Comparative hematological and histopathological toxicity of two potential bio-insecticides against albino rats

Ivermectin [1.8% E.C] and spinosad [24% SC] are bioinsecticides produced by fermentation of some bacteria species. These compounds were selected to evaluate their haematological and histopathological toxicities against albino rats. The tested compounds were orally administrated to rats at 1/10 LD[50] every three days for one month period. Hemoglobin value [HB], red blood cells [RBC], white blood cells [WBC] and platelets [PLT] counts, gamma glutamyl transferase [gammaGT] were determined in addition to histopathological examinations for liver, spleen and kidney. In general, both compounds induced significant changes in HB value, RBC, WBC, PLT counts, and gammaGT activity after 30 days from treatment. Ivermectin caused significant rise in creatinine level at the same period. Histopathological examination showed disturbance in hepatic lobules, inflammatory infiltration, and pyknotic and karyolitic nuclei in hepatocytes. Kidney exhibited lobulated glomeruli and degenerative tubules, but interstitial hemorrhagic areas were noticed in spleen. Although the tested compounds are biopesticides, obtained data revealed that both compounds caused undesirable effects on experimental animals, so we conclude not to use them on plants during fruit stage or on fresh vegetables

Leukocytes migration inhibition in cholesteatoma

Cell mediated immune response plays a role in the pathogenesis of aural cholesteatoma. 20 cholesteatoma, 10 tubotympanic chronic otitis media patients and 10 normal subjects were studied for the presence of leukocyte migration inhibition factor [LIF] in lymphocyte supernatant and measured by indirect LIF assay. LIF is one of the lymphokines secreted by antigen stimulated lymphocytes. All cholesteatoma patients had significantly higher values of LIF compared with the other two groups [p <0.05], indicating a specific antigenicity and confirming the presence of cell medicated response in these patients. Clinical parameters such as age, sex, duration of diseases, recurrence and complication did not correlate with LIF values. Extension of the disease [localized attic versus extensive mastoid] correlated with the level of LIF. Mastoid disease showed significantly higher LIF [p <0.05] implicating relationship between degree of immunological status and extent of cholesteatoma. Further studies are recommended

Effects of protein energy malnutrition and age on total leucocytic count

The effects of protein energy malnutrition [PEM] and age on the total leucocytic count [TLC] were studied in one hundred and twenty three primary school boys of different nutritional status. The subjects were selected after arranging the data of the whole population of the school according to Jeliffe's classification of malnutrition. Twenty one of the selected boys were of normal nutritional status [having over 90% of the standard weight for their age], while 87 of them were suffering from 3rd degree malnutrition [weight ranging from 61 to 70% of the standard weight for their age] and 15 had 4th degree malnutrition [below 60% of the standard weight for their age]. The mean total leucocytic count was 8850, 8968 and 9467/cmm in the normal, 3rd and 4th degree malnutrition groups respectively. Statistically, the effect of malnutrition on the total leucocytic count was non-significant. To see the effect of age on total leucocytic count the boys of the same nutritional status were studied. It was observed that the mean of total leucocytic count of 49 children, under 10 years of age was 9507/cmm, while that of 53 children in the age group above 10 years was 8314/cmm. A statistically significant decrease in total leucocytic count was observed in the age group above 10 years as compared with that of under 10 years