Long-Term Impact of Acute Retinoic Acid Supplementation at the Young Age on Testicular Architecture of Wistar Albino Rats

Introduction: Inappropriate and excess vitamin supplementation, particularly for vitamin A, is increasingly recognized as a public health problem in developed countries. On the other hand, blind supplementation of vitamin A, for children in developing countries is a subject of controversy in the literature. The crucial role of vitamin A in the process of spermatogenesis in adult rodents is well established, but only a few publications are consecrated to the long-term effect of vitamin A intake at a young age on testicular development and differentiation. Objectives: Our study aimed to evaluate the long-term effects of acute supplementation at an early age, in the post-natal period, on spermatogenesis and testicular trophicity at adult age. Material and Methods: Young Wistar Albinos rats of 22 days received an acute high dose of supplementation of vitamin A (retinyl palmitate). The control group, group 1, received only extra virgin olive oil, Group 2 a dose of 7000 IU/kg of retinyl palmitate, group 3, 14,000 IU/kg, and Group 4 a dose of 28,000 IU/kg. At 10 weeks of age, the testes’ testosterone levels were measured by ELISA. For histological assessment, sections were stained with Hematoxylin eosin, and the Johnsen score was used to evaluate spermatogenesis in the seminiferous tubules. Results: The average testicular weights of rats were significantly lower in group 4 (p < 0.05), and so was the testosterone level in the testis compared to the control group (p .01). Most of the seminiferous tubules were concerned by an arrest of spermatogenesis and the Johnsen score was decreased with a mean score of 5.96 ± 1.60 (p .001) in that Group. In Group 3, Johnsen’s score was significantly better than the one obtained with the control. Conclusion: We observed a negative effect in the long term with a high acute dose of supplementation of retinyl palmitate at a young age, on testicular development and differentiation. Despite a return to normal diet after that supplementation, during childhood, impaired spermatogenesis was identified at the adult age with an arrest of spermatogenesis. The reversibility of that lack of differentiation by a return to a normal diet is questionable and would need more investigation.

Aqueous Leaf Extract of Moringa oleifera (Moringaceae) Effectively Treats Induced Hemolytic Anemia in Wistar Rats

Introduction: Moringa oleifera was a medicinal plant generally used by populations in the food and therapeutic fields. It’s used to treat anemia has been observed in the Djougou Zone in northern Benin. To our knowledge, there were no scientific data available that have evaluated its efficacy in the treatment of haemolytic anemia. This was what justifies this research work in which the phytochemical analysis, extraction and evaluation of the anti-anemic effect were carried out. Methods: Five groups of five Wistar rats each were formed. All the rats were rendered anemic by injection of phenylhydrazine hydrochloride on the first two days D0 and D1 except those in the negative control group. From the second day, the anemic groups were force-fed either with the aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera leaves at 200 or 300 mg/kg body weight/day, or with vitafer, the reference drug against anemia. The positive control group (anemia) was not treated. Blood samples were taken from all the rats on different days: D0, D2, D7, D10 and D15 to evaluate the data of the hemogram and the osmotic resistance of the red blood cells. Results: Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of tannins, flavonoids, leucoanthocyanins, saponosides, triterpenes and mucilages. A good yield was obtained at the extraction. Both the extract and the reference drug vitafer completely corrected anemia within two weeks after stimulating hemoglobin synthesis and early release of immature red blood cells into the bloodstream. Its effect seemed dose-dependent and specific. Conclusion: Moringa oleifera leaves showed good therapeutic efficacy and can be considered and exploited for transformation into improved traditional medicines (ITM) in the treatment of anemia.

