THE COMPARATIVE EFFECT OF BEER AND PALM WINE ON LOCOMOTOR BEHAVIOUR IN SWISS WHITE MICE

Beer and palm wine are two alcoholic beverages that play an important role in local ceremonies and other social life of Nigerians especially in the southern part of the country. The long term effect of beer and palm wine on locomotor behavior and anxiety is not yet known. Following chronic consumption (4 weeks feeding) of beer and palm wine, patterns of locomotor behavior and exploration was studied in 25 Swiss white mice weighing between (15-30 g), using the open field maze. The control group mice (n=5) were fed normal rodent chow, the palm wine treated groups were fed by gavage 2ml (n=5) and 4ml (n=5) of fresh palm wine while the star beer-treated group were fed by gavage 2ml (n=5) and 4ml (n=5) of star beer. Clean drinking water and normal rodent chow were access freely by all animals. The frequency of line crossing in the open field maze for the palm wine treated group was significantly lower (p<0.05) as compared to beer treated and control groups. The frequency of rearing in the open for the beer-treated group was significantly higher (p<0.05) when compared to the palm wine treated and control groups. But the frequency of rearing against the wall for the palm wine treated group was significantly higher (p<0.05) as compared to control. This was however not significantly different from the beer treated group. Grooming in the palm wine treated group was significantly higher (p<0.05) when compared to beer treated and control groups. Freezing duration and frequency in the palm wine treated group was significantly higher (p<0.05) as compared to beer treated and control group. The frequency of stretch attend postures in the beer treated group was significantly higher (p<0.05) as compared to control. This was not statistically different from the palm wine treated group. The frequency and duration for center square entry for the beer treated group was significantly higher (p<0.05) as compared to palm wine treated and control groups. The frequency of defecation in the palm wine treated group was significantly higher (p<0.05) as compared to beer treated and control groups. Similar trend was observed in the frequency of urination. These results indicate that consumption of beer increases locomotor and exploratory activity while palm wine consumption increases anxiety but reduces locomotor activity and exploration in the open field. KEYWORDS: Palm wine; Beer, Locomotor activity; Exploration

THE COMPARATIVE EFFECT OF BEER AND PALM WINE ON LOCOMOTOR BEHAVIOUR IN SWISS WHITE MICE

Beer and palm wine are two alcoholic beverages that play an important role in local ceremonies and other social life of Nigerians especially in the southern part of the country. The long term effect of beer and palm wine on locomotor behavior and anxiety is not yet known. Following chronic consumption (4 weeks feeding) of beer and palm wine, patterns of locomotor behavior and exploration was studied in 25 Swiss white mice weighing between (15-30 g), using the open field maze. The control group mice (n=5) were fed normal rodent chow, the palm wine treated groups were fed by gavage 2ml (n=5) and 4ml (n=5) of fresh palm wine while the star beer-treated group were fed by gavage 2ml (n=5) and 4ml (n=5) of star beer. Clean drinking water and normal rodent chow were access freely by all animals. The frequency of line crossing in the open field maze for the palm wine treated group was significantly lower (p<0.05) as compared to beer treated and control groups. The frequency of rearing in the open for the beer-treated group was significantly higher (p<0.05) when compared to the palm wine treated and control groups. But the frequency of rearing against the wall for the palm wine treated group was significantly higher (p<0.05) as compared to control. This was however not significantly different from the beer treated group. Grooming in the palm wine treated group was significantly higher (p<0.05) when compared to beer treated and control groups. Freezing duration and frequency in the palm wine treated group was significantly higher (p<0.05) as compared to beer treated and control group. The frequency of stretch attend postures in the beer treated group was significantly higher (p<0.05) as compared to control. This was not statistically different from the palm wine treated group. The frequency and duration for center square entry for the beer treated group was significantly higher (p<0.05) as compared to palm wine treated and control groups. The frequency of defecation in the palm wine treated group was significantly higher (p<0.05) as compared to beer treated and control groups. Similar trend was observed in the frequency of urination. These results indicate that consumption of beer increases locomotor and exploratory activity while palm wine consumption increases anxiety but reduces locomotor activity and exploration in the open field. KEYWORDS: Palm wine; Beer, Locomotor activity; Exploration

