), humidity (45±5%), and photoperiod (12:12 hr. day/night). Rats consumed high fat-dietary cholesterol diet to induce hypercholesterolemia and water provided ad libitum. Sera were used for lipid profiling (before, during, and after) following varying treatments plan. Lipid profile: TC (total cholesterol), ST (serum triglycerides), LDLC (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol), HDLC (high-density lipoprotein cholesterol) were abnormal in pre-experimental phases (both test and control). Values were regulated after treatment particularly in 1200mg/kg b.w in rats administered P. dactylifera: TC50.17±2.7/dL, ST27.7±0.6mg/dL, LDL23.2±2.5mg/dL, HDL89.1 ± 3.9/dL; C. esculentus: TC41.03±2.3mg/dL, ST27.4±2.9mg/dL, LDL27.1±1.3mg/dL, HDL94.3±1.8mg/dL; and mix: TC32.77±3.8mg/dL, ST23.5±2.4mg/dL, LDL21.3±2.9mg/dL, HDL97.8±3.9mg/dL excluding control: TC92.62±0.3mg/dL, ST71.3±1.9mg/dL, LDL64.0±0.2mg/dL, and HDL21.3±1.1mg/dL (p < 0.05). Therefore, synergy of P. dactylifera and C. esculentus regulate hypercholesterolemia in rats while C. esculentus particularly is the super active constituent in the mix.
 Keywords: C. esculentus; P. dactylifera; lipid profile; hyperlipidemia; medicinal crops; experimental rats

Cyclophosphamide Induced Histological Changes in Testis of Swiss Albino Mice

Background: Cancer is one of the leading causes for morbidity and mortality. The most often used anticancer drug is Cyclophosphamide, the continuous usage of which may affect the fertility outcome in young boys. Henceforth an attempt is made in this experimental animal study design on swiss albino mice to look into the histological changes in the testis tissue post exposure to the Cyclophosphamide. Subjects & Methods: Healthy male Swiss albino adult mice (n=43), which were 6 to 8 weeks old, with average weight of 32±5 g were obtained from Central Animal Research Facility, Manipal were used for the study. They were maintained in well ventilated polypropylene cages containing paddy husk. The adult male mice were divided into two groups, control (n=7) and test (n=36). In the test group, the mice were injected with Cyclophosphamide at variable doses as per body weight. From each group certain no. of mice was sacrificed on different days. A parallel control group was kept for each of the treatment intervals. Similarly, the 12 prepubertal male mice, control (n=3) and test (n=9) which were of 2 weeks old with average weight of 8±2 g were also considered. The testicular tissue was then extracted and used in histological study. Results: A significant damage was noticed in the spermatogenic cells of the testicular epithelium. However Leydig cells were least affected. Conclusion: The experimental design studied here throws light on dose and time dependent toxic effect of one of the most commonly used anticancer drug- cyclophosphamide. Keywords: Cyclophosphamide, Testis histology, Swiss Albino mice.

Phytochemical Screening and Wound Healing Activity of Different Leaf Extracts of Rhynchosia rothii in Rats