Impact of Selected Processing Methods of High-Level Cyanide in Cassava on Optic Neuropathy in Wistar Albino Rats—An Experimental Study

Background: Cassava tuber crop is a staple food rich in carbohydrates and utilized in various forms by millions of Nigerians. The storage root of the cassava contains linamarin, a cyanogenic glycoside that is easily hydrolyzed to release cyanide salt compounds which is toxic to the nervous system especially the optic nerve, sometimes leading to optic neuropathy and visual impairment. Aim: The aim of this study is to find out the impact of selected processing methods of high-level cyanide in cassava on optic neuropathy in Wistar albino rats. Methodology: Twenty-four Wistar albino rats were fed with different concentration and duration of predetermined high-cyanide content cassava root cultivar which was processed using different processing methods adopted by various communities in Rivers State, Nigeria (for human consumption). A control group of 3 Wistar albino rats was fed with normal “Growth Mesh” meals. The pre and post weights of the animals and the fundoscopic optic nerve status of the rats were evaluated after 30 and 60 days. SPSS Version 25 was employed for descriptive and inferential statistical analyses. A p-value of ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The Cassava species available in Rivers State have high cyanide content (2336.79 mg CN-/kg dry weight of cassava). There was statistically significant reduction in the cyanide content (p = 0.000) depending on the various common processing methods (into garri for human consumption): 24 hours, 48 hours, fermentation;with and without red palm oil additive. The individual weights as well as the mean weight of the 24 rats in the experimental group increased gradually from the first week to the 9th week with a slight weight reduction on the third and fourth weeks which was not statistically significant (p = 0.092). However, there was a steady increase in the weights of the animals in the control group throughout the 9 weeks. Varying degrees of optic neuropathy occurred, worse with the rats that had 24-hour fermented cassava twice daily for 60 days. The intra and inter group differences in the optic disc changes was statistically significant (p = 0.000). Conclusion: Longer duration of processing cassava roots into garri for human consumption reduces its cyanide content and minimizes the adverse impact on the optic nerve.

Effects of Sarcocephalus latifolius Fruits Extract on Paracetamol-Induced Liver Damage in Wistar Rats

Background and Aim: Sarcocephalus latifolius is a medicinal plant commonly used in traditional medicine to treat various diseases. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of Sarcocephalus latifolius fruits aqueous extract against paracetamol-induced liver damage in rats. Material and Methods: Aqueous extract of Sarcocephalus latifolius fruits at doses of 100, 250 and 500 mg/kg were administered orally to rats with paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity (1 g/kg). The treatment with the extract and paracetamol lasted 7 days. Silymarin (50 mg/kg) was given as reference control. All tested drugs were administered orally. Results: Our results show that the Sarcocephalus latifolius fruits extract induced a significant reduction (p < 0.05) of serum enzymes alanine aminotransferase (ALAT), aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT), alkaline phosphatase (PAL) and total bilirubin (TB). Then, the extract at the dose of 500 mg/kg showed a better protection (p < 0.001) of hepatocytes with a percentage of protection of 43.59% ± 2.03%;59.43% ± 4.12%;73.29% ± 5.72% and 62.55% ± 7.48% for ALAT, ASAT, PAL and TB, respectively. The histology of livers exposed to paracetamol shows an inflammation of the hepatocytes. In addition, there was a significant alteration of the liver parenchyma. The 500 mg/kg extract showed a resorption of the inflammation. Histopathological examination showed that the extract regenerated paracetamol-induced liver damage. Conclusion: Aqueous extract of Sarcocephalus latifolius fruits has hepatoprotective activity against paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. But it would be important to evaluate the activity of aqueous extract of Sarcocephalus latifolius fruits on oxidative stress parameters in vivo in rats. .

Radioprotective Potencies of Allium Cepa Extract (ACE) against Radiation-Induced Hepatoxicity in Wistar Rats

