White Albino Mice Research Articles

Cardioprotective Effects of Insect Apis melifera‐Based Complementary Foods Using an In Vivo Mouse Model

Background. Cardiovascular disease is the cause of one‐third of deaths worldwide because of increased risk factors, such as intake of cholesterol and saturated fat. Atherosclerosis begins in childhood; therefore, nutritional prevention should begin at an early stage. This study assessed the lipid profile, atherogenic, and castill’s risk index intake of Apis melifera‐based complementary foods using an in vivo mouse model. Methods. The experiment was conducted for 28 days. A total of 75 male white albino mice were randomly assigned to five diets in triplicate. The diets were Diet 1 = casein diet; Diet 2 = (57% maize, 29% teff, 14% soybean); Diet 3 = (58% maize, 29% teff, 13% bee larvae); Diet 4 = commercial wean mix; Diet 5 = basal diet alone. Mouse blood samples were collected by cardiac puncture. The lipid profiles of TC, TG, HDL‐C, and LDL‐C were analysed using an automated pentra C400 made in France. Results. Biochemical (mg/dl) parameters showed that mice fed Diet 3 had high (P ≤ 0.001), TG (167.79), HDL‐C (67.18), and low LDL‐C (71.73) levels. The atherogenic indices CRI‐I (1.84), CRI‐II (1.07), and AC (0.84) were low in Diet 3. The atherogenicity indices showed a significant positive correlation (P ≤ 0.001) with one another as follows: CRI‐I vs. CRI‐II (r = 0.919), CRI‐I vs. AC (r = 1), and CRI‐II vs. AC (r = 0.919). Conclusion. The results of the present investigation confirm that intake of an Apis mellifera‐based diet could prevent children from atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in a mouse model.

Biological activities of Viscum tuberculatum aqueous leaf extract

Content Plant-based natural products have served as sources of remedies against pathogenic microorganisms. Although the biological activities of Viscum (Santalaceae) species are widely recognized, there is no scientific evidence for Viscum tuberculatum A. Rich. in Ethiopia. Objective To investigate the antimicrobial, acute toxicity, anti-inflammatory properties and phytochemical constituents of an aqueous extract of V. tuberculatum from Ethiopia. Materials and methods The antibacterial activity of the aqueous leaf extract of V. tuberculatum was tested against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of this extract were determined using the broth macrodilution method. The acute toxicity and anti-inflammatory effects of the extract were investigated using standard procedures on female and male white albino mice, aged 8 and 10 weeks, respectively. The phytochemical constituents of V. tuberculatum were determined using LC–MS QTOF. Results The MIC and MBC values against S. aureus were found to be 6.25 and 100 mg/mL. The LD50 value was more than 2000 mg/kg body weight of the mouse. The 400 mg/kg dose exerts 87% inhibition after 5 h of carrageenan injection. Twenty-five different metabolites, mainly flavonoids, phenolic acids and alkaloids, were identified. Conclusions These findings demonstrate the potential antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory potential of the aqueous extract of V. tuberculatum.

PHYTOCHEMICAL AND PHARMACOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS OF TINOSPORA CORDIFOLIA

The crude ethanol extract of the stem of Tinospora cordifolia (Family Menispermaceae) was evaluated for its antioxidant and analgesic activities. The antioxidant property of the ethanol extract of T. cordifolia was assessed by 1, 1-diphenyl –2- picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging assay. The extract showed potential antioxidant activity (IC50 about 52.80 µg/ml), which was comparable to standard drug ascorbic acid (IC50 about 4.12 µg ml-1). The ethanolic extract of T. cordifolia also exhibited statistically significant (p<0.001) writhing inhibition in aceitic acid induced white albino mice (Swiss-webstar strain). It produced 40% inhibition of writhing at the dose of 500 mg kg-1 body weight while the standard drug (diclofenac sodium) inhibition was found to 45.22 % at a dose of 25 mg kg-1 body weight. The results tend to suggest that the crude ethanolic extract of T. cordifolia might possess antioxidant and analgesic activities.

Nitazoxanide, Ivermectin, and Artemether effects against cryptosporidiosis in diabetic mice: parasitological, histopathological, and chemical studies.