Aims: The aim of the present work to perform phytochemical screening and wound healing activity of different leaf extract of Rhynchosia rothii.
 Place and Duration of the Study: The present work has been carried out at Oriental University, Indore between the duration of November-2020 to January-2021.
 Methodology: Rhynchosia rothii dried leaf powder was subjected to continuous extraction with a soxhlet extractor using various organic solvents. Preliminary phytochemical screening with various qualitative chemical tests revealed the presence of Alkaloids, Tannins, Flavonoids, proteins, and mucilage present in Rhynchosia rothii leaf extracts. Wister rats of both sexes weighing 150-200 g were used for experimental purposes. The animals were kept in polypropylene cages at room temperature and with a light/dark cycle of 12:12 hours. All the test extracts at a different dose level and standard were administered topically once daily from day 0 to the day of complete healing or the 21st postoperative day, whichever occurred earlier.
 Results: A significant increase in wound healing activity was observed in animals treated with alcoholic and aqueous extracts of Rhynchosia rothii leaves at a dose of 200 mg/kg body weight, compared to control treatments. Both methanolic and standard extracts of Rhynchosia rothii (200 mg/kg body weight) showed a dose-dependent increase in the rate of wound contraction. The methanolic extract of Rhynchosia rothii at a dose of 200 mg/kg body weight showed an increase in the percentage of wound contraction from 40.08% to 88.90% from day 3 to 12. The aqueous (standard) extract of Rhynchosia rothii at a dose of 200 mg/kg body weight showed an increase in the percentage of wound contraction from 46.02% to 100% from day 3 to 12.
 Conclusion: From the previous results it was concluded that the Wound represents a serious health problem, both in terms of morbidity and mortality. Wound healing is a critical response to tissue integrity. Therefore, the wound healing property of Rhynchosia rothii can be attributed to the phytoconstituents present in it, which may be due to its individual or additive effect that accelerates the wound healing process. Since Rhynchosia rothii is grown in abundance in India and rest of other part of world, it could be a fairly good and easily available therapeutic agent due to its naturally occurring tendency for healing wounds as a healer, as well as controlling abnormal healing.

Effect of isoproterenol and thyroxine in herbal drug used as cardiac hypertrophy

The impact of A. calamus extract and C. Pereira extract on heart hypertrophy caused by isoproterenol. A. calamus extract & C. Pereira extract on heart hypertrophy by thyroxine. MATERIAL AND METHOD a. Animal House Pharmacy School (Wistar rats), measuring 180-250 grammes, BIT Meerut (UP). One week before the research began, they were kept separately in polypropylene cages in a quarantine room. b. C. Pareira and A. calamus rhizomes from the School of Pharmacy at the Medicinal Garden, BIT, Merrut, UP, India. METHODS  Influence of C. Pareria Extract on Isoproterenol- induced cardiac hypertrophy in rats.  Influence of A. Calamus Extract on Isoproterenol- induced cardiac hypertrophy in rats. Influence of C. Pareria Extract on Thyroxine- induced cardiac hypertrophy in rats  Influence of A Calamus Extract on Thyroxine- induced cardiac hypertrophy in rats. RESULTS In comparison with control and C. Pareira and A. Calamus as well as amlodipine treated groups in the ISO treatment community, no major alteration was identified in the MAP. There was no MAP change in T4 compared with controls and groups C. pareira and amlodipine treated with T4. Significantly increased T4 (P < O.O1) HR administration against power.No significant change in HR was detected in C. Pareira and A. calamus. CONCULSION Cissampelos pareira and Acorn calamus effect in cardiac hypertrophy induced by isoproterenol Isoproterenol chronic administration (5 mg/lcg/day, 30 days), cardiac hypertrophy, cardiac weight ratio, angiotensin II, tumour factor necrosis, calcineurin, oxide/reactive nitrients, NaV K'^-ATPase, antioxidant and NaVK'^-ATPase, active component antioxidants Both of these changes in the therapy of Cissampelos pareira (100 and 200 mg/kg/day, 30 days) and Acorus calamus (100 and 200 mg/kg/day, 30 days) were substantially enhanced. Effect of thyroxin-induced cardiac hypertrophy on Cissampelos pareira and Acorus calamus The continuous thyroxine (0.1 mg/kg/day, for 30 days) was characterised by hypertropy of the heart and heart and body weight ratios, Angiotensin II, tumour necrosis factor, calcineurine, nitric oxide and thyrobarbituric acid, and a substantial decrease. Hypertrophy of the heart Cissampelos pareira (100 and 200 mg/kg/day) and Acorus calamus (100 and 200 mG/kg/day) have been decreased to almost normal in the next 30 days.