Background and Purpose: All types of ionizing radiations generate ions which can lead to the formation of free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Excess production of free radicals or decrease in antioxidants level leads to oxidative stress. It is a harmful process that induces damage to cell structures, lipids, proteins, RNA and DNA which leads to a number of diseases. The aim of this study is to examine the effect of plant extract (Allium Cepa Extract (ACE)) on the kidney of wistar rats exposed to radiation using and assaying some biochemical enzymes. Material and Method: 60 wistar rats weighing 170 ± 20 g were equally divided into six groups for the study. Group 1 (control): neither received ACE nor irradiation. Group 2 (ACE): received 1000 mg/Kg b.wt of ACE. Group 3 (4 Gy-Irradiated): were exposed to 4 Gy TBI on day 14. Group 4 (6 Gy-Irradiated): were exposed to 6 Gy TBI on day 14. Group 5 (ACE + 4 Gy): were treated with 1000 mg/Kg b.wt of ACE once daily for twenty-eight days but exposed to 4 Gy TBI on day 14. Group 6 (ACE + 6 Gy): were treated with 1000 mg/Kg b.wt of ACE once daily for twenty-eight days but exposed to 6 Gy TBI on day 14. All the groups received distilled water and feed ad libitum during the acclimatization and experimental periods. Four animals in each group were sacrificed 24 h after irradiation and the 4 remaining animals were sacrificed on day 29 for biochemical assay and histopathological evaluation, the statistical analysis was done using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) on the data editor SPSS version 28. Results: From the biochemical enzymes, the level of Malondialdehyde (MDA) in group 2 when compared to group 1 was almost the same, which was not statically significant with (p > 0.05), but groups 3 and 4 show a significant increase in the level of MDA with (p < 0.05) while group 5 and 6 showed no significant increase in MAD with (p > 0.05). The other enzymes like SOD, CAT, GST, and GSH followed suit. Conclusion: From the results it is a clear indication that Allium Cepa Extract can ameliorate the effect of radiation induced disease.

Effects of Total Flavonoids ofHippophae RhamnoidesL.on Intracellular Free Calciumin Cultured Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells of Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats and Wistar-Kyoto Rats

To explore the effects of total flavonoids of Hippophae rhamnoides L. （TFH） quercetin （Que） and isorhamnetin （Isor） on the intracellular free calcium （[Ca^2＋]） in vascular smooth muscle cells （VSMC） of spontaneously hypertensive rats （SHR） and Wistar-Kyoto rats （WKY）. Metheds： Fluo 3-acetoxymethylester（Fluo-3/AM） was used to observe the effects of TFH （100mg/L） and its essential monomers, namely Que （10^-4mol/L） and Isor （10^-4mol/L） on changes of [Ca^2＋]1 in cultured SHR and WKY VSMC （abbr. to Ca-SHR ＆ Ca-WKY） following exposure to high K^＋, norepinephrine （NE） and angiotensin Ⅱ （AngⅡ）, and to compare with the effects of verapamil （Ver）. Results： （1） TFH, Que and Isor had inhibitory effects on resting Ca-SHR （P〈0.05）, but had no significant effects on Ca-WKY （P〉0.05）. （2） High K^＋ could increase Ca-SHR more significantly than Ca-WKY （P〈0.05）; TFH, Que and Isor could inhibit the elevation of [Ca^2＋]1 induced by high K^＋ -depolarization, with the effects similar to that of Ver, and the effect on Ca-SHR was more significant than that on Ca-WKY （P〈0.05）. （3） NE and Ang Ⅱ could increase Ca-SHR more significantly than Ca-WKY （P〈0.05）, TFH, Que and Isor had remarkably inhibitory effect on the elevation of Ca-SHR and Ca-WKY induced by NE or Ang Ⅱ. （4） In the absence of extracellular Ca^2＋ , TFH, Que and Isor also had certain inhibitory effect on Ca-SHR and Ca-WKY induced by NE, and the effect on the former was more significant than that on the latter（P〈0.05）. Ceaclusiea： TFH, Que and Isor might decrease the levels of [Ca^2＋], in VSMCs by blocking both voltage-dependent calcium channels （VDC） and receptoroperated calcium channels （ROC） in physiological or pathological state, which may be one of the important mechanisms of their hypotensive and protective effects on target organs in patients with hypertension.

Curcumin alters motor coordination but not total number of Purkinje cells in the cerebellum of adolescent male Wistar rats

OBJECTIVE： The present study aimed at coordination and the estimate of the total investigating the effects of curcumin on the motor number of cerebellar Purkinje cells of adolescent Wistar rats exposed to ethanol. METHODS： The total of 21 male Wistar rats aged 37 d old were divided into three groups, namely ethanol, ethanol-curcumin, and control groups. The ethanol group received 1.5 g/kg ethanol injected intraperitoneally and water given per oral; the ethanol-curcumin group received 1.5 g/kg ethanol injected intraperitoneally and curcumin extract given per oral; the control group received saline injection and oral water. The treatment was carried out daily for one month, after which the motor coordination performance of the rats was examined using revolving drum apparatus at test days 1, 8, and 15. The rats were finally sacrificed and the cerebellum of the rats was further processed for stereological analysis. The estimate of the total number of Purkinje cells was calculated using physical fractionator method. RESULTS： The ethanol-curcumin group performed better than both ethanol and control groups in the motor coordination ability at day 8 of testing （P〈 0.01）. No Purkinje cell loss was observed as a result of one month intraperitoneal injection of ethanol. CONCLUSION： Curcumin may exert beneficial effects on the motor coordination of adolescent rats exposed to ethanol via undetermined hormetic mechanisms.

