Electrolytic Evaluation of Nicotine Treated Rats

This work assessed the effects of electrolyte in rats treated with nicotine diet. A total of thirty (30) rats weighing 80-190g were randomly assigned into two groups of fifteen (15) each. Group A was fed with normal rat chow and acted as the control group while group B received 0.5ml of concentrated nicotine dissolved in 200ml of distilled water mixed with 100g of animal feed. They were fed for 28 days and had free access to drinking water. The results revealed that Sodium (Na+), Potassium (K+) and Chloride (Cl-) were significantly higher (P<0.001) when compared with the control group, while the bio-carbonate (HCO3-) was lower. This result is suggestive that nicotine consumption is capable of changing the ionic composition of the body. Key words: Wistar rat, Nicotine, Electrolyti

Some Histological Changes in the Intestines of Alloxan Induced Diabetic Mellitus Albino Rats

Changes in intestinal histology of the Albino rats with alloxan induced diabetes mellitus was investigated using fifteen (15) albino rats. The rats were divided into 3 groups A, B, C. Group A served as the control group, group B served as the experimental low dose treated with 100mg/bw of Alloxan, while group C served as the experimental high dose was treated with 200mg/bw of Alloxan. The small intestines were removed and passed through routine tissue processing. The results in the rat of the control group A showed the mucosa, sub-mucosa, muscle and serious layer, luminar surfaces of the villi were lined by simple columnar cells. The brunner glands were also seen in the submucosa. While in rat of group B (low dose); the brunner glands appear to have decreased in size and number of goblet cells appeared more columnar. The histology of the layer was almost as similar to that of the control group. Group C (high dose); whereas in rats in group C was degeneration of the brunner glands characterized by pale staining cytoplasm; the nuclei of the columnar cells of the villi appear pykonotic; there was also loss of villi; the sub-mucosa coat appears to have undergone fibrotic changes; and, the various layers appear indistinct. Our results suggest that high dose of alloxan causes degeneration of the various layers of the duodenum. Keywords: Alloxan, Diabetes mellitus, Wistar rats, Histological change

Ameliorative Effects of Zinc and Vitamin E on Physiological Changes after Exposure to Heavy Metal

Heavy metals have been known to have great deteriorative impacts on the physiology of the body, altering the normal functioning of the body. These impacts cut across the various systems of the body including cardiopulmonary, endocrine, neurological, gastrointestinal, hematological, etc. However, not every exposure will leave such effects in the aftermath. The level of exposure to one heavy metal that is considered harmful may not be with another metal. This chapter examines the various levels of exposure that may be considered unhealthy to the human body, and the mechanisms by which the metals exert their impacts, with the aim of educating readers on how to keep exposure below such threshold level. This chapter also explains that not all heavy metals are considered unhealthy as there are essential heavy metals that may have some beneficial effects to the physiology of the human system

Nicotine Consumption and its Effect on Fecal Composition and Moisture Loss in Albino Rats.

This research assessed nicotine consumption and its effect on fecal composition and moisture loss in albino rats. Thirty albino rats weighing between 80-190g were assigned into 2 groups of (15 each). Group A were fed normal rat chow, group B were fed nicotine diet comprising 5ml of concentrated nicotine dissolved in 200ml of water and mixed with 100g of animal feed. Both groups were fed for 28 days and had free access to drinking water. The results revealed a significant (P<0.001) decrease in water intake in the tobacco fed group when compared to the control with no significant (P>0.05) difference in food intake among the groups. Fecal weight of the tobacco group was not significantly different from the control. Keywords: Nicotine, Fecal, Composition, Moisture loss, Albino rat

Studies on the Chronic Consumption of Thermo Oxidized Palm Oil on the Histomorphology of the Cerebellum in Mice

The effect of thermoxidized palm oil (TPO) diet on the histomorphology of cerebrum was studied using mice.  Thirty (30) albino mice weighing between 18-24g and aged 2-4 weeks were grouped into two groups; fifteen (15) animals each group and fed, TPO diet and normal rat chow (control diet) for 14 weeks. Body weight change was significantly lower in the TPO group compared to control (p< 0.01). Histologic micrograph showed hyperchromasia of the granule cell layer of the cerebellum in TPO. From the results, thermoxidised palm oil diet may have adverse effects and degenerative changes in the cerebellum. Keywords: Chronic consumption, Thermo-oxidized palm oil, Cerebellum, Histomorphology

The Anxiolytic Effects of Smokeless Tobacco in Mice

This study assessed the effect of smokeless tobacco leaf on anxiety in mice. Twenty male albino mice, aged 60-120 days were separated into 2 groups of ten each. Animals in the test group were fed on 0.1g of tobacco mixed with 10g of chow everyday for 14 days. While animals in the control group were given only 10g of chow for the same duration. The mice were then allowed 5 minutes each to explore the excavated plus maze and the light/dark transition box and behaviours were scored. Results in the elevated plus maze revealed that the duration in the open arms was significantly different (p<0.05) between the two groups with the test group (49.6± 11.9 sec/5 mins) being lower than the control group (89.1± 22.1 sec/5min). The frequency of stretch attend postures was significantly lowered (p<0.05) in the test group (8.8±0.6) compared to the control (11.5±1.8). There was no significant difference in the other parameters in the elevated plus maze. The frequency of line crosses in the light box was significantly higher (p<0.01) for the test group (74.3±9.8) than the control (47.4±63). The frequency of stretch attends posture and rearing in the dark box was significantly higher (p<0.05) in the test group then the control group (180.5±18.9). These results suggest that tobacco may have decreased anxiety in the test group. Keyword: Anxiety, postures, elevated plus maze