Oxidative stress and antioxidant status in rotenone induced rat models of Parkinson’s disease

Parkinson disease (PD) is involved in the damage of neurons of the brain that secretes dopamine. Understanding the mechanisms involved in Parkinson's disease helps to develop effective management methods. Hence, the present work aimed to unravel to observe the variations, if any, in the parameters of oxidative stress and antioxidant markers between oral and ip rotenone-induced rat model of Parkinson’s disease. Male Wistar rats weighing between 250-300g were housed in solid bottomed polypropylene cages under strict veterinary supervision and maintained in rooms with 12hrs light / dark cycle. The randomly selected male Wistar rats were equally divided into four groups, with six rats in each group. The study results provide scientific evidence for marked changes in both the oxidative and anti-oxidant parameters, followed by the ip and po rotenone administration. It is the need of the time to consider the neuroprotective and antioxidant properties while developing the newer treatment modalities for the management of PD.

Study of the acute oral toxicity of methanol extract of aerial parts from Marsilea quadrifolia Linn

Marsilea quadrifolia Linn is a pteridophyte belonging to Family Marsileaceae commonly known as European water clover. M. quadrifolia is used to treat snake bite, cough, bronchitis, diabetes, psychiatric diseases, eye diseases, diarrhoea and skin diseases. Objective of the study is to identify a dose causing major adverse effects and an estimation of the minimum dose causing lethality, according to regulatory guidelines (OECD 425). Female Swiss Albino mice weighing 20-25 gm, aged 56 to 70 days were chosen for the study. Mice were divided into two groups (n=10/group). Group I served as control and treated with Saline. The Group II received methanol extract of M. quadrifolia orally ranging from 175 to 2000 mg/kg body weight by using oral feeding needle sleeved on to disposable syringe. They were kept in individual polypropylene cages provided with clean bedding of rice husk.. There was no mortality or behavioural changes observed in treated animals. All the animals belonging to the treated group survived throughout the 14 days observation period after dosing. The data revealed that LD50 of the extract was greater than 2000 mg/kg b.w. There was no significant variation found in body weight and organ to body mass index. In comparison with control group, there was significant increase in levels of ALT, AST,Bilirubin, total proteins, globulin levels, urea, cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, platelet count, MCV, MCH, WBC count and lymphocytes whereas ALP and MCHC levels were reduced significantly. No significant changes were observed in HB, total RBC, total bilirubin, albumin. The methanol extract of aerial parts from Marsilea quadrifolia Linn had nontoxic effect on the biochemical and haematological parameters studied up to a dose of 2000 mg/kg. The lethal dose is therefore over 2000 mg/kg. Keywords: Marsilea quadrifolia, Methanol, Albino mice, Snake bite

Cereal Sources Alter Response to Supplementary Polyphenols on Performance, Serum Biochemistry and Internal Organs in Wistar Rats

An experiment was carried out with 21-d old weaned Wistar rats (n=60) to assess the polyphenols response to dietary manipulations. The rats were divided into six groups with five replicated having two in each. The rats were fed with two different types of cereal sources (corn vs. rice-sorghum combined) as soybean meal served as protein source in both cereal categories. The treatment groups included cornsoybean meal without polyphenol extract (PPE) supplementation (T1), corn-soybean meal with 50 ppm of PPE (T2), corn-soybean meal with 100 ppm of PPE (T3), rice-sorghum-soybean meal diet without PPE (T4), rice-sorghum-soybean meal diet with 50 ppm of PPE (T5) and rice-sorghum-soybean meal diet with 100 ppm of PPE (T6). The rats were maintained under polypropylene cages and reared for 45 d under air-conditioned laboratory animal house. The body weight of rats was significantly higher in corn based diet supplemented with PPE at 50 and 100 ppm than the rice-sorghum based diet. The supplementation of PPE significantly reduced the serum total cholesterol, triglycerides and plasma glucose content in rats irrespective of cereal sources. The organ weights and tibial bone weight did not affect by the combination of cereal sources and PPE levels. The caecal and colon aerobic, E. coli and lactobacillus population remained unaffected by the diet composition and PPE levels. It could be concluded that supplementation of pomegranate peel extract exhibited better performance with corn-soybean meal based diet.