Chronic morphine drinking establishes morphine tolerance, but not addiction in Wistar rats

Objective： Some animal models apply morphine in the drinking water to generate addiction, but related reports are not free of conflicting results. Accordingly, this study aimed to figure out if chronic consumption of morphine in the drinking water can induce morphine addiction in Wistar rats. Methods： For 3 weeks, the animals received a daily morphine dose of 35 mg/kg by offering a calculated volume of sugar water （5% sucrose） with morphine （0. l mg/ml） to each rat; animals receiving just sugar water served as controls. Immediately after the treatment phase, the tail immersion test was used to check for morphine tolerance, and all animals were then kept on tap water for one week （withdrawal phase）. Afterwards, all rats were allowed to choose their drinking source by offering two bottles, containing sugar water without and with morphine, simultaneously for two days （preference phase）. Results： While the chronic consumption of morphine led to a reduction in body weight and to morphine tolerance, the morphine-treated Wistar rats did not show any preference for the opiate-containing sugar water. Conclusion： Body weight loss and tolerance do not reveal a condition of drug craving, and current animal models should be re-evaluated regarding their potential to establish morphine addicted animals.

Chemoprevention of tea on colorectal cancer induced by dimethylhydrazine in Wistar rats

AIM To investigate the chemopreventiveeffects of green tea and tea pigment on 1,2-dimethylhydrazine(DMH)-induced rat colorectalcarcinogenesis.METHODS Male weaning Wistar rats wererandomly allocated into four groups.Rats in thepositive control group were given s.c.injectionof DMH,once a week for ten weeks;rats in tea-treated groups,with the same DMH treatment asin the positive group,received 2% green tea and0.1% tea pigments;rats in the negative controlgroup were given s.c.injection of the samevolume of saline as well as DMH in the positivegroup.Animals were sacrified and necropsied atthe end of week 16 and week 32.RESULTS Aberrant cryptic foci(ACF)wereformed in animals in DMH-treated groups at theend of week 16.Compared to the DMH group,green tea and tea pigments groups had less ACF(148.25 and 204.25,respectively,P【0.01).Atthe end of week 32,all rats in DMH groupdeveloped large intestinal tumors.The resultsalso showed that DMH increased labeling index(LI)of proliferating cell nuclear antigen(PCNA)of intestinal mucosa and the expression of ras-p21.However,in the tea-treated groups,PCNA-LI was significantly reduced as compared withthe positive control group(36.63 and 40.36 inthe green tea group and tea pigment group,respectively,at the end of the experiment,P【0.01).ras-p21 expression was alsosignificantly reduced(2.07 and 2.36 in the colontumors of rats in the green tea group and teapigments group,respectively at the end of theexperiment,P【0.01).Furthermore,green tea and tea pigment inhibited the expression of Bcl-2protein(2,5,1,0 and 2,4,1,0,respectively,at the end of the experiment P【0.01),andinduced expression of Bax protein(0,1,3,4and 0,1,4,3,respectively,P【0.01).CONCLUSION Chinese green tea drinkinginhibited ACF and colonic tumors formation inrats,which showed that tea had a significantchemopreventive effect on DMH-inducedcolorectal carcinogenesis.Such effects may bedue to suppression of cell proliferation andinduction of apoptosis in the intestinal crypts.

Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of the ethanol extract of the leaves of Helianthus Annus in Wistar rats

Objective:To investigate the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of the ethanol extract of leaves of Helianthus annus L.(H.annus) in acclimatized Wistar rats.Methods:It was undertaken using the albumin induced paw edema model of inflammation as well as both the hotplate and tail immersion analgesic test methods.Doses of the extract tested in experimental rats were 0.5 g/kg,2 g/kg and 4 g/kg while negative and positive control rats received distilled water and indomethacin respectively.Results:It was shown that treatment with the tested doses of the extract effectively inhibited paw edema induced by egg albumin.This effect was comparable if not better than the observations made in rats treated with 10 mg/kg of indomethacin orally.Treatment with the extract was also observed to have significantly increased the mean tolerance time of rats to thermal noxious stimuli compared to control animals that had distilled water and appeared to be more effective than 10 mg/kg of indomethacin treatment.Conclusions: These observations confirmed the presence of a strong anti-inflammatory and anti-noiciceptive activity in the ethanol extract of the leaves of H.annus and therefore validated the folkloric use of the leaves of this plant in treatment of pro-inflammatory,post traumatic situations.

Modulation of antioxidant status in streptozotocin-induced diabetic male wistar rats following intake of red palm oil and/or rooibos

Objective:To investigate the role of red palm oil(RPO),rooibos tea extract(RTE)and their combined treatment(RPO+RTE)on antioxidant status in streptozotocin(STZ)-induced diabetic rats.Methods:Diabetes mellitus was induced by a single administration of streptozotocin(50 mg/kg)and the rats were treated for 7 weeks.Antioxidant enzymes[calalase(CAT),glutathione peroxidase(GPx),superoxide dismutase(SOD)],antioxidant capacity[trolox equivalence antioxidant capacity(TEAC),oxygen radical absorbance capacity(ORAC)]as well as total protein,albumin,globulin,total glutathione,conjugated diene and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances(TBARS)were investigated.Results:Treatment with RPO,RTE and RPO+RTE significantly(p>0.05)improved liver SOD and plasma ORAC in the diabetic rats.Similarly,diabetic rats treated with RTE and RPO+RTE enhanced liver GPx.A significant(P<0.05)increase in the plasma TBARS in the diabetic control group was observed when compared with the normal control group.Treatment of diabetic rats with RTE and RPO+RTE reduced plasma TBARS to a level not significantly different at P<0.05 from the normal control group.Conclusions:The results revealed the anti-oxidative potentials of red palm oil,rooibos and their combination in diabetic conditions and hence,they could be useful in the management of diabetes and its complications.

Molsidomine ameliorates diabetic peripheral neuropathy complications in Wistar rats

Diabetic neuropathy is a disorder which affects various regions of the nervous sys-tem and there is no specific treatment available for it.So,the present study eval-uated protective effect of molsidomine in diabetic neuropathy in rats.Diabetes was induced in male Wistar rats by administrating streptozotocin(52 mg/kg i.p).Diabetic rats were administered with molsidomine 5 mg/kg p.o,and 10mg/kg p.o.as treatment.After 8 weeks of treatment,Motor coordination,Mechanical allodynia,Mechanical hyperalgesia,Nerve conduction velocity,Glycosylated hemoglobin were assessed.Thereafter animals were sacrificed and sciatic nerve was isolated.It was used for reduced glutathione,lipid peroxidation and for histopathology.Treatment with molsidomine significantly improved motor coordination,paw withdrawal threshold,mechanical threshold and nerve conduction velocity.Furthermore,mol-sidomine treatment also reduced malondialdehyde levels and prevented depletion of reduced glutathione in sciatic nerve homogenate.Histopathology shows molsid-omine treatment maintained normal architecture of sciatic nerve.The results of our study strengthens the alterative use of molsidomine in diabetic neuropathy.

Acute and subchronic toxicity of hydroxylammonium nitrate in Wistar rats

Hydroxylammonium nitrate(HAN) is a major constituent in a class of liquid monopropellants and is extensively used in nuclear industry and space propulsion.Previous toxicological studies have focused on oral,inhalation and dermal routes of exposure to HAN-based propellant blends.In this study,acute and subchronic toxicity of HAN in Wistar rats by intraperitoneal injections were evaluated.In this acute study,doses of HAN at 115,125,135,147,160 or 174 mg/kg were administered.No adverse effects were observed during a 14-day period and at gross histopathological examination.In the subchronic study,HAN at 7,14 or 28 mg/kg were administered for 13 weeks.The treatment with HAN caused significant changes in the weight of spleen,in the level of hematological parameters,total bilirubin,direct bilirubin,uric acid and carbondioxidecombining power and histopathological damages of the lung,liver,spleen and kidney.Overall,the study suggests that 13-week HAN treatment caused abnormal hematological changes and tissue lesions,and the risk of toxicity to mammals is not negligible.