Human cryptosporidiosis is one of the most significant causes of water borne epidemics of diarrhea worldwide. It is extremely important in immunocompromised hosts and malnourished children as it could cause severe life-threatening diarrhea. Despite the global burden of the disease, there are only few available therapies against cryptosporidiosis. Diabetes mellitus is a common metabolic disorder that impair both the innate and adaptive immune responses of the patient. This study aimed to test the effect of Nitazoxanide, Ivermectin, and Artemether against cryptosporidiosis in diabetic mice. Sixty white albino mice were categorized into 6 groups; 10 mice each: GI: normal non-infected non-treated (healthy- control), GII-GVI (diabetic groups), GII: non-infected non treated (diabetic control), GIII: infected non treated (infected control), GIV: infected and treated with Nitazoxanide (NTZ), GV: infected and treated with Ivermectin (IVC), GVI: infected and treated with Artemether (ART). Parasitological, histopathological, and chemical examinations were done to evaluate the effect of NTZ, IVC, and ART against cryptosporidiosis in diabetic mice. Parasitological examination revealed maximum reduction of oocyst shedding in GVI, while histopathological examination showed the least pathologic changes in GV with mild vascular wall fibrosis and moderate lymphocytic infiltration of islets of Langerhans. Measurement of blood glucose level showed the best results with GIV. Nitazoxanide is effective against cryptosporidiosis in diabetic patients with minimal hyperglycemia, Artemether is especially effective in reducing the oocyst shedding in stool, whereas Ivermectin is associated with the least pathological changes in pancreatic islets of Langerhans.Graphical abstract

In vivo evaluation of anticryptosporidial effects of wheat germ extracts in immunocompromised mice.

Cryptosporidium species is a prime cause of diarrheal disease in individuals with competent immunity. In patients with compromised immunity, infections are more severe particularly in developing countries. Wheat germ oil was described to have antiparasitic effect. This study was done to evaluate the possible role of wheat germ extracts in Cryptosporidium parvum (C. parvum) infected immunocompromised mice. Thirty white albino mice were classified into six groups as follow: four study groups, all immunosuppressed and infected with C. parvum oocysts. These four groups received treatments as follow: Group (I): treated with nitazoxanide. Group (II): treated with wheat germ oil. Group (III): treated with wheat germ extracted by hexane. Group (IV): treated with wheat germ extracted by ethanol. The remaining two groups were immunosuppressed control groups as follow: Group (V): only infected with C. parvum oocysts (Positive control). Group (VI): non-infected (Negative control). Stool samples were collected and examined to detect oocyst and the ileocecal region was subjected to histopathological and immunohistochemical examination. Wheat germ extracts showed a statistically significant effect against C. parvum specially wheat germ oil with P value: < 0.001, this effect was also confirmed by pathological and immunohistochemical examinations. C. parvum has an influence on human health by its effect in diarrheal disease. Wheat germ oil and its extracts has proved to be a reliable herb for C. parvum. treatment confirmed by different methodologies.

Efficacy of Melatonin and Pentoxifylline combination therapy in treatment of endotoxin induced hepatic dysfunction in white albino mice

Introduction:&#x0D; Despite major expansion and elaboration in treatment protocols of septic patients, mortality rate is still very high due to multiple organ damage including hepatotoxicity. We in study evaluated the role of two strong anti-inflammatory agents, melatonin and pentoxifylline, as a combined treatment in lipopolysaccharide induced hepatic dysfunction in white albino mice.&#x0D; Material and Methods:&#x0D; Endotoxemia was reproduced in white albino mice through intraperitoneal administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of serotype E.Coli. Therapeutic potential of the both melatonin and pentoxifylline alone and as combined therapy was adjudged by administering agents 2 hours after LPS delivering. The extent of liver damage was evaluated via serum alanine aminotransferases (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) estimation along with histopathological examination of liver tissue.&#x0D; Results: Lipopolysaccharide administration (Group 2) resulted in marked hepatotoxicity as evident by statistically raised serum ALT ((p≤0.01) and AST (p≤0.01) at the end of experimentation. Also liver cross section examination showed marked distortion of liver parenchyma. Melatonin (Group 3) was prosperous in aversion of LPS invoked hepatotoxicity as proved by lessening of augmented ALT (p≤0.01) and AST (p≤0.01) along with restoration of pathological changes on liver sections (p≤0.05). Pentoxifylline generated similar results and serum ALT, AST and histological alteration abated considerably (p≤ 0.05).Combination therapy in animals of Group 5 also tapered LPS evoked hepatic dysfunction statistically considerably.&#x0D; Conclusion: Melatonin and pentoxifylline alone and as combination therapy as effective in countering LPS induced hepatotoxicity. However the combination therapy did not yield synergistic effects.&#x0D; Keywords:&#x0D; Lipopolysaccharides, Endotoxin, Hepatotoxicity, Melatonin, Pentoxifylline.