Endogenous nerve growth factor stimulation: effects on auditory pathway neural cells in a mouse model.

In the present study, we investigated whether high-pressure hypotonic saline solution (Hphss) affects the basal level of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) and expression of receptors in the cochlea, bark earing, retina, and visual cortex. For this study, we used three weeks old female Sprague Dawley (SD) rats (n = 12). Rats were housed in polypropylene cages and were kept under standard conditions (12 h light:12 h dark cycle) with free access to water and food (Purina chow food). A specific dispenser was employed to deliver sterile hypotonic saline at high pressure (pressing emission level (PEL): 7 g/s; emission time (ET): 0.5 s). Rats were divided into two groups: untreated (n = 6) and treated with Hphss (n = 6), three times per day, for 10 consecutive days. Treatment was performed in both nostrils with 50 µl of Hphss using a microsyringe equipped with a plastic tip. We observed a significant enhancement in the level of NGF in the cochlea and bark earing, but not in the retina and visual cortex. This is likely because the nasolacrimal duct pathway does not appear to have an effect on the retina, and the visual cortex appears to be too far from the cribriform plate to be reached by nasal NGF. This treatment can significantly protect and/or delay degeneration of cochlear auditory NGF-target cells. It is free from side effects and can be used in chronic diseases for as long as needed. It remains to be investigated whether the effects of short-term therapy are long-lasting, or if the treatment must be repeated.

Leptin induces the expression of tumorigenic genes in the gastric mucosa of male Sprague-Dawley rats.

Gastric cancer is the third most common cause of death due to cancer in the world. Obese individuals are at risk of developing gastric cancer, and the reason for this is unknown. Serum leptin levels are high in obese individuals and leptin is known to induce proliferation of gastric cancer cells in vitro. However, to date, no reports exist on the tumorigenic effects of leptin on the stomach in vivo. This study therefore determines if chronic leptin administration induces gastric carcinogenesis in non-obese rats, which might serve as a useful animal model for future studies. Although the findings are somewhat inconclusive, to our knowledge, however, this is the first study to show the up-regulation of numerous potential driver genes that highlight the potential role of leptin in the higher prevalence of gastric cancer among obese individuals. The findings certainly necessitate further scrutiny of leptin gastric cancer.

Maternal exposure to Bisphenol‐A Induces Epigenetic Changes in metabolic syndrome markers of Offspring

Environmental factors exert significant effects of on disease progression later in the life, when exposed in‐utero. Bisphenol A (BPA) is a monomer of plastic products widely used in everyday life. BPA shows hormone mimicking properties, and its adverse effects on endocrine glands and hormones may affect developmental embryology of offspring. Bisphenol A may possibly have an epigenetic role in onset and progression of several adult diseases related to metabolic system. To determine the epigenetic effects of in‐utero Bisphenol A on markers related to metabolic syndrome in mice offspring. This study was conducted at department of Anatomy Liaquat University of Medical &amp; Health Sciences Jamshoro and Animal house of Sindh Agriculture University Tando Jam Pakistan after Ethical approval. Adult female BALB/c strains mice were divided in three groups each comprised of 10 female mice– G1 (controls), G2 (ethanol 0.10 ml i.p) and G3 (BPA 10 mg i.p). Animals were housed individually in polypropylene cages, in standard lighting, controlled temperature and humidity conditions. Control group was fed ad libitum. After mating, the positive vaginal plug was checked to confirm pregnancy. Offspring body weight, behavior, movement, blood glucose; serum insulin, cholesterol and HDLc were measured at 5 months age and at 15 months age before sacrifice of animals. Pancreas, kidney, adipose tissue and uterine tissue were stained with H &amp; E staining and Immunohistochemistry and examined under microscopy. Data was analyzed on SPSS 22.0 (at 95% confidence interval). Offspring of group G3 reveals abnormal changes in behavior and movement. Body weight, blood glucose, serum insulin, cholesterol and HDLc were high compared to controls (P=0.0001). Islets of Lanherghan's, Kidney and Uterine tissue reveals abnormal anatomical changes with anti‐ Islet‐1 Ig, Ksp cadherin, and anti‐ MLH antibody respectively. In utero exposure of endocrine disruptor Bisphenol A exerts Diabetogenic and Atherogenic effects with abnormal immunohistochemistry changes in endocrine pancreas, kidney and uterus.Support or Funding InformationThis study was funded by Liaquat University of Medical &amp; Health Sciences, Jamshoro, PakistanThis abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