Effects of ethanol extract of leaves of Helianthus annus on the fecundity of Wistar rats

Objective:To evaluate the effects of ethanol extract of leaves of Helianthus annus(H.annus) on the fecundity of Wistar rats.Methods:Forty(20 male and 20 female) Wistar rats,grouped into control,ethanol extract treated rats and untreated,were used for the study.Treated rats had 0.5 g/kg of ethanol extract orally for 2 weeks;control rats had 5%alcoholic water(solvent);and untreated rats had their normal feed and clean drinking water.Following treatment,the animals were sub-grouped into 5 mating groups to observe the coital frequency,pregnancy rate and average number of pups per group in pairs.Results:The results showed that coital frequency was unaffected by the extract treatment but pregnancy rate and number of pups per rat and per group were reduced significantly in groupsⅡ,ⅢandⅣcompared to those of groupⅠandⅤrats which were not treated with the ethanol extract of leaves of H.annus.Conclusions:The histodegenerative in the gonads reportedly induced by this ethanol extract in previous studies may be responsible for the reduced fecundity observed in treated adult rats.

Lycopene Ameliorates Diabetic-Induced Changes in Erythrocyte Osmotic Fragility and Lipid Peroxidation in Wistar Rats

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus has remained one of the serious health problems in the world;and oxidative stress has been reported to be a root cause for the progression and development of diabetes mellitus and its associated complications. Aim: This study investigated the possible ameliorative effects of lycopene on diabetic-induced changes in erythrocyte osmotic fragility and lipid peroxidation in Wistar rats. Methodology: The animals were made diabetic by single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin at 60 mg/kg b w. Diabetes was confirmed by the presence of high fasting blood glucose level ≥ 200 after 72 hours. Thereafter, diabetic rats were randomly assigned into six groups (1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6) comprising five animals each. Group 1 (Diabetic control) and group 2 (Normal control) rats received 0.5 ml of olive oil, groups 3, 4, 5 rats received 10, 20, 40 mg/kg bw of lycopene respectively, while those in group 6 received 2 mg/kg bw of glibenclamide orally once daily for a period of four weeks. At the end of the treatment, all animals were sacrificed;blood samples collected for determination of erythrocyte osmotic fragility (EOF) and lipid peroxidation (LPO). Results: The results obtained showed that there was a significantly (P Conclusion: From the available findings, it can be concluded that administration of lycopene to diabetic rats attenuated diabetic-induced changes in EOF and LPO and these observed effects may be attributed to anti-oxidative property of lycopene.

Adrenocortical system activity in alloxan-resistant and alloxan-susceptible Wistar rats

In the dynamics of the disease development, diuresis and glycosuria increase in alloxan-susceptible rats, while in alloxan-resistant rats the increase in the values of these indices is expressed to a lesser extent, and they begin to decrease by day 8 of the disease. In alloxan-susceptible rats, the mass index of adrenal gland is increased, and that of thymus is decreased and corticosterone concentration in blood, adrenal gland and urine as well as alanine and aspartate aminotransferase activities in liver are increased;in alloxan-resistant rats the values of these indices do not differ from those of rats of the control group.

Neuronal c-Fos Reactivity of Medial Prefrontal Cortex and Basolateral Amygdala in Perinatally Underfed Lactating Wistar Rats

Pre- and neonatal food restriction interferes with the neuronal and functional organization of longterm social adaptive responses including the maternal response to ensure pup survival. We addressed this issue by using low percentages of food from gestational days G6 to G 19 (50% to 30%) followed by a balanced diet from G20 to G21. After birth, pups were underfed by rotating two lactating dams, one with tied nipples, every 12 h. Weaning was at 25 days of age and thereafter an ad libitum diet. The F1 dams’ motivation (pup retrieval, handling shavings and crouching) was evaluated (10 min) at 4 and 12 days of lactation, when they had reached 90 days of age. The maternal neuronal functionality was measured by immunostaining the medial prefrontal cortex and the basolateral amygdala when the pups were removed from their dams 90 min after suckling. Underfed dams exhibited significantly lower pup retrieval, handling shavings and crouching frequencies, as well as prolonged latencies for pup retrieval and for handling shavings and crouching. Furthermore, early underfed dams had Fos-I neuron deficiencies mainly in the pre-frontal cortex, with minor effects on the amygdala, possibly because the pups’ cues to elicit maternal motivation were suboptimal and/or because of the deficient network activation.