Lung function of Zimbabwean farm workers exposed to flue curing and stacking of tobacco leaves

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Effect of occupational exposure to local powdered tobacco (snuff) on pulmonary function in south eastern Nigerians

The effect of occupational exposure to local powdered tobacco (snuff) on pulmonary function was studied. Snuff industry workers in Onitsha and Enugu markets were studied and compared with age-, weight-, and height-matched control not exposed to any known air pollutant. The pulmonary indices studied include; forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and ratio of FEV1/FVC as percentage using a vitalograph spirometer and Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR), using a mini Wright Peak Expiratory Flow Meter. The respiratory and non-respiratory symptoms frequently associated with these workers were also analyzed and dust sampling in both test and control environments was also done. The mean anthropometric parameters, (age, height and body weight) between the two groups were not statistically different. The results obtained showed statistically significant impairment of lung function of workers chronically exposed to snuff. FVC, FEV1 and PEFR in the exposed (test) subjects were significantly decreased in comparison with the control subjects (

Ocular effects of chronic exposure to welding light on calabar welders

It was generally observed that welders in Calabar, Nigeria did not always wear their protective goggles during welding. Since chronic exposure to welding light can impair vision this study was done to assess the effect of exposure to welding light on ocular function of welders in Calabar, Nigeria. There were 195 subjects comprising 110welders (test) and 85 control subjects. Both groups were all male and had similar age range. The tests employed were clinical examination for ocular disorders, assessment of visual acuity, and opthalmoscopy. Test questionnaire was also used to record information on length of service, precautionary measures at work place, age and past ocular illnesses.The study also compared incidence of ocular disorders between the two groups of welders (arc and carbide welders). The mean ages of the welders and their control were not significantly different (27.53 10.0 vs 27.78 8.5 yrs respectively). There was a significantly (P<0.01) higher incidence of pingueculum, cataract, allergic conjunctivitis,corneal opacity, and keratoconjunctivitis (arc eye) in welders than in their control subjects. However, visual acuity, incidence of pterygium and glaucoma were similar. Between the two groups of welders, the incidence of pterygium, corneal opacity and keratoconjunctivitis was significantly (P< 0.01) higher in arc welders than carbide welders. Theincidence of pingueculum and glaucoma were however, similar. In conclusion, chronic exposure to welding light without adequate precaution may cause ocular disorders. Arc welding is more dangerous to ocular function than carbide welding. Length of service and age are predisposing factors to ocular disorders in the welding business

The relative incidence of diabetes mellitus in abo/rhesus blood groups in south-eastern Nigeria

A total of 224 diabetics and 221 non-diabetics (control) were involved in this study, to determine the relative incidence of diabetes mellitus in ABO/Rhesus blood group. The current criteria for the diagnosis f diabetes mellitus were applied in differentiating the diabetics from the non-diabetics. Blood group, fasting blood sugar (FBS) and random blood sugar (RBG) were determined using standard methods. Type I, Type II and gestational diabetes mellitus were identified in this study. Biodata information were obtained during history taking and from subject hospital case note. The mean age of diabetics was 50.9 + 11.4 (SD) with age range of 24-72 years. Mean age for control was 49.21 + 9.25 with age range of 24-70 years. There were no significant differences between the mean ages of the two groups. Blood group O- and A+ were significantly (

Prediction formulae for lung function parameters in females of south eastern Nigeria.