English

The aim of this study was to investigate the anthelmintic effect of pumpkin seeds (Cucurbita maxima) against Aspiculuris tetraptera in naturally infected mice. &nbsp;For this purpose, the natural infection was determined by the cellophane tape (on the anal region), and the centrifugal flotation methods of stool samples in approximately 150 male Swiss albino mice (27 to 35 g). The infected mice (29 animals) were divided into four groups. The animals in the first (G1) and second groups (G2) received water and ethanol extracts of pumpkin seeds orally at the dose suggested for human for 7 days, respectively. The mice in the positive control group (G3) were treated with ivermectin intramuscularly at a dose of 0.2 mg/kg body weight. The mice in fourth groups (G4) received the same amount of serum physiologic orally. The mice were housed in clean polypropylene cages and maintained under standard laboratory conditions at an ambient temperature of 20&plusmn;2&deg;C with 45% relative humidity and a 12 h light dark cycle. &nbsp;At the eighth day of the study, all animals were killed humanly following inhalation anaesthesia. After euthanasia, the number of parasites in the intestine was counted. Data obtained from the treatment groups were compared using one-way ANOVA. The percentage efficacy of the drugs was calculated. &nbsp;The results of the study showed that the efficacies for water (G1) or ethanol (G2) extracts of pumpkin seed and ivermectin were 81, 85 and 91% compared with the negative control, respectively. These results revealed that pumpkin seed has high anthelmintic activity against nematodes as well as its continued use in traditional medicine for the treatment of helminthiasis. &nbsp; Key words: Aspiculuris tetraptera, mice, anthelmintic effect, efficacy, Cucurbita maxima.

Replacement of inorganic zinc with lower levels of organic zinc (zinc nicotinate) on performance, hematological and serum biochemical constituents, antioxidants status, and immune responses in rats.

Aim:A study was undertaken to investigate the effect of organic zinc (zinc nicotinate, Zn-nic) supplementation (6, 9, and 12 ppm) compared to inorganic zinc (12 ppm) on growth performance, hematology, serum biochemical constituents oxidative stress, and immunity in weaned female Sprague–Dawley rats.Material and Methods:A 48 weaned rats (285.20±1.95 g) were randomly distributed to 4 dietary treatments with 6 replicates in each and reared in polypropylene cages for 10 weeks. Basal diet (BD) was formulated with purified ingredients without zinc (Zn). Four dietary treatments were prepared by adding 12 ppm Zn from ZnCO3 (control) and 6, 9, and 12 ppm Zn from Zn-nic to the BD. On 42nd day, blood was collected by retro-orbital puncture for analyzing hematological constituents, glucose, cholesterol, alkaline phosphatase, total protein, albumin, and globulin and antioxidant enzyme activities. At 43rd day, rats were antigenically challenged with sheep red blood cell (RBC) to assess humoral immune response and on 70th day cell-mediated immune response.Results:Weekly body weight gains, daily feed intake, blood hematological constituents (white blood cell, RBC, hemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume, mean corpuscular volume, lymphocyte, monocyte, and granulocyte concentration) and serum glucose, total protein levels were comparable among the rats feed Zn from ZnCO3 and Zn-nic (6, 9, and 12 ppm). Serum cholesterol reduced with organic Zn supplementation at either concentration (6-12 ppm). Serum globulin concentration reduced (p<0.05) with 6 ppm Zn-nic supplementation compared to other dietary treatments. Lipid peroxidation lowered (p<0.05) reduced with 12 ppm organic Zn; thiobarbituric acid reacting substances and protein carbonyls concentrations in liver reduced (p<0.05) with 9 and 12 ppm levels of organic Zn supplementation compared to 12 ppm Zn supplementation from inorganic source. RBC catalase and glutathione peroxidase enzymes activities were highest (p<0.05) in rats supplemented with 12 ppm Zn-nic, followed by 9 ppm. Comparable immune response (humoral and cell-mediated) was observed between 12 ppm inorganic Zn and 9 ppm organic Zn and higher (p<0.05) immune response was noticed at 12 ppm Zn-nic supplementation.Conclusion:Based on the results, it is concluded that dietary Zn concentration can be reduced by 50% (6 ppm) as Zn nicotinate without affecting growth performance, hemato-biochemical constituents, antioxidant status, and immunity. In addition, replacement of 12 ppm inorganic Zn with 12 ppm organic Zn significantly improved antioxidant status and immune response.

