ANTI-INFLAMMATORY AND ANALGESIC EFFECTS OF AQUEOUS LEAF EXTRACTS OF Gomphrena celosioides AND Momordica charantia

This   study  reports the   anti-inflammatory   and  analgesic  properties  of   aqueous leaf   extracts  of  Gom-        phrena celosioides and Momordica charantia in rats and mice.   Hot plate latency test and acetic acid        induced writhing movement method were used as the model for analgesic evaluation, while the carra-        geenan-induced rat paw oedema was used as the model for anti-inflammatory activity.    The result of        the study revealed that the leaf extracts of the two plants possess anti-inflammatory property as they        were found to significantly (p<0.05) inhibit oedema induced by carrageenan in the rat paws. The leaf        extract of Momordica charantia was also found to significantly (p<0.05) increase the reaction time of        the mice in hot plate test method, while the number of writhing movement of the mice was also signifi-        cantly(p<0.05) reduced in dose-dependent manner. Similar result was observed for mice treated with        extract   of  Gomphrena   celosioides. The  pilot toxicity   study   revealed   the   plants  to   have  appreciable        safety margin, but high dose of Momordica charantia could cause purgation in rats. The results of the        study   suggest   the   anti-inflammatory   and   analgesic   effects   of   the   aqueous   leaf   extracts   of   the   two        plants.&nbsp

PLASMA LIPID PROFILE AND SOME BIOCHEMICAL INDICES IN DOMESTICATED GREATER CANE RAT (Thryonomys swinderianus temminck)

Some serum biochemical parameters and lipid profile indices were determined in eight male adult greater cane rats Thryonomys swinderianus Temminck, raised under intensive management system. Activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in plasma were assayed spectrophotometrically, following venopuncture-blood collection and subsequent separation of plasma. Glucose, total protein, albumin and bilirubin as well as lipid profile indices such as total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, VLDL-cholesterol, triglycerides and phospholipids concentration were also determined. In comparison with data from previous studies on wild and captive cane rats, our results indicate lower lipid profile indices and total protein. Activities of hepatic enzymes (AST and ALT) were also lower, while plasma glucose concentration was higher in this third generation greater cane rats. It is concluded that certain aspects of management system in domestication may have a profound influence on biochemical parameters most especially the lower LDL-cholesterol that reduces the risk of atherosclerosis (cardiac disease). This study, therefore offers baseline data for third generation intensively raised greater cane rats.Â

EFFECT OF ADMINISTRATION OF CRUDE AQUEOUS LEAVE EXTRACT OF Anacardium occidentale ON ISOLATED RABBIT INTESTINE

The effect and probable mechanism of action of an aqueous extract of Anacardium occidentale on intestinal motility of the rabbit was studied. Five (5) rabbits were used as experimental animals in the study and the standard organ bath procedure was used to monitor and record the contractions of the isolated intestine of the rabbits. The result showed strong correlation between the log concentration of the extract and the % contractility of the ileum with r= 0.879. This correlation was highly significant at p,<0.05. Also regression analysis done on these result show y=12.236x-0.2789 and was highly significant at (p<0.05). The above result suggests that aqueous extract of Anacardium occidentale increase intestinal contraction in rabbits. &nbsp

Presence of Nitrites, Nitrates, Nitrosamines in the Eggs of Intensively raised Layers in Abeokuta, Nigeria

In this study, the presence and concentrations of nitrosamines and their precursors (nitrates and nitrites) in raw table eggs obtained from four layer-farms in Abeokuta, were analysed. Nitrosamines are highly toxic and carcinogenic group of chemicals that have the potential to be formed in the body through a process called nitrosation. Nitrates and nitrites react under acidic and /or high temperature conditions with nitrosable substrates usually secondary amines to form several of hundreds of N-nitroso amine compounds known. A spectrophotometric method was used to assay for nitrosamines and their precursors in eggs (n=5 from each farm), entailing separate analysis of each egg yolk and albumen. The three compounds measured, were detected in all the samples. The nitrates and nitrites levels were significantly higher in the yolk than in the albumen (P<0.05). However, there was no significant correlation observed between the levels of nitrosamines and its precursors in the eggs (P<0.05). Findings from this study reveals that nitrosamines and their precursors are present in eggs from these layer farms. These compounds can be potentially toxic, thus constituting a hazard to human and animal health

EFFECTS OF ADMINISTERING A COMBINATION OF VITAMINS A AND E ON FERTILITY AND HATCHABILITY OF ANAK 2000 BREEDERS

The ameliorative effect of a combined regime of vitamins A and E on fertility and hatchability was investigated in Anak 2000 breeders. Vitamin A and E individually administered at a dose rate of 0.125 ml/kg body weight intramuscularly produced an improvement in hatchability, fertility, and sperm quality. The percentage fertility (46%) and hatchability (40.5%) before vitamin A&amp;E&nbsp; administration was compared to those of fertility (76.9%) and hatchability (76.8%) after vitamin administration and found to be statistically significant at p&lt;0.05. From the findings of this study, we can therefore postulate that intramuscular administration of vitamin A and E during acute episode of nutritional hypovitaminosis provokes a quick and prompt response in birds &nbsp

Nurturing lifelong learning in communities through the National University of Lesotho: prospects and challenges

This paper analyses one aspect of a pan-African action research project called ITMUA (Implementing the Third Mission of Universities in Africa). This particular paper draws on the data from that project to explore the National University of Lesotho’s contribution to lifelong learning in its communities. It provides background information on the ITMUA initiative and analyses interview and focus group responses to two case studies in terms of their contribution to lifelong learning. It uses, as its analytical framework, a modified version of Mbigi’s African perspective on the four De Lors’ ‘pillars’, by adding a fifth pillar, courtesy of Torres. The paper argues that community engagement is a two-way process between universities and their wider constituencies with opportunities for mutual lifelong learning. But there are also challenges of understanding and process which must be addressed if the full range of these lifelong learning pillars is to be accommodated within African contexts. The paper provides an introduction to the history of community engagement in Africa as a university mission, followed by a brief discussion of lifelong learning within African perspectives. After describing the particular context of Lesotho, the concept of community service and community engagement in contemporary African contexts introduces the action research project and the case studies. The final part of the paper presents and discusses the research findings