Toxoplasma gondii infection in slaughtered domestic ruminants in Northwest Ethiopia: occurrence, bioassay and virulence assessment.

This study investigated the occurrence, isolation and virulence of Toxoplasma gondii in slaughtered domestic ruminants in Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia. Three hundred thirty-five blood samples (135 sheep, 50 goats, and 150 cattle) were purposefully collected from abattoirs and slaughterhouses. T. gondii antibodies were assessed using a commercial Toxo-Latex agglutination test. Tissue digestion with the pepsin enzyme was also performed on 39 heart muscles of seropositive animals, and viable T. gondii was isolated in white albino mice. As a result, the occurrence of T. gondii infection was 55.8%. T. gondii antibodies were found in 59.3% of cattle, 58% of goats, and 51.1% of sheep. The prevalence of T.gondii antibodies in sheep was significantly higher in females (χ2 = 4.55, p = 0.033) and adults (χ2 = 7.57, p = 0.006). Similarly, in cattle, the presence of T. gondii antibodies was associated with old groups (χ2 = 7.81, p = 0.005) and cross-breeds (χ2 = 6.30, p = 0.012). The overall viable T. gondii isolates in bioassayed mice were 38.5%, and the parasites were isolated from sheep (8/16), cattle (3/14) and goats (4/9) samples, with the majority of these isolates (87.2%) being avirulent. In conclusion, the presence of T. gondii antibodies and a high proportion of viable T. gondii in this study may indicate the parasite's prevalence and zoonotic importance in the study area. To plan control strategies, more research on the genotype and transmission dynamics of this parasite is required. Public education about T. gondii transmission routes and control methods is critical for preventing T. gondii transmission.

The efficacy of methanolic root bark extract of Khaya senegalensis against Plasmodium Berghei in laboratory white albino mice

The spread of chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium falciparum and the alarming emergence of multidrug-resistant strains have raised an urgent need to search for new drugs. In many tropical and sub-tropical countries, plants have traditionally been used to treat fever and other symptoms associated with malaria parasite. This study was carried out to investigate the effect of the methanolic extract of Khaya senegalensis root bark against P. berghei in white albino mice. Two parameters were employed to evaluate the efficacy of the extract against P. berghei in white albino mice. A parallel test was carried out with chloroquine. Twenty-five albino mice were used in the experiment. The albino mice were grouped into six groups. Three groups served as negative, positive, and standard control respectively, groups four, five and six were treated with 100, 150 and 200 mg/kg of the extract for suppressive and curative activity. The extract showed a strong anti plasmodial activity against P. berghei both in the two parameters. (2.0±0.0 and 2.0±1.0) corresponding to 91.7% curative and 93.3% suppressive, while the control groups three, two and one correspond to 76.7%, 00.0 and 00.0 respectively. The mean parasitemia reduction in groups four, five and six were significant (p&lt;0.05). The results indicate that although chloroquine was still effective against the parasite, the extract of Khaya senegalensis reduced the mean parasitemia more than chloroquine which was used as standard control. This implies that the extract has stronger antimalarial activity compared to the standard chloroquine drug.

A Study of The Histopathological Effect of White Albino Mice Lung Infected with Aspergillus Fumigatus, Treated with Amphotericin B, And Trametes Spp.