Acute toxicity evaluation of Genipa americana L. (Rubiaceae)

&lt;/I&gt;;The specie G. americana L. (Rubiaceae) is an exotic plant with edible fruit, aphrodisiac, antianaemic and useful in diseases of the spleen and liver. The objective of this study was to determine the acute toxicity of crude ethanol extract of the fruit of G. americana parameters by evaluating general toxicity. For the tests were selected Swiss albino mice of the species Mus musculus females, weighing 25–30g were divided into groups of six. The animals were kept in polypropylene cages under controlled lighting (cycle 12 hours light/dark) and temperature (25 ± 2 °C), receiving food and water ad libtum. The doses of 1000, 2000 and 3000 mg/kg administered intraperitoneally (VIP) and 1500, 3000 and 4500 mg/kg orally. The 50% lethal dose (LD50) was not determined due to lack of deaths of the animals at the doses employed, being regarded maximal for the route. Among the signs of toxicity observed highlight the stimulating effect on the CNS. The results indicate that the ethanol extract of G. americana has low acute toxicity in mice when administered by oral and intraperitoneal administration.

Characterization of breathing following four weeks of prolonged dietary Bisphenol A exposure in mice

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical used in the production of various plastics. It is classified as an endocrine disruptor since it can exert estrogen‐like effects in the body. Although estrogen can play a role in the control of breathing, it is unknown if BPA influences conscious ventilation. We tested the hypothesis that 4 weeks of dietary BPA administration would result in an altered pattern of breathing compared to the response of dietary controls. At 8 weeks of age, male CD‐1 mice were housed in polypropylene cages and administered a soybean oil‐free diet (AIN‐93G) for 2 weeks. At 10 weeks of age the mice were placed onto control (C: AIN‐93G; n=4), C+ethinyl estradiol (EE: 0.1 ppb; n=5) or C+BPA (50 mg BPA/kg diet; n=5) diets. Unrestrained barometric plethysmography was used to quantify frequency (F; breaths/min), tidal volume (TV; mL/breath), and minute ventilation (MV; mL/min) in 14 week old mice during exposure to room air (MEAN±SEM). Control mice displayed similar F (C: 150±28 vs. C+BPA: 129±11 vs. C+EE: 150±25), TV (C: 0.35±0.01 vs. C+BPA: 0.49±0.05 vs. C+EE: 0.48±0.07) and MV (C: 54.4±9.5 vs. C+BPA: 62.5±10.3 vs. C+EE: 69.8±9.6). These preliminary findings indicate no difference in quiet breathing following 4 weeks of dietary BPA or EE administration in mice. Supported by LMC start‐up funds (LRD) and the Hill Collaboration on Environmental Medicine (KCD).

