Haematological and Kidney Function Indices of Piliostigma thonningii Leaf Extract Administration Following Pefloxacin Induced Toxicity in Wistar Rats.

Aims: The study investigated haematological and kidney function indices of Wistar rats administered Piliostigma thonningii ethanol leaf extract after being induced with therapeutic doses of pefloxacin (400 mg/5 mL). Place and Duration of Study: Department of Medical Biochemistry, Cross River University of Technology, Okuku Campus, between August 2013 and June 2014. Methodology: Twenty four male Wistar rats weighing between 185-200 g were assigned into four groups. Administration was orally, with groups A (control), B and C receiving 0.5 mL each of distilled water, P. thonningii extract and pefloxacin respectively, while group D was co-administered P. thonningii extract and pefloxacin (1:1). The rats were sacrificed after 21 days and blood collected for study. Results: P. thonningii extract co-administration with pefloxacin produced a significant (P<0.05) increase in hematocrit (HCT), lymphocytes and neutrophils and a significant (P<0.05) decrease in platelets count compared with the rest of the groups. The effects of pefloxacin co-administration with P. thonningii extract on serum electrolyte and kidney function indices were not clear-cut, however creatinine levels were normal. Conclusion: Synergistic and antagonistic effects of pefloxacin co-administration with P. thonningii leaf extract were demonstrated. These effects when properly harnessed could be useful in the management of anaemic conditions, immune responses as well as bone demineralization relating to drug toxicity.

The Effect of Acute Co-administration of Fansidar® with Vitamin C on Some Serum Electrolytes and Body Weight Changes in Male and Female Wistar Albino Rats.

Aims: To investigate the effect of fansidar® and vitamin C co-administration on serum electrolyte and body weight indices of Wistar albino rats. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Medical Biochemistry, Cross River University of Technology, Okuku Campus, between August 2013 and June 2014. Methodology: Sixty (60) Wistar albino rats were divided into three groups I, II, III (n=20; 10 male, 10 female) weighing between 180-200 g. Group I was designated as the control and received distilled water, groups II and III were treated with 14.29 mg/kg body weight of fansidar® and 14.29 mg/kg body weight each of fansidar® + vitamin C respectively for 14 days. The animals were then sacrificed and blood collected for serum electrolyte analysis. Results: The results obtained showed that the serum [Na+] was significantly (P<0.05) increased in group II females only compared with control. There was a significant (P<0.05) increase in the serum [K+] of groups II and III males and group III females compared with control. There was also a significant (P<0.05) elevation of [CO2] in group II rats (irrespective of sex) compared with the control. The [Cl-] of only the males in groups II and III was significantly (P<0.05) reduced compared with the control. The results of body weight indices investigated showed a significant (P<0.05) decrease in mean weight increase (MWI) and growth rate (GR) of all the test groups compared with the control, however, group III compared with group II was significantly (P<0.05) increased. Conclusion: The alterations in serum electrolyte on fansidar® administration were pronounced in males than females except in the sodium electrolyte levels. The co-administration of vitamin C may reverse the adverse alterations in serum electrolyte and body weight changes caused by fansidar® administration.