The present study was designed to investigate the histological lesions in the lungs of white mice infected with Aspergillus fumigatus by intraperitoneal injection, nasal implantation, the current research also examined an attempt to treat these tissue lesions by using both of the antifungal Amphotericin B and the alcoholic extract of Trametes for two weeks. The results showed that A. fumigatus led to tissue changes represented by the degeneration, desquamation the lining respiratory epithelium of the bronchiole, thickening, rupturing of the alveolar walls, congestion of the vessels and lymphocytic infiltration, the lungs of mice that infected with A. fumigatus and treated with the antifungal Amphotericin B and alcoholic extract of the Trametes spp. showed improvement, as degeneration and desquamation of the lining of the respiratory epithelium of the trachea, the presence of dust cells, lymphocytic infiltration, in addition to the appearance of semi-normal lung tissue in another histological also were observed. We conclude that Amphotericin B and alcoholic extract of Trametes spp. have activity in treating the histological lesions that resulted from A. fumigatus infection.

Determination of Antimalarial Property, Chemical Constituents and Toxicity Level of Alstonia Boonei Aqueous Stem Bark Extract in Plasmodium Berghei Infected Mice

This study, which is part of a project on the antimalarial potential of different extracts of Alstonia boonei plant parts, was carried out to determine the antimalarial property, chemical constituents and toxicity level of Alstonia boonei aqueous stem bark extract in white albino mice infected with Plasmodium berghei. The extract exhibited substantial dose dependent antimalarial property as shown by the suppressive effect (41.48%, 52.67% and 69.82% for 100, 200 and 400 mgkg -1 body weights) prophylactic effect (48.69%, 54.37% and 62.63% for 100, 200 and 400 mgkg -1 body weights) and curative effect (52.63%, 63.55% and 68.82% for 100, 200 and 400 mgkg -1 body weights) in white albino mice infected with Plasmodium berghei. The results of the antimalarial tests were significantly different compared to the negative control at P &lt; 0.05. Phytochemical screening of the extract revealed that the plant contains chemical constituents including tannins, flavonoids, steroids, phenols, alkaloids, saponins, glycosides and terpenoids. The toxicity test indicated that the extract is safe up to the lethal dose of 5000 mg/body weight. From the results, the extract possesses important chemical constituents which are safe and exhibit good antimalarial property. This calls for further study of the extract as a potential antimalarial drug target.

Antimalarial Activity, Phytochemical Composition and Acute Toxicity Tests of Ethanolic Stem Bark Extract of Alstonia boonei De Wild

Many modern medicines are derived from the chemicals available in plants. The utilization of plants against diseases by traditional medical practitioners is common in many parts of the world and several researches have been carried out to determine the scientific basis for the use of such plants. Alstonia boonei is one of the many medicinal plants found in Nigeria. The plant parts have been traditionally used to treat various ailments including malaria. This study was carried out to evaluate the antimalarial activity, phytochemical composition and toxicity of ethanolic stem bark extract of Alstonia boonei. The extract showed substantial dose dependent antimalarial activity as indicated by the recorded suppressive (45.67%, 58.53% and 74.68% for 100, 200 and 400 mgkg-1 body weights) prophylactic (33.57%, 45.64% and 61.23% for 100, 200 and 400 mgkg-1 body weights) and curative effects (62.35%, 68.57% and 79.63% for 100, 200 and 400 mgkg-1 body weights) on Plasmodium berghei infected white albino mice. The results of the antimalarial tests were significantly different compared to the negative control at P &lt; 0.05. The phytochemical evaluation showed that the plant contained important chemical compounds including tannins, flavonoids, steroids, phenols, alkaloids, saponins, glycosides and terpenoids. The acute toxicity test showed that the extract is safe as observed on the tested mice. It was concluded that the extract contains important active antimalarial compounds that are safe and should be further investigated for antimalarial drug development.

Therapeutic activities of naringenin on efavirenz-induced sleep-like disorder in the midbrain of white albino mice.