Investigation of Bisphenol A administration on skeletal muscle force generation in mice

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical used in the manufacturing of numerous products including plastics and food‐contact materials and is classified as an endocrine disruptor because it can mimic actions of estrogen in the body. The purpose of this study was to examine BPA effects on muscle force generation since estrogen may influence muscle contractile properties. Eight‐week old male CD‐1 mice were housed in polypropylene cages and provided a soybean oil‐free diet (AIN‐93G) (control; C) for two weeks. Thereafter, animals were randomly assigned to C (n=5), C+BPA (BPA; 50 mg BPA/kg diet; n=4), or C+ethinyl estradiol (EE; 0.1 ppb; n=5) diets for one month. Soleus muscles were harvested for measurement of twitch and tetanic force generation (N/cm2) in vitro. Peak twitch tension of EE (3.5±0.1) was greater (p&lt;0.05) than BPA (2.6±0.1) and C (2.8±0.2). Peak tetanic tension of EE (24.8±1.2) was greater (p&lt;0.05) than BPA (19.2±0.7) but was similar (p&gt;;0.05) to C (22.31±0.3). Soleus force generation between BPA and C was similar (p&gt;;0.05). Post‐experiment animal body mass and soleus muscle mass did not differ between groups (p&gt;;0.05). Preliminary findings revealed augmented force generation of the soleus following administration of EE, but not BPA. Therefore, BPA administration does not appear to influence twitch or maximal force generation of mouse soleus muscle.Supported by the Hill Collaboration on Environmental Medicine (KCD)

Cobalt Bioaccumulation in Mouse Blood Plasma and Liver

ABSTRACTHeavy metals such as cobalt are shown to accumulate in various organs of humans and animals. Oral exposure of immature mice to cobalt compounds (cobalt chloride and cobalt-EDTA) led to significant increase in cobalt (II) concentration in blood plasma and liver. Pregnant balb/c mice in late gestation were subjected to cobalt chloride (CoCl2.6H2O) or cobalt EDIA (Co-EDTA) treatment at daily doses of 75 mg/kg or 125 mg/kg which continued until day 30 of the newborn mice. Cobalt salts were dissolved and obtained from drinking tap water. Pure tap water was used as control. Mice were maintained in individual standard hard bottom polypropylene cages to ensure that all experimental animals obtained the required dose of cobalt salts. The newborn pups were sacrificed on days 18, 25 and 30 which correspond to different stages of development. Mice were weighed weekly and the experimental cobalt concentration was adjusted accordingly. Blood plasma and liver were used for measuring cobalt bioaccumulation. Cobalt (II) compounds showed differential bioaccumulation: higher concentrations were measured in the plasma compared to those measured in the liver. The effect depended on the type of compound used, dose, time duration as well as on the age of the experimental animals. Higher metal concentrations were detected in samples of mice treated with cobalt chloride compared to the samples exposed to Co-EDTA. The results indicate that day 18 mice are more sensitive to chronic exposure to cobalt compounds in high doses. Cobalt(II) concentrations in blood plasma may be used as a useful marker for diagnosing chronic exposure to cobalt compounds.

The effects of microwave emitted by cellular phones on ovarian follicles in rats

The aim of this study was to investigate whether there were any toxic effects of microwaves of cellular phones on ovaries in rats. In this study, 82 female pups of rats, aged 21 days (43 in the study group and 39 in the control group) were used. Pregnant rats in the study group were exposed to mobile phones that were placed beneath the polypropylene cages during the whole period of pregnancy. The cage was free from all kinds of materials, which could affect electromagnetic fields. A mobile phone in a standby position for 11 h and 45 min was turned on to speech position for 15 min every 12 h and the battery was charged continuously. On the 21st day after the delivery, the female rat pups were killed and the right ovaries were removed. The volumes of the ovaries were measured and the number of follicles in every tenth section was counted. The analysis revealed that in the study group, the number of follicles was lower than that in the control group. The decreased number of follicles in pups exposed to mobile phone microwaves suggest that intrauterine exposure has toxic effects on ovaries. We suggest that the microwaves of mobile phones might decrease the number of follicles in rats by several known and, no doubt, countless unknown mechanisms.