This study was carried out to obtain normal lung function values for women in south eastern Nigeria with a view to establishing prediction equations for forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume at the first second (FEV1) and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR). Lung function values were measured in 600 apparently healthy Nigerian women aged between 18 and 57 years. FVC and FEV1 were significantly related to height (

Intestinal motility and transit following chronic ingestion of different forms of palm oil diets

This study was aimed at finding the effect of palm oil diets on the small intestinal motor activity and transit in rats. Adult albino Wistar rats were divided into three groups of ten rats each. The first group wasfed on rat chow containing 15% (wt/wt) of fresh palm oil diets for fifteen weeks. The second was fed on rat chow containing 15% (wt/wt) thermally oxidized diet while the third group was the control and so was fed on rat chow only. Water and feed were allowed freely to all the groups. Intestinal motility and transit were measured after the feeding period. Results show that there was a significant increase (

Hyperprolactinemia contributes to reproductive deficit in male rats chronically administered PDE5 inhibitors (sildenafil and tadalafil) and opioid (tramadol)

Objectives: To examine the influence of prolonged use of PDE5 inhibitors and opioids on prolactin among other male reproductive hormones, on the background that hyperprolactinemia has recently been associated with male sterility. Materials and methods: Seventy male Wistar rats with weight 180–200 g were utilized in this study. They were assigned 1 of 5 groups (n = 14) as follows; control (0.2 mL normal saline p.o.), sildenafil (10 mg/kg p.o.), tadalafil (10 mg/kg p.o.), tramadol (20 mg/kg p.o.) and sildenafil + tramadol group (10 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg p.o., respectively). All the animals had ad libitum access to rat chow and water. Administration was done every 2 days, for 8 weeks, after which 7 rats were killed/group while the remaining 7 rats/group were left untreated for additional 8 weeks (recovery period). Serum total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein, testosterone, follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone and prolactin were assessed in all animals. Results: Serum LDL-c and testosterone concentrations increased significantly (P < 0.001) in the groups administered sildenafil and tadalafil, but reduced (P < 0.001) in tramadol and sildenafil + tramadol groups relative to the control. FSH and LH reduced significantly (P < 0.001) in the treated groups relative to the control, while prolactin concentration was increased (P < 0.001) in the treated groups relative to the control. Reversibility was poor following withdrawal of the various treatments. Conclusion: Serum prolactin concentration correlated negatively with male reproductive hormones and may play a major role in reproductive deficits associated with chronic use of PDE5 inhibitors and opioids

Pulmonary responses following quercetin administration in rats after intratracheal instillation of amiodarone

Summary: Amiodarone, a drug that treats arrhythmias induces pulmonary toxicity through interplay between oxidative stress and inflammation. Quercetin, a flavonoid widely occurring in natural products possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of quercetin on pulmonary responses in rats after amiodarone intra-tracheal instillation. Eighteen female Wistar rats (150-250 g) were randomly assigned into three groups of six animals each namely; control, amiodarone (AMI) and amiodarone + Quercetin (AMI + Quercetin) groups. AMI group received 2 intra-tracheal instillations of amiodarone (6.25mg/kg in 0.3ml of water) on days 0 and 2 and 0.4ml of 2% DMSO (Dimethyl sulfoxide) orally from day 0 for 3 weeks. AMI + Quercetin group was administered 2 intratracheal instillations of amiodarone on days 0 and 2 and 20mg/kg body weight of quercetin in 2% DMSO from day 0 for 3 weeks. Thereafter, the animals were sacrificed and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was collected to determine total cell polymorphonuclear (PMN) cell and macrophage counts. Inflammation of the lung tissues was also assessed. Macrophage count of AMI + Quercetin group was significantly lowered (p&lt;0.01) compared to AMI group. Inflammation rate of the AMI + Quercetin group was significantly reduced compared to AMI group (p&lt;0.01). Quercetin treatment markedly suppressed amiodarone induced toxicity in the pulmonary tissues.Keywords: Amiodarone, Quercetin, Pulmonary inflammation, Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, Intra-tracheal instillatio