Antihyperglycemic Effect of Zygophyllum Geslini Aqueous Extract in Streptozotocin-lnduced Diabetic Wistar Rats

Diabetes mellitus is a major public health concern. Finding a cure for the disease without its side-effects is the objective of modem medicine. The plant is a raw material for these studies. Zygophyllum gemini is a species widely used in Algeria to treat this disease. Our aim is to investigate the antidiabetic activity of aqueous extract and its fractions in induced diabetic Wistar rats by streptozotoein. The three drugs caused a decrease in blood sugar for 14 days. Butanolic fractions （BF） fraction gives significant results on blood glucose after seven days and significant regulating oral glucose tolerance. This preliminary study shows that Z. geslini is endowed with a remarkable antidiabetic activity and that further studies are needed.

Gastro-protective effect of Ziziphus abyssinica root extracts in ethanol-induced acute ulcer in Wistar rats

Objective: To evaluate the gastro-protective effect of the aqueous, methanol and hexane root extracts of Ziziphusabyssinica on ethanol induced gastric ulcer in Wistar rats as models. Methods: Seventy rats were divided into seven groups of ten rats each: control group, ulcer control group, standard control group (cimetidine 100 mg/kg body weight), aqueous, methanol, ethyl acetate and hexane extract groups. They were administered the extracts at 300 and 600 mg/kg for two weeks before ulcer was induced, and the protective effect of all extracts determined. Results:Histological changes in gastric tissue were evaluated. Pretreatment withZiziphus abyssinica extracts showed significant (P < 0.05) gastro-protective effect with aqueous extract having the highest gastro-protective effect (95% and 93% at 300 and 600 mg/kg extract respectively). Methanol extract had 66.6% and 65.5% protection at 300 and 600 mg/kg respectively. The percentage protection in ethyl acetate extract treated group was 51% and 45% respectively. The group treated with hexane had 23.8% and 28.6% protection at 300 and 600 mg/kg, respectively. Histological study showed that pretreatment with aqueous extract resulted in the preservation of the functional cyto-architecture of the entire mucosa with little pathological changes, compared to other extracts. Conclusions:The results of this study indicated that aqueous extract is effective against induced gastric ulcer.

Effects of <i>Pereskia aculeata</i>Miller on the Biochemical Profiles and Body Composition of Wistar Rats

Pereskia aculeata Miller commonly known as “ora-pro-nobis” has been used extensively in folclore medicine. Plant belongs to the family Cactacea and it is found in the Brazil (reaching Bahia and Rio Grande do Sul states). The purpose was to evaluate the effects of plant on biochemical and corporal profiles of Wistar rats. The 80 animals were divided randomly into 4 groups by sex (n = 10 females and 10 males per group) as follows: G1 group (water/rat food ad libitum);G2 group (drink A: commercial condensed milk, sugar and water/rat food ad libitum);G3 group (drink B: P. aculeata juice/rat food ad libitum);G4 group (drink C: commercial condensed milk, sugar and P. aculeate juice/rat food ad libitum). After 35 days their biochemical and corporal profiles were analyzed (cholesterol, glycemia, triglycerides, HDL-c, AST, ALT, Lee Index, weight and visceral fat). Intake of the plant caused no changes in the lipid profile of Wistar rats. However, intake in male rats of the same prevented the increase in triglycerides front of a hypercaloric diet. There were significant changes in glycemic index due to the high carbohydrate content of the plant. The plant was effective in reducing the levels of AST and ALT in male rats and ALT only in females. The use of the plant did not cause significant changes in the index of Lee but the Pereskia aculeata Miller may reduce visceral fat gain in female with a regular diet.