Objective(s):Efavirenz, has proven to be effective in suppressing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) viral load; however, complaints of sleep disorders including hallucination, and insomnia have greatly contributed to non-adherence to antiretroviral therapy. This study aimed at investigating therapeutic activities of naringenin on efavirenz-induced sleep disorder.Materials and Methods:Sixty mice were divided into six groups of control, combination antiretroviral therapy (cART), efavirenz, naringenin, naringenin/efavirenz and naringenin/cART. Efavirenz, cART, and naringenin were administered orally and daily at 15 mg/kg, 24 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg, respectively for 28 days. Post neurobehavioral test, oxidative stress, histology and immunohistochemistry for dopamine were carried out after administration process.Results:Efavirenz (P<0.0001) and cART (P<0.01) significantly increased immobility during open field (P<0.01), escape time in seconds (sec) in Morris water maze (P<0.001) and numbers of head-twitch response (HTR) (P<0.0001). Similarly, there was a significant increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) (P<0.0001) and decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD) (P<0.001) and reduced glutathione (GSH) (P<0.001); however, naringenin-treated groups potentiated anti-oxidant function by reducing oxidative stress (P<0.01). Histological evaluation demonstrated severe neurodegeneration, vacuolization and pyknosis in efavirenz and cART compared to naringenin groups. Dopaminergic neurons using immunohistochemial antibody (tyrosine hydroxylase) staining showed poor immunoreactivity in efavirenz and cART in contrast to naringenin groups.Conclusion:Efavirenz and cART have the potential of inducing sleep disorder possibly due to their capability to trigger inflammation and deplete dopamine level. However, naringenin has proven to be effective in ameliorating these damages.

Potential therapeutic and prophylactic effects of Asafoetida in murine cryptosporidiosis.

Cryptosporidium parvum is an important coccidian parasite that could infect the intestine, respiratory and biliary tracts of man and animals. This study aims to test the potential therapeutic and prophylactic effects of a natural herbal agent (Asafoetida) versus the nowadays drug of choice (Nitazoxanide). Fifty bred female, white Albino mice of CDI strain were divided into 5 groups; group I (GI): immunosuppressed, infected with C. parvum and treated with Asafoetida, group II (GII): immunosuppressed, prophylactically treated with Asafoetida for 7days prior to infection, group III (GIII): immunosuppressed, infected and treated with Nitazoxanide, group IV (GIV): immunosuppressed and infected (Positive control), group V (GV): immunosuppressed and non infected (Negative control). Parasitological and histopatholgical examinations of the stool, ileocaecal and liver specimens were performed for the study groups. GI showed reduction of the mean oocyst count in stool with improvement of the pathological changes at the ileocaecal region with preservation of hepatic architecture. Results of GI were better than GII and GIV but not as good as GIII. GII showed the least improvement among the test groups. GIII showed the best response between the test groups. GIV show no statistical significant difference between the mean oocyst count in the mice stool at the time of infection and 7days after infection. It was therefore concluded that Asafoetida is a promising natural therapeutic and prophylactic agent against cryptosporidiosis while, Nitazoxanide is the best chemotherapeutic agent against cryptosporidiosis.

Nigella sativa can Cure Hepatotoxicity Caused by Pyrazinamide Administration; A Lead from Animal Experiment

Introduction: Hepatoxicity is a well known adverse effect of pyrazinamide a commonly used anti tuberculous drug, with no certified remedy. Phytochemicals could be a possible avenue for hepatoprotection. Aims &amp; Objectives: To study the hepatoprotective effect of Nigella sativa in low and high doses on PZA induced liver injury in mice. P lace and duration of study: The study was conducted from April 2017 to June 2017 at Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics &amp; multidisciplinary research lab, Islamic International Medical College, Rawalpindi. Material &amp; Methods: Sixty white albino mice (male) were divided into four groups randomly. Group A served as control group. Oral Pyrazinamide 500mg/kg/5ml glucose saline suspension was administered for 6 weeks to Group B (hepatotoxic group) alone and to Groups C and D in combination with Nigella sativa in a low dose of 500mg/kg and high dose of 1000mg/kg respectively. The extent of hepatotoxicity was determined by measurement of serum ALT, ALP and GGT. Results: PZA alone resulted in markedly elevated ALT, ALP and GGT (82.8, 319.1 and 37 U/L respectively) as compared to control group i.e (ALT=27.4U/L, ALP=96.4U/L, GGT=9.3U/L). In groups C and D a non-significant increase of biochemical markers i.e, (ALT=38.4±7.89U/L, ALP 185±39.74, GGT24.1±5.89 U/L) and (ALT=36.7U/L, ALP=93.5U/L, GGT=15.8U/L) respectively. Conclusion: Nigella sativa has hepatoprotective effects against PZA induced liver injury in both low and high doses.