Lipid changes in male Albino rats exposed to graded doses of Lead

In order to determine the lipid changes in male albino rats exposed to graded doses of lead as lead acetate for periods of 4, 8 and 12 weeks, a total of 60 male albino rats were divided into four groups as, A, B, C and D. Group A served as the control while groups B, C and D were exposed to 200, 300 and 400 ppm, respectively. At the end of exposure period, blood samples were collected for the determination of lead concentration. Total triglyceride, total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol and phospholipid concentrations were also determined in the plasma. There was a significant (p &lt; 0.05) period and dose dependent increase in blood lead concentrations in treated groups compared to the control group while plasma triglyceride and cholesterol concentrations followed similar patterns of alterations. The high density lipoprotein cholesterol and low density cholesterol concentrations show varying degrees of alterations, with a significant increase in high density cholesterol fractions while a significant decrease in the low density cholesterol fractions. The phospholipid concentration showed a dose-dependent decrease. It can be concluded that exposure to varying concentrations of lead over varying periods of exposures show accumulation of lead in the blood together with varying alterations in some of the lipid parameters of male albino rats

Haematological and biochemical changes associated with male rats deprived of feed and water

Overnight food and water restriction protocols are common in animal research, however information about the haematological and biochemical changes due to food and water deprivation over longer periods can provide information about the stress experience by these animals. This study was conducted using ten (n = 10) male albino rats housed in metallic cage. The rats were deprived of feed and water consecutively for six days. On the third and sixth days blood samples were obtained for haematological studies while serum was used for biochemical studies. There were significant increases in red cell counts, packed cell volume, haemoglobin concentration and mean corpuscular volume while significant decreases were observed in the mean corpuscular haemoglobin and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration as compared to the basal parameters. The white blood cells, neutrophils, eosinophils, monocytes and lymphocytes were significantly increased as compared with the basal parameters. Activities of aspartate and alanine aminotransferase in post feed and water deprivation condition are elevated compared to basal parameters. There were significant decreases in serum glucose, triglyceride, cholesterol concentrations while the total protein, albumin, creatinine, blood urea were significantly elevated. It can be concluded that rats deprived of feed and water predisposes to starvation, dehydration and stress with perturbation of haematological and biochemical parameters

Haematological and antioxidant enzyme response to Lead toxicity in male Wistar rats

The study evaluated the haematological and some antioxidant enzymes response to lead toxicity in male Wistar rats.  Twenty male Wistar rats were divided into four groups viz., A, B, C and D. Group A served as the control while groups B, C and D were treated with 200, 300 and 400 ppm of lead (Pb) as lead acetate, respectively. Doses were orally administered in divided doses by intubation to ensure that each rat had the specified doses, after which they have access to water and feed. At the end of two weeks of treatment, blood samples were collected via the median canthus into heparinised tubes for blood lead determination and haematological analysis after which the remaining blood was centrifuged to obtain the plasma for determination of malonydialdehyde, catalase, superoxide dismutase and peroxidase levels. There was a significant increase in blood lead concentrations ranging from 2.15±0.10 µg/dl to 9.21±0.05 µg/dl which was dose dependent while decreases in packed cell volume and the red blood cell counts ranging from 32-53% and 15-52%,respectively. At the highest dose of 400 ppm of lead there was significant decrease in the neutrophils and lymphocytes. There was significant (P&lt;0.05) dose dependent increases in malondialdehyde while the activities of catalase, peroxidase and superoxide dismutase were significantly (P&lt;0.05) reduced. In conclusion, lead disrupts the haematological system leading to generation of free radicals that overwhelm the antioxidant enzymes thus leading to oxidative stress

Evaluation of the “Antidotal” Potential of Mangifera indica L. leaves extract on sodium arsenate exposed male Wistar rats using some biochemical markers

In order to evaluate the antidotal potential of Mangifera indica L leaves extract on sodium arsenate exposed male Wistar rats using some biochemical markers, forty-two apparently healthy male Wistar rats (weight range 120-160 g) were used in the study. The animals were randomly separated into six groups. Other than groups “A” (non-exposed control) and “B” (exposed control), groups; C, D, E, and F respectively were treated with different dosages of Mangifera indica L extract  viz., l00 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg extract. Volumes of extract administered did not exceed 0.2 ml regardless of the body weight of the animal respectively. Some biochemical parameters assessed were: serum protein, albumin, conjugated bilirubin, unconjugated bilirubin (ICB), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine  aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP),gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), urea, creatinine, creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH),acid phosphatase, prostatic phosphatase, serum lipid profile, that is total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), high density lipoprotein cholesterol  (HDL), and the hormones, testosterone and luteinizing hormone levels. Group “B” had significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher activities for AST, GGT, CK, LDH and higher cholesterol concentration when compared to Mangifera indica treated groups and to the non-exposed control. Testosterone and LH were significantly (P&lt;0.05) lower in group “B” unlike the Mangifera indica treated groups and group “A”. This observation could be attributed to adverse effect of toxicosis on exposure to animals in group “B”. Antitodal property of the extract, due to one or more of its phytochemicals such as flavonoids, tannins alkaloid and anthraqunones could be the most probable reason for potential therapeutic potential. Conclusively, this observation gives credence to its cytoprotective and antitodal properties