Allium sativum [Garlic] and its significance for the protection against lead-induced toxicity in albino rats: a biochemical and histological study on the liver, kidney and brain

A total of 140 albino rats were divided into 14 groups. Five male and another 5 female rats per each group: The positive control group was given only 0.18 mg/kg/day garlic extract orally. Six groups were given 20, 40, 75, 155, 350 and 550 mg/kg/day lead acetate intraperitoneally respectively. Another six groups were given the same above-mentioned doses of lead acetate simultaneously with the same dose of garlic extract; and a negative control group. Twenty four hours after 4-consecutive weeks of injection, retro-orbital blood as well as blood from cardiac chambers was collected for subsequent determination of both hepatic and renal function tests. At the same time, the liver, kidneys and brain were ectomized for subsequent histological examination as well as determination of tissue- lead. The results showed that garlic significantly decreased both the concentrations of tissue-lead and the hepatic as well as renal function tests, but not to the initial values of the control groups. Furthermore, the histological changes observed in either the liver or kidney sections of lead treated rats which were pretreated with garlic were found to be less marked than those found in lead treated rats only. The results indicate that garlic contained chelating compounds which are capable of enhancing elimination of lead

Allium sativum [Garlic] and its significance for the protection against lead-induced toxicity in albino fertility study: a male fertility study

A total of 70 mole albino rats were divided into 14 groups, 5 animals/group. The positive control group was given only 0.18 mg/kg garlic orally; six groups were given lead acetate ip in an average daily doses of 20, 40, 75, 155, 350 and 550 mg/kg respectively; another six groups were treated by the same previously - mentioned doses of lead acetate, but following the oral treatment of the same dose of garlic; and a negative control group. Twenty-four hours after 4-consecutive weeks of treatment, retro-orbital blood as well as blood from the cardiac chambers was collected for subsequent determination of both blood-lead and serum hormonal values of total testosterone, FSH, LH, and prolactin. At the same time, the testes were ectomized for subsequent histological examination, as well as determination of tissue-lead. Garlic significantly decreased the mean values of blood-lead concentraions, while those of testicular lead were non-significantly suppressed. Furthermore, garlic also non-significantly increased the mean values of hormones, which were totally suppressed by lead. Moreover, garlic imposed a protective action on some lead-induced histological abnormalities especially in rats treated by the smaller doses of lead. The results possibly indicate that garlic contained chelating compounds which arc capable of enhancing elimination of lead and improving the fertility status

Subacute and subchronic toxicity of formaldehyde spray exposure in male albino rats: hormonal, ultrastructural and histological study on the testis

To evaluate the toxicity of formaldehyde on the testicular tissue, it was sprayed at a high concentration for both short and moderate periods of time. Also, the reversibility of such toxic effects was studied after cessation of exposure. Male albino rats were exposed to a concentration of 30 ppm formaldehyde vapour for 6 hours/day, 5 days/week for consecutive 4 and 12 weeks respectively. Furthermore. Some animals were left under similar experimental conditions without any exposure for the same time-intervals after being exposed to the above-mentioned concentration and durations. Plasma concentrations of testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone were measured. Moreover, histological as well as ultrastructural studies were also done on the testicular tissue using both the light and electron microscopes. Plasma concentrations of hormones showed marked reductions in a time-dependant manner - in formaldehyde exposed animals. This was further rellected on the morphological appearance of the testis which was found to be markedly affected -in also a time-deendent manner- following exposure to formaldehyde. In addition, either the hormonal or morphological changes were - irreversible after cessation of exposure for equal periods particularly after prolonged exposure. It was concluded that heavy exposure to formaldehyde increases the risk for an irreversible testicular affection in a time-dependent manner

Effect of acute lead intoxication on the ultrastructure of the peripheral blood and bone marrow of male albino rats

Forty adult male albino rats were used in the current study [control rats n =20, 10 rats per each experimental group, group 1 - experimental "after 3 hoursof injection", and group 2 - experimental" after 6 hours of injection" n =10]. The experimental groups were injected intraperitoneally with a singledose of lead acetate, 150 mg/kg body weight dissolved in distilled water. Retro-orbital blood was sampled for the determination of blood lead level,complete blood count, and differential leucocytic count. In addition, bloodand bone marrow samples were obtained for transmission electron microscopicstudies from ten randomly chosen animals. Blood lead levels showed asignificant increase in both group 1 and group 2. Red blood cells countshowed a nonsignificant decrease in both experimental groups, while the totalleucocytic count showed a nonsignificant increase. Hemoglobin concentrationand platelet count decreased in both experimental groups, but this decreasewas significant only in group 2. Hypersegmentation of the neutrophilicnucleus was observed in both experimental groups. The ultrastructuralalterations such as irregular nuclei, occasional nuclear pockets, the presenceof cytoplasmic vacuoles containing inclusions, dilatation of rough endoplasmicreticulum cisternae were most clearly expressed in some neutrophils of group 2. Furthermore, electron dense nuclear inclusions, with a densecenter and outer fibrilly zone, together with dilated nuclear membrane werepresented among the erythroid cell series. Besides, bizarre shaped ordeformed red cells were also seen. Platelets showed hypo-granularity withdilated open canalicular system [OCS] and satellitism