Survival of probiotic bacteria in the presence of food grade nanoparticles from chocolates: an in vitro and in vivo study.

The use of probiotics to treat gastrointestinal diseases such as diarrhea especially in children is becoming increasingly popular. Besides, the use of nanomaterials in food products is increasing rapidly especially in candies and chocolates. How these nanomaterials influence probiotic bacteria and their activity remains unexplored. Therefore, nanomaterials from commercial chocolate were purified and characterized by using SEM-EDS and XRD. The tested chocolate contained nano-TiO2 with an average size of ~ 40 nm. The influence of the extracted TiO2 on a commercial probiotic formulation usually used to treat diarrhea in children was studied. The probiotic formulation contained Bacillus coagulans, Enterococcus faecalis, and Enterococcus faecium as evident from 16S rRNA gene sequences and polyphasic characterization. Isolated bacteria exhibited known probiotic activities like biofilm formation, acid production, growth at 6% salt, and antibiotic resistance. TiO2 from chocolates inhibited the growth and activity of the probiotic formulation over a concentration range of 125-500μg/ml in vitro. Based on results, it is estimated that 20 g of such chocolate contains enough TiO2 to disturb the gut microbial community of children aged 2-8 years with a stomach capacity of ~ 0.5-0.9 l. The in vivo study on white albino mice shows the same response but with a higher dose. The results obtained by plate counts, MTT assay, live/dead staining, and qPCR suggest that TiO2 from chocolates inhibits the growth and viability of probiotic bacteria in mice gut even at a concentration of 50-100 μg/day/mice. Therefore, TiO2 in chocolate discourages survival of probiotic bacteria in the human gut.

Evaluation of the hepatotoxicity of the anti-diabetic drug Diarid: An ayurvedic formulation in white swiss albino mice

Diarid is an Ayurvedic antidiabetic drug. Questions and concerns are being raised nowadays on such Ayurveda formulations with their composition for safety aspects. Though, these are being used safely in without any noticeable untoward effects; there is a need to generate scientific evidence that these are safe and non-toxic. The drugs can usually be detoxified, but some of them can be bio activated become more toxic. The liver often the target organ, most toxicants enter the body through the gastrointestinal tract and after absorption they are carried by the hepatic portal vein in the liver. The toxicology of the liver is complicated by the variety of liver injuries and by the different mechanisms through which the injuries are induced. In the present study, the safety profile of Diarid is tested for acute toxicity, Diarid was administered at a maximal dose of 600 mg/kg to overnight fasted rats and observed closely for behavioural changes, signs of toxicity and mortality if any, continuously for the first six hours and thereafter periodically up to 45 days. Animals were sacrificed on the 46th day. Biochemical parameters and were studied in both serum and liver tissue. In acute toxicity, Diarid at the dose of 600 mg/kg did not produce any observable toxic effects or mortality. No pathological changes on different biochemical parameters in serum and liver homogenate. Based on these observations, it can be concluded that Diarid is safe at therapeutic dose levels.

The morphological development of lingual papillae at prenatal, postnatal, young and adult stages of white albino mouse

Abstract Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to describe the morphological structure of white albino mice lingual mucosa at the ultra structural level by scanning electron microscopy. Specimens taken from tongue of

Acute toxicity study of a polysaccharide based hydrogel from linseed for potential use in drug delivery system

ABSTRACT Linseed hydrogel (LSH) was evaluated by acute toxicity for its potential application in oral drug delivery design. White albino mice and rabbits were divided in four groups (I-IV) and different doses of LSH (1, 2 and 5 g/kg body weight) were given except to the control group (I) that was left untreated. Rabbits were monitored for eye irritation, acute dermal toxicity and primary dermal irritation, whereas, body weight, food and water consumption, hematology and clinical biochemistry, gross necropsy and histopathology of vital organs were scrutinized in mice. LSH was considered safe after eye irritation test as no adverse signs or symptoms were seen in the eye. In dermal toxicity and irritation study, skin of treated rabbits was found normal in color without any edema or erythema. After oral administration, there was no sign of any abnormalities in treated group animals (II-IV). The hematology and clinical biochemistry of treated group animals was comparable with the control group. Histopathology of vital organs has not shown any lesion or abnormalities. In the light of these outcomes, it can be concluded that LSH is not a hazardous biomaterial and could be incorporated as an excipient in oral and dermal preparations.

ULTRASTRUCTURAL AND MUSCULAR MODIFICATIONS OF ADULT SCHISTOSOMA MANSONI WORMS INDUCED BY ARTEMETHER (ART) IN VITRO

Schistosomiasis is one of the most important public health problems worldwide. In spite of two decades of safe and effective widespread chemotherapy with praziquantel, the number of individuals with schistosomiasis remains high with the appearance of drug resistance. So, it diverts the attention to other anti-parasitic drugs like artemesinin derivatives e.g. artemether (ART). This study was done to assess the effects of ART on the tegument and musculature of adultSchistosoma mansoni worms in vitro. Five groups of S. mansoni coupled adult worms, each of 10 couples, were used. Four groups were tested in vitro using different concentrations of ART (20, 40, 80 and 100μg/ml) for 24 hours of exposure. These adult worms were obtained by hepatic perfusion technique seven weeks postinfection by 100±10 S. mansoni cercariae in male white albino mice using tail immersion method. Ultrastructural and muscular modifications of adult S. mansoni worms were assessed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and a special device respectively.SEM examination revealed that after 24 hours of exposure to 40μg/ml ART, the tegument showed vesicles and loss of spines. On exposure to 80μg/ml ART, the tegument showed cracking and more loss of spines. After exposure to 100μg/ml ART, tegument appeared mostly distorted with cracking, peeling, bleb formation and the spines covering the tubercles appeared to be partially lost. ART elicited muscle contraction and reached the highest response with 100μg/ml ART. Themaximal increase in muscle tension (% shortening of worms) was 44.1 ± 1.79 % shortening induced by the highest concentration (100μg/ml) of ART

ULTRASTRUCTURAL AND MUSCULAR MODIFICATIONS OF ADULT SCHISTOSOMA MANSONI WORMS INDUCED BY ARTEMETHER (ART) IN VITRO

Schistosomiasis is one of the most important public health problems worldwide. In spite of two decades of safe and effective widespread chemotherapy with praziquantel, the number of individuals with schistosomiasis remains high with the appearance of drug resistance. So, it diverts the attention to other anti-parasitic drugs like artemesinin derivatives e.g. artemether (ART). This study was done to assess the effects of ART on the tegument and musculature of adultSchistosoma mansoni worms in vitro. Five groups of S. mansoni coupled adult worms, each of 10 couples, were used. Four groups were tested in vitro using different concentrations of ART (20, 40, 80 and 100μg/ml) for 24 hours of exposure. These adult worms were obtained by hepatic perfusion technique seven weeks postinfection by 100±10 S. mansoni cercariae in male white albino mice using tail immersion method. Ultrastructural and muscular modifications of adult S. mansoni worms were assessed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and a special device respectively.SEM examination revealed that after 24 hours of exposure to 40μg/ml ART, the tegument showed vesicles and loss of spines. On exposure to 80μg/ml ART, the tegument showed cracking and more loss of spines. After exposure to 100μg/ml ART, tegument appeared mostly distorted with cracking, peeling, bleb formation and the spines covering the tubercles appeared to be partially lost. ART elicited muscle contraction and reached the highest response with 100μg/ml ART. Themaximal increase in muscle tension (% shortening of worms) was 44.1 ± 1.79 % shortening induced by the highest concentration (100μg/